When you meet someone who balances artistry, business savvy, and a genuine commitment to connection, it’s a reminder of how relationships can shape your career. That’s exactly how I felt after speaking with Amanda Gabbard—a celebrity makeup artist whose approach to her craft and her clients emphasizes the power of personal connection.
Her success isn’t just rooted in her talent; it’s in her ability to make people feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether she’s working with a celebrity or a regular client, her focus is on building trust and authentic relationships. As she shared, “I don’t care about résumés or money. I care about whether we connect. Energy matters.”
This perspective resonates across industries. In a world that often emphasizes achievements and accolades, the true foundation of lasting success lies in how we treat and connect with others.
Authenticity Builds Stronger Bonds
In business, it’s easy to think you need to lead with your accomplishments. But real connections aren’t built on a résumé—they’re built on authenticity. People remember how you make them feel, not just what you’ve done.
Showing up with sincerity, truly listening, and engaging in meaningful conversations creates trust. And trust is what drives collaboration, loyalty, and growth.
Equally important is striking a balance between confidence and humility. Confidence doesn’t mean being the loudest or the smartest in the room. It’s about believing in your abilities while remaining open to learning from others. Humility keeps you grounded, ensuring your relationships aren’t transactional but rooted in mutual respect.
Adapting Through Challenges
Every career is filled with challenges, from rejection to self-doubt to moments of uncertainty. What separates those who thrive from those who don’t isn’t the absence of struggle—it’s how they adapt.
One of the most valuable lessons in building strong relationships is learning to show up consistently, even during tough times. Whether it’s supporting a client through their own challenges or being honest about your limitations, resilience and adaptability foster deeper, more genuine connections.
Confidence Through Intentional Effort
One of the best ways to strengthen relationships is by first investing in yourself. When you feel confident and grounded, it shows in the way you interact with others.
Taking small but intentional steps to prepare for your day—whether it’s ensuring your skin is hydrated, choosing an outfit that makes you feel good, or simply pausing to gather your thoughts—can set the tone for how you show up. These moments of self-care aren’t about vanity; they’re about presenting the best version of yourself to the people you interact with.
When you approach the world with confidence and care, it encourages others to respond in kind, strengthening your connections and building mutual respect.
The Power of Community
At the heart of every thriving business is a network of relationships. Colleagues, mentors, clients, and collaborators all play a role in helping you grow. But the best communities aren’t just about leveraging opportunities—they’re about mutual support and shared success.
When you approach relationships with an abundance mindset, you realize there’s enough room for everyone to succeed. True collaboration happens when people trust each other, share their expertise, and work toward a common goal. The connections you nurture today often lead to opportunities tomorrow, sometimes in the most unexpected ways.
Trust the Process
If there’s one piece of advice to carry through your career, it’s this: trust the process. Relationships—like careers—take time to build and nurture. There will be moments of pressure and uncertainty, but those moments are opportunities to ask yourself, “Who do I want to be in this situation?”
When you focus on showing up authentically, listening to others, and treating people with kindness, the rest tends to fall into place. Success is never about having all the answers—it’s about being willing to learn, grow, and connect.
Take a moment today to reflect on the relationships in your life—both personal and professional. How are you showing up for them? Because when you invest in meaningful connections, the impact goes far beyond business. It shapes how you experience the world.
Commenti