
This Shit Works
The people you meet can 100% Change Your Life! Networking is how you meet those people. Which sucks because you hate networking, you think you're bad at networking, and you certainly don’t have time to network. Bullshit! Welcome to This Shit Works, a weekly podcast hosted by entrepreneur, CEO, public speaker, author, business development strategist and networking coach Julie Brown. Just don’t call her Downtown Julie Brown - she doesn’t like that.
Each week Julie will bring to you her no nonsense tips, tricks and conversations around networking your way to more friends, more adventures and way more success!
Latest episodes

May 14, 2025 • 35min
She Asked, She Got It: 76 Ways Women Can Win at Work with Kathryn Valentine
Kathryn Valentine, CEO of Worthmore Strategies and negotiation expert, dives into empowering women to advocate for their worth at work. She highlights how not negotiating could cost women years of earnings. Learn about the ‘relational ask’ technique that helps avoid backlash and discover 76 negotiable items beyond just salary. Kathryn shares fun insights, including how practicing small asks builds confidence, and even reveals how a tequila and a salty napkin can spark negotiation inspiration! It's time to ask smarter!

Mar 26, 2025 • 39min
Fear Less, Do More: Wild Courage with Jenny Wood
What if the only thing standing between you and the life you want is a little wild courage? In this bonus episode, I sit down with powerhouse author and former Google exec Jenny Wood to talk about her new book, Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It.We dive into: ✅ How fear holds us back—and how to push through it ✅ The art of self-promotion (without feeling icky) ✅ Why you need to tout your ROI (Role, Objective, Impact) ✅ How to network inside your company to get ahead ✅ The power of asking for what you want🔥 Plus, Jenny drops a truth bomb: “If you want to double your successes, quadruple your failures.”Grab Wild Courage (hardcover, because bestseller lists matter!), sign up for Jenny’s newsletter, and start taking up space like you own the damn place.📌 Links & Resources:Get Wild CourageFollow Jenny Join her newsletter Drink of the week…The Fearless Flip aka Wild CourageClick to BUY MY BOOK!CLICK TO DOWNLOAD CHAPTER ONE AUDIO FREEClick to BOOK ME AS A SPEAKERClick to SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTERJulie Brown: WebsiteInstagramLinkedInYoutube

Aug 28, 2024 • 44min
Bonus Ep: How to Combine Power & Status to Be A Likable Badass with Alison Fragale
In this special bonus episode of This Shit Works, host Julie Brown explores the fascinating balance between being likable and being a badass with guest Alison Fragale, author of Likable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve. Julie and Alison break down the psychology of power vs. status, the importance of warmth in leadership, and why self-promotion is vital—especially for introverts.Julie and Alison also touch on the value of relationships in career success, the impact of humor in building warmth, and the role of networking in achieving your goals. Don’t miss this episode filled with actionable insights, empowering advice, and a reminder that the people you meet can change your life.Key Topics:The difference between power and statusWhy caring about what others think isn’t bad adviceThe introvert’s guide to self-promotionThe importance of networking and how people you meet change your lifeGrab Alison's book, Likable Badass, hitting shelves on September 3rd!Drink of the week….Queen Anne CocktailClick to BUY MY BOOK!CLICK TO DOWNLOAD CHAPTER ONE AUDIO FREEClick to BOOK ME AS A SPEAKERClick to SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTERJulie Brown: WebsiteInstagramLinkedInYoutubeAlison FragaleWebsiteLIKABLE BADASS

May 29, 2024 • 5min
Taking a Pause: A Note From Julie
Tune in to hear what's happening in my world and when the podcast will return.Firstly, I want to thank you for your incredible support since we started this journey in 2020. It's been an amazing ride connecting with you all and our fantastic guests.Life's throwing some exciting challenges my way, including a new book project focused on empowering Generation Z in networking and career beginnings. To give this my all, I'm taking a break from the podcast for a bit.But don't worry, it's not goodbye! I'll be back with updates and maybe even some new episodes in the future. In the meantime, why not revisit some past episodes?Thanks for being part of this journey. Stay curious, keep networking, and stay tuned for what's next!Drink of the week…. Farewell FizzClick to BUY MY BOOK!CLICK TO DOWNLOAD CHAPTER ONE AUDIO FREEClick to BOOK ME AS A SPEAKERClick to SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTERJulie Brown: WebsiteInstagramLinkedInYoutube

May 22, 2024 • 6min
Finding Gratitude in Adversity: Lessons from Robert Downey Jr.'s Journey
In this episode Julie explores the transformative power of adversity, inspired by Robert Downey Jr.'s remarkable journey.Downey's acknowledgment of his "terrible childhood" underscores how early experiences shape us. Despite facing addiction, incarceration, and professional setbacks, he emerged as one of Hollywood's highest-paid actors, thanks to his resilience.Listen in for lessons on resilience, transformation, and finding light in the darkest of places from Downey's inspiring story.Drink of the week….Iron Man Inspired Tony Stark Mocktail.Click to BUY MY BOOK!CLICK TO DOWNLOAD CHAPTER ONE AUDIO FREEClick to BOOK ME AS A SPEAKERClick to SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTERJulie Brown: WebsiteInstagramLinkedInYoutube

May 15, 2024 • 10min
The Importance of Inclusive Language while Speaking and Networking
In this episode Julie discusses the importance of using inclusive language in networking and public speaking. After receiving feedback that her presentation at a prestigious university failed to acknowledge non-binary individuals, Julie reflects on the need for inclusivity. Julie explores the lack of data on how non-binary people network differently and shares resources for LGBTQIA+ and non-binary professionals looking to network in their fields, highlighting platforms like "I Like Networking" by Isabel Sachs. Additionally, Julie offers practical tips on how individuals can make networking events more inclusive by using preferred pronouns and gender-neutral language. Drink of the week….Rhode Island SpiritsClick to BUY MY BOOK!CLICK TO DOWNLOAD CHAPTER ONE AUDIO FREEClick to BOOK ME AS A SPEAKERClick to SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTERJulie Brown: WebsiteInstagramLinkedInYoutubeLGBTQIA+ Networking Platforms and ResourcesI Like Networking WebsiteI Like Networking PodcastOut Professionals Lesbians Who Tech & Allies StartOut Out to InnovateMyGworkPride Network

May 8, 2024 • 14min
Beyond Mentorship: Mastering Advocacy for Career Success
This episode delves into the crucial difference between mentors and advocates, revealing why advocate relationships are essential for professional growth. This episode is packed with practical advice, including five expert tips on finding advocates and seven actionable strategies to become an effective advocate for others. Tune in to discover the keys to navigating the path to career success through the lens of advocacy!"Drink of the week….French BlondeClick to BUY MY BOOK!CLICK TO DOWNLOAD CHAPTER ONE AUDIO FREEClick to BOOK ME AS A SPEAKERClick to SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTERJulie Brown: WebsiteInstagramLinkedInYoutube

May 1, 2024 • 37min
Meditation for Busy People with Busy Minds with Ann Swanson
Bestselling author Ann Swanson discusses the power of mini meditations for busy people. She explores finding tranquility in mundane tasks, the health benefits of short meditation breaks, and how even a minute of meditation can bring serenity in chaotic daily lives.

Apr 24, 2024 • 7min
The Gardeners Guide to Business Relationships: Why Some Are Radishes, Some Are Tomatoes, and Others Are Zucchinis
As spring emerges, so does Julie's passion for gardening, a reflection of her approach to nurturing professional connections. In this episode, Julie draws parallels between cultivating her garden and fostering fruitful business relationships.Just as every plant has its own growth trajectory, so do our connections in the business world. Tune in for expert advice on cultivating connections that flourish and thrive.Drink of the week….Athletic Brewing Virgin Cucumber GimletClick to BUY MY BOOK!CLICK TO DOWNLOAD CHAPTER ONE AUDIO FREEClick to BOOK ME AS A SPEAKERClick to SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTERJulie Brown: WebsiteInstagramLinkedInYoutube

Apr 17, 2024 • 31min
Conversational Keys and Unlocking Onboarding Success with Jake Stahl
The significance of effective onboarding cannot be overstated. Poor onboarding practices can have detrimental effects on both employees and companies alike. Despite its critical role, statistics reveal a concerning reality: only 69% of companies possess formal onboarding programs, with over half lasting less than a week. Listen in as I talk with Jake Stahl, a fractional Chief Learning Officer with extensive global experience designing onboarding programs. This episode delves into strategies for designing onboarding programs that foster seamless integration, meaningful contributions, and long-term retention. Drink of the week….virgin pina colada Click to BUY MY BOOK!CLICK TO DOWNLOAD CHAPTER ONE AUDIO FREEClick to BOOK ME AS A SPEAKERClick to SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTERJulie Brown: WebsiteInstagramLinkedInYoutubeJake StahlWebsiteLinkedIn