The Business of Us: Become the Center of Your Network

At The Business of You Conference, one of the most impactful moments came during Prathan Powell’s keynote, “The Business of Us.”

In a world that celebrates individual success, Prathan reminded us that true power lies in connection. The biggest opportunities, collaborations, and promotions don’t just come from what you know—they come from who knows you, trusts you, and feels connected to you.

He encouraged everyone in the room to stop operating as isolated professionals and start thinking like network architects—strategically connecting people and ideas to create something bigger than themselves.

The Power of the Map

Prathan introduced a simple but transformative exercise:

1. Write down every person in your immediate network.

2. Draw lines to each name, showing what they offer you and what you offer them.

3. Then draw lines between your connections. Those lines can represent existing relationships or potential connections you can broker.

That’s where influence is built. Because when you’re the person connecting others, you’re no longer just part of a network—you’ve become the center of it.

What Winning Looks Like

“Winning,” Prathan said, “isn’t about having the biggest title—it’s about having the most reach.”

Being at the center means information flows through you. Opportunities find you first. People seek you out because they know you bring value—and you connect them to value.

He shared how his own network operates like a living system. Some people are CHROs, others are financial planners, and some are instructors or consultants—each bringing something unique. But they all feed into one central point, connecting through him. From there, he introduces them to each other, and new networks are born.

That’s the invaluable part of being an effective networker. You become the hub that powers growth—not just for yourself, but for everyone around you.

Feeding the Network That Feeds You

Prathan closed his keynote with this reminder:

“When you pour into your network, your network will pour back into you.”

The more you give—sharing knowledge, making introductions, offering support—the more your network multiplies your value. It’s not competition. It’s collaboration.

And that’s what The Business of Us is all about.

The Business of Us Starts Here

At Black In HR, we believe success isn’t a solo act—it’s a collective performance. Our network is filled with executives, entrepreneurs, educators, and leaders who feed into one another’s growth and create opportunities across industries.

If you’re ready to become the center of your network, it starts by plugging into ours.

Join The Black In HR Membership today and get connected to a powerful community that sees your value, invests in your growth, and helps you win—together.

Because The Business of You begins with The Business of Us.