YP July 2025 Luncheon recap

Kicking off the 2025-2026 fiscal year, YP Dubuque welcomed Director of Human Resources at HODGE, Jennifer Mond to the stage for the July Monthly Luncheon. 

Teeing up the presentation titled "Take care of your network, and your network will take care of you!", Mond opened with an anecdote about a “terrible” presentation on this same topic, sharing that the first time she gave this presentation, it could’ve gone much better. 

“I love networking… I’m going to build in some tactical information that you can take forward, and where I landed was ten tips,” said Mond, kicking off her keynote at July’s Young Professionals Dubuque luncheon.

1. If connecting is hard, start by reconnecting

As an adult, it can be hard to make friends. People have already established their core group, so start with the easy connections—the ones you already have! Mond shared her experience of getting off Facebook for three or four years and how that served her well. But becoming an empty nester prompted her to jump back on social media to begin reconnecting.

Pro Tip: Instead of wishing someone a happy birthday on Facebook, text them instead. It helps make that connection a little stronger.

2. The power of weak ties

Mond shared a story from a past life when she traveled to New Jersey for work. She walked into a restaurant that turned out to be a little more “risqué” than expected. Sitting at the bar, she struck up a conversation with a stranger who asked:
a) Are you from Iowa?
b) Are you from Dubuque?
c) Did you used to live on [specific street]?

Turns out, the man was someone she grew up with. That “weak tie” ended up getting her and her coworkers into a VIP concert in Manhattan.

“Our closest friends are some of our strongest connections, right? What’s cool about having a weak and dormant tie is that they have completely different circles,” said Mond. Keep it friendly and keep those connections alive—when people move, they make new connections.

3. Fill structural holes

As HR professionals, navigating 2020 was a wild ride. Mond shared how a local Dubuque leader reached out to a pool of HR professionals to see how others were navigating COVID. By brokering these relationships and bringing people together, they created space to see how different industries were handling the same challenges.

“It’s so cool—keep doing it,” said Mond. “You’re going to create tremendous value in your network space as you bring people together.”

4. Think it, say it, write it, send it

Mond shared a habit she’s developed: when she has a thought, she acts on it. She gave examples of high-profile professionals who responded to messages she sent.

“I want to make sure you know that it’s not about immediate gratification,” she said. “Maybe someday I can glean some information from these people—or they can help me in some way.”

This tip is all about connecting with people when you don’t need something from them. Even people at the top can use a little warmth and connection.

Pro Tip: Be Where Your Feet Are by Scott O’Neil is a great book to add to your personal library.

Challenge: Commit to a name. Take an envelope back to your desk and write that person a note. If you get a response, tell Mond about it! How fun is it to get snail mail that’s not a bill or junk?

Bonus Pro Tip: Send one of these thank-you notes after a job interview. It can help set you apart from other candidates.

5. Plant your seeds and watch them grow

You know those people who seem to know everybody? Ever wonder how these “superconnectors” do it? They’re not born—they’re built.

“They give rockstar introductions and never leave anyone behind,” said Mond. The best part? A rockstar introduction makes the person feel valued and important—an added benefit to the connection you just made.

Pro Tip: Always introduce the person standing next to you. It might not come naturally, but it’s a tangible skill you can build. Make it more than just names.

6. Get over embarrassment

Embarrassment limits your ability to try. If you get bogged down in the “what ifs,” you’ll never do anything.

“If I could tell my younger self something, it would be to get over embarrassment,” said Mond. “It’s freeing.”

7. Create your own luck

If you’ve ever been told to “just wait,” Mond says: “That’s a load of crap.” You have to create your own luck. You can’t just wish something into existence—you have to create your own opportunity.

She shared a story about a race she planned to run. She stepped outside her comfort zone and offered to sing the national anthem in hopes of meeting a celebrity who would be there. Despite being told no, she messaged the celebrity anyway and told him her story. On race day, she wore his merch—and she met him.

Pro Tip: Most people are accessible via social media. Send the direct message. Dare to be different.

8. Step outside your circle

When we think about our network, we often think of it as a circle we’re in. But what we need to do is step through the circle to get to the outside of it.

Mond explained the difference between uniplex and multiplex connections. A uniplex connection might be someone whose cubicle is next to yours. A multiplex connection is someone you work with and go to the same gym and went to college with.

She challenged the group to connect with someone in the room and find a multiplex connection. The YP group delivered—attendees sprang to their feet, and the room quickly filled with chatter. Mond had to use the classic “if-you-can-hear-me-clap-once” teacher trick to bring the group back to attention.

9. Define success, then fill your buckets

How do you define success? Everyone’s answer will be different. Mond encouraged attendees to define success for themselves and set goals that help them work toward it.

If you see someone with a fancy car or a big house—are they successful, or just rich?

Mond shared that her buckets are: family, health, career, and networks. These buckets will change, but it’s important to establish and re-evaluate them regularly.

Pro Tip: Build your networks in those buckets.

10. Be where your feet are

Mond shared a story about a road trip to the Quad Cities to celebrate her dad’s birthday. With her 84-year-old father, she wanted to be fully present—acknowledging that birthday celebrations aren’t unlimited.

When you spend time with people in your network, be fully present.

Pro Tip: Put your phone away when you’re with your people.

Mond rounded out with a heartfelt story in which the moral reads: Your network is your life. If you take care of your network, your network will take care of you.