#236: Networking, Mentoring, and Building Relationships
Jun 17, 2024
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Whitnie Narcisse, SVP of Operations at First Round Capital, shares insights on networking and mentorship in the business world. She discusses her journey to venture capital, practical advice for networking, and tips for building mentor-mentee relationships. The podcast covers the importance of networking with a clear purpose, successful mentorship dynamics, and defining success in careers.
Importance of building strong mentor-mentee relationships for career growth.
Utilizing practical networking strategies to establish meaningful connections for professional advancement.
Deep dives
Whitney's Professional Journey and Career Growth
Whitney Narsis shares her experience as a proud MBA alum from UNC Kenan-Flagler and her role as the VP of Talent at First Round Capital. She discusses how her journey started with a foundational Jesuit education, followed by Teach for America. Whitney transitioned to technology, working at Schweickart, Price, Malarkey, and Berry, and later at Bloom Energy. Her decision to pursue an MBA stemmed from a desire to broaden her business acumen, especially coming from a non-business background. The importance of mentorship and her transition to venture capital are highlighted in her career progression.
Exploring the Venture Capital Path
Whitney delves into her journey into venture capital, highlighting her interest sparked by a prominent VC's routine of board meetings that involved popcorn. At UNC, through the Consortium Graduate School of Management, she explored opportunities early on. Her venture into tech companies, clean tech, and venture capital during business school showcases a deliberate choice in career direction. Networking played a vital role, with over 550 coffee chats, exploring different avenues before focusing on venture capital which led her to First Round Capital.
Role at First Round Capital and Community Building
In her role at First Round Capital, Whitney emphasizes networking, supporting over 250 startups through varied areas such as recruiting, customer development, and a private software platform. She leads a team that serves and nurtures the entrepreneurial community by offering support and resources across different operational aspects. Community building, fostering relationships, and creating a space for knowledge sharing are central to augmenting the startup ecosystem.
Effective Mentoring Relationships and Networking Strategies
Whitney discusses the essence of effective mentoring relationships, focusing on motivated mentees who drive conversations, organized communication, and follow-up on mentor advice. Through her experience at First Round Capital, she emphasizes the importance of two-way mentor-mentee engagements. Whitney shares practical networking strategies, emphasizing personal connections over formal approaches, finding common ground with potential mentors, and utilizing tools for direct communication to ensure impactful networking outcomes.
Note: This is a replay of one of our most popular episodes
Whitnie Narcisse is an MBA Graduate from UNC Kenan-Flagler, and currently the SVP of Operations at First Round Capital. Whitnie spoke about her journey to UNC and her journey to venture capital. She also provided insight into the moves she made to land a career in VC, as well as practical advice on some important lessons when it comes to networking, and Whitnie’s practical tips for building mentor and mentee relationships.