We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kari Mirabal a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kari, thanks for joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
Three months into my first pregnancy, I made a pivotal decision: to depart from corporate America and embark on a new journey, co-founding an IT Recruiting company in Denver, CO. My drive? I wanted to embrace the role of a stay-at-home Mom for my boys while simultaneously cultivating my career in the technology recruiting field. I have been a business owner/consultant ever since. Even though several people told me they thought it was a big mistake to leave “the security” of a six figure salary job, insurance, and a corner office with a plant (smile), I believed in my abilities and took a leap of faith. It paid off. That decision served as a conduit for ongoing success, empowered me to select the clients I wanted to work with, and created the amazing opportunity to raise my first-born son. I worked some creative hours back then to accommodate my clients and my family but all of those risks were worth it. I now travel the country teaching people how to “NETWORK SMARTER” and incorporate my experience as a former IT Recruiter to help professionals become the CEO of their career. My second book, to be published in 2024 called CAREER Dating, outlines proven strategies for career transition packed with examples and networking best practices.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Kari Mirabal, International keynote and TEDx speaker, author, and consultant shares innovative networking strategies to help professionals leverage the power of authentic connection. Mirabal shares knowledge gathered from decades of experience and whose clients include Fortune 500 companies and executive leaders across the country and abroad. Mirabal’s company develops corporate programs, products, and presentations that benefit those interested in earning new clients, increasing profits, and advancing careers through networking.
I am most proud of the opportunities I have daily to inspire others to push past fear to network with confidence and to take risks in the world because, YOU ALREADY HAVE THE NO (my first book title). It means that you already have a NO before you ask for support or help from someone else, so what’s the worst that can happen if you go for it and inquire about additional support? Nothing. Might as well go for the ask and you have a 50/50 chance that the other person will agree or not. This process helps my clients put things into perspective and builds up courage.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Limiting Mindsets. It doesn’t serve anyone if I think small. I grew up in a home where my Mom did her best with what she had however, I was always told to more or less … not be my true authentic self (after all, if I did, no one would want me). I was raised to question not status quo but, to question my abilities. It took several years (and lot’s of great life coaches) to help me push past dated mindsets and triggers. My strategy has been “go big or go home” ever since. Thank goodness for mentors along our journey. Entrepreneurs aspiring to make substantial impacts in the world must shun small thinking and break free from limited mindsets if they want to truly feel the joys of owning a business. The world’s most transformative innovations and businesses have emerged from audacious visions and the courage to challenge the status quo. Small thinking can confine business owners and limit their ability to identify and harness opportunities that have the potential to drive significant change. In my programs, I encourage clients to be the CEO of their careers (not rely on others to decide when they are ready to embrace change). To create meaningful and lasting impact, I believe it is essential for entrepreneurs to embrace a growth mindset, think expansively, and dare to dream. By transcending their own perceived limitations, they can unlock their full potential and make a profound difference in their industries, communities, and the world at large.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
LinkedIn changed my life, and I believe it has the potential to do the same for my clients. I started 19 years ago, one connection at a time. I was never big on connecting with everyone to be able to say I had 25,000 connections but rather, to grow my social currency one valued relationship at a time. Building an online community through this “digital asset” holds tremendous importance in today’s interconnected world. Authenticity is the cornerstone of any successful online community; it fosters trust and genuine connections. I am big on coaching my clients to clearly state intentions when collaborating with others as it establishes transparency and ensures that our efforts align. Networking is about building and sustaining mutually beneficial relationships. In other words, it takes courage and effort, effective communication, and a “how can I support your success” approach to helping others in your circle of influence. It’s not about self-promotion, its about being of service to others … first. By sharing valuable insights, offering assistance, and genuinely engaging with others, I believe we all have the potential to create a nurturing environment where knowledge and support flow freely. Ultimately, building an online community is not just about expanding one’s digital presence; it’s about forging meaningful relationships, leveraging digital assets, and contributing positively to a network that can yield lasting benefits for both personal and professional growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.karimirabal.com
- Instagram: karimirabal111
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KariMirabal1/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karimirabal/
- Twitter: @karimirabal
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm-TN3VHcKQdGf7Pv_NJcRw
- Other: TEDx Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/kari_mirabal_career_dating_what_career_search_and_your_love_life_have_in_common