When you’re just starting your career, it’s easy to believe that your credentials (think your degree, your GPA, your resume) are the keys to success. While credentials might get you in the door, it's actually curiosity, confidence, and connection are what move you forward.
In this episode of Unceiling You, I sat down with Dr. Natalie Luke to talk about the unspoken rules of growth, the ones that aren’t listed in job descriptions or taught in college. We dug into how asking better questions, building genuine relationships, and showing initiative can accelerate your career faster than any title or bullet point ever could.
Here’s what we covered (and what I wish every Gen Z professional knew):
Curiosity and Confidence > Credentials
Your resume shows what you’ve done. But your curiosity and confidence show who you’re becoming.
You don’t need to have every skill or all the answers before you step into the room. What matters more is your willingness to learn, ask thoughtful questions, and bring ideas to the table. That’s what gets you invited into the “meeting before the meeting” where the real decisions happen.
Don’t wait to be ready. Start showing up curious, open, and engaged. Confidence grows from action.
The 3 Biggest Networking Mistakes
(and What to Do Instead)
Gen Z professionals are digital natives, but face-to-face conversations? That’s still a growing edge. The most common mistakes I see:
- Not asking at all. Fear keeps too many people from reaching out. Start small. One conversation can change everything.
- Showing up unprepared. Do your homework. Know who you’re meeting and what you want to learn.
- Failing to follow up. A thank-you note is great, but the real magic is in circling back to share how their advice helped you. That’s how relationships grow.
Try this: After an informational interview, send a short message like:
“I applied your advice about [specific insight], and it helped me [result]. Thank you again for sharing your story, it made a real difference.”
That simple follow-up transforms a one-time chat into an ongoing connection.
Ask for Help Even When You’re Not “Ready”
Early in my career, I asked a managing editor to train me in her role, even though I wasn’t next in line. It was bold. It was uncomfortable. But it changed everything.
Within a year, I earned that promotion.
Asking for help isn’t a weakness. It’s a shortcut to growth. When you seek guidance from people who’ve already done what you want to do, you fast-track your learning and show initiative leaders notice.
Pro tip: People want to help others who are eager to learn. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Reach out and ask.
Relationships Are the Real Currency of Growth
Hard work matters, but visibility and opportunity often come from relationships. I’ve seen it throughout my own career.
When I moved into operations, it wasn’t because I had the title or credentials. It was because I built trust. I paid attention to what my CEO needed, filled gaps no one else noticed, and made his job easier. That created space for me to step into a role that didn’t exist before.
You don’t need to “network” in a transactional way. You need to empathize...to understand what your leaders, peers, and teammates need, and find ways to add value.
How to Reach Out (Without Feeling Awkward)
If you want to connect with someone you admire, keep it simple and genuine. Make it about them, not you.
Here’s a script that works:
“Hi [Name], I’ve been following your work and really admire your path. I’d love to learn more about your journey and what your day-to-day looks like. If you’re open to a 15-minute chat, I’m happy to work around your schedule. Either way, thank you, your story has already made a big impact on me.”
Flattery? Maybe a little. But more importantly, it’s honest, specific, and respectful of their time.
One Action You Can Take Today
Confidence doesn’t appear out of nowhere; it’s built through action. Start small.
Send one message of gratitude to someone who’s inspired you. No ask. No agenda. Just thanks.
That simple step will make the next one—asking for advice, setting up a conversation, following up—so much easier.
🎧 Listen to the full episode with Dr. Natalie Luke to hear:
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