In this episode of The Joy of Connecting, we welcome MK Getler-Porizkova, CMO of Loop & Tie, a sustainable gifting platform, and Founder of Branded Inferior.

MK champions inclusion and passionately supports Matcha’s vision for intentional, human-centered connection and networking. They join us on the show to reveal how connection starts with self-awareness and ripples outward to forge stronger, more meaningful relationships.

From rethinking corporate gifting to fostering communities built on relatability, MK shares insights for professionals, leaders, and anyone looking to deepen their connections. This heartfelt episode will inspire you to reevaluate the way you relate (& connect) to the world around you. Enjoy!

🍵 Find MK on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkgetler/

🍵 Learn more about Loop & Tie: https://www.loopandtie.com/


Links from the episode:

• Branded Inferior, a company that exists to help you reclaim the power and potency of this phase - and to inspire those around us to action: https://brandedinferior.com/
• We Create Space, a global organization supporting LGBTQ+ leaders through leadership development and personal growth programs: https://www.wecreatespace.co/
• San Francisco 49ers community (mentioned in relation to gifting and community building through season ticket holder appreciation programs): https://www.49ers.com/community/
• Natasha Getler-Porizkova, Co-Founder of Branded Inferior: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natashaporizkova/

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Learn more about Matcha: https://www.matcha.social/

Follow Matcha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/matcha-so/

We want to hear YOUR stories of connection. Apply to be a guest at: www.joyofconnect.ing

And get bi-weekly, actionable tips for building your network and connecting with meaning at: www.matcha.so/newsletter

In our newest episode of The Joy of Connecting, we welcome Jenny Kay Pollock, Founder of Women and AI, a community hub for women in all stages of their AI journey.

From building vibrant communities to driving innovation in AI, Jenny is a super-connector who lives her mission to empower women in tech. She joins us to share the story of how meaningful connections have propelled her career and enriched her life. And remind us that real growth happens when we focus on who we’re working with, not just what we’re working on.

So whether you’re just starting to navigate your career in tech, interested in community-building, or want practical networking tips, this episode is for you.

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🍵 Find Jenny on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennykaypollock/

🍵 Learn more about Women and AI, a community hub for women in all stages of their AI journey: https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-and-ai/

Links from the episode:

• TechWalk, weekly networking walks in the park for Tech and SaaS professionals: https://www.techwalk.co/
• How Women Inspire podcast: https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast
• Dabbl, AI-powered College Admissions Counselor: https://go-dabbl.ai/
• TechCrunch, a news website dedicated to the tech scene: https://techcrunch.com/
• How Women Lead, a platform for women to connect, learn, find purpose and make an impact: https://www.howwomenlead.com/
• Julie Castro Abrams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-castro-abrams/overlay/about-this-profile/
• Rupa Bhagwat: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupabhagwat/overlay/about-this-profile/
• Christine Farrier Rosemin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinefarrierrosemin/overlay/about-this-profile/
• Sirisha Kaipa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sirisha-kaipa-ba157b/overlay/about-this-profile/

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Learn more about Matcha: https://matcha.so/

We want to hear YOUR stories of connection. Apply to be a guest at: www.joyofconnect.ing

And get bi-weekly, actionable tips for building your network and connecting with meaning at: www.matcha.so/newsletter

Kaivona Parker, the Unboring Sales Specialist and the Founder of Kaivona Parker Agency, Inc, is a powerhouse known for her ability to create world-class sales teams and deliver unboring, transformational training experiences. And she knows that networking isn’t just about transactions but transformation and growth.

She joins us on The Joy of Connecting show to unpack the art of building authentic, life-changing relationships. In this episode, we discuss everything, from building meaningful connections to fostering community and empowering underserved professionals—and then some!

Tune in to this jam-packed episode that will inspire you and challenge your thoughts about connection, authenticity, and what it means to truly thrive. Enjoy!

🍵 Find Kaivona on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaivona-parker/

🍵 Learn more about Kaivona Parker Agency, Inc: https://kaipagency.com/

Links from the episode:

• BLK Men in Tech, a community for black men in the tech industry: https://www.blkmenintech.com/
• Francis Aremo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francisaremo/
• Khambrel (Kham) Ward: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khambrel-kham-ward-11451153/
• Ty Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyrellsmith/

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Learn more about Matcha: https://matcha.so/

We want to hear YOUR stories of connection. Apply to be a guest at: www.joyofconnect.ing

And get bi-weekly, actionable tips for building your network and connecting with meaning at: www.matcha.so/newsletter

Matcha’s CEO & Co-Founder Melissa Moody sits down with Eric Harrison, founder of Thrive, to chat about how fostering meaningful connections in your community supports business growth and mental well-being. Eric shares his journey of founding Thrive, his experience with early struggles in business, and the pivotal moments of connection that shaped his entrepreneurial path.

He also discusses the importance of being vulnerable and honest in networking, offering a practical story about how a single meeting propelled him to new business relationships and opportunities. Tune in for his advice on making genuine connections and thoughts on hyper-local networking and intentional community-building.

Find Eric on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericsharrison/

Learn more about Thrive, a community for bootstrapped entrepreneurs at: https://www.thriveforbootstrappers.com/

Links from the episode:

• Philly Startup Leaders - a startup-focused community in Philadelphia: https://www.phillystartupleaders.org/
• Hustle and Grow - a curated, intimate networking group in Philadelphia: https://www.hustleandgrowpa.com/
• Notice Media - agency specializing in LinkedIn ghostwriting: https://noticemedia.xyz/
• Haven - Accounting and tax software company: https://www.usehaven.com/
• Dan Ritterman https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritterman/
• Stephen Cassano linkedin.com/in/stephen-cassano-5a657720
• Josh Cons https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-cons-453993204/
• Michael Brod https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-brod/

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Learn more about Matcha: https://matcha.so/

We want to hear YOUR stories of connection. Apply to be a guest at: www.joyofconnect.ing

And get bi-weekly, actionable tips for building your network and connecting with meaning at: www.matcha.so/newsletter

Welcome to the Joy of Connecting - where modern professionals share stories of meaningful connection and how it can increase business success, unlock career growth, and create personal happiness.

Hear from the host, Melissa Moody, on the purpose of the show and what you can expect this season.