“How did you get where you are today?” At public speaking events, this is the most frequent question young professionals ask former Ontario politician David Tsubouchi and governance and communications consultant Marc Kealey.

The answer: it is impossible to succeed alone. A friend once said, “A better network equals a better net worth.” This is not to say networking is purely transactional or about how many people one knows: networking is about building relationships based on mutual respect and trust so everyone involved can thrive.

Tsubouchi, Kealey, and 18 other accomplished and prominent Canadians have come together to share their stories and advice on networking for success. They represent people from different sectors who started with nothing and faced more barriers than others because of their gender, ethnicity, and/or immigrant status. From entrepreneurs to executives, their experiences show aspiring networkers the true meaning of perseverance and how they can make networking opportunities fulfilling experiences.

David Tsubouchi's profile page

Marc Kealey's profile page

David Tsubouchi is an author, lawyer, former regulator, and Integrity Commissioner. He was the first Japanese Canadian to be elected to a provincial legislature and be appointed to cabinet. Mr. Tsubouchi has served on numerous boards of directors and has become an international keynote speaker. He lives in Baltimore, Ontario.

Marc Kealey is chief advocate and founder of Kealey and Associates Inc. — an advocacy and project management firm serving organizations in Canada and abroad. An advisor to former Prime Minister John N. Turner, Kealey is a leading voice for transformation in healthcare, energy, and gaming. He lives in Mississauga, Ontario.

“The Ripple Effect: Networking for Success is a thought-provoking collection of individuals who have taken networking to a whole new science. An invaluable tool, bringing together great minds and sharing their thoughts, spreading the word on how to seed ideas and watch them grow and blossom in both life and business.” — Donald Ziraldo, CM, co-founder of Inniskillin Wine

“Having grown up with Brian Mulroney as a father and role model, a man who was once described as ‘the most connected Canadian in the world,’ I have always had a profound appreciation for the skill and the art of networking. For everyone who does not have such a mentor, this book is the next best thing: insightful tips from deeply connected, highly successful Canadians. Anyone who believes they do not need to network is fooling themselves. There is value to be mined within these pages by Canadians from all walks of life.” — Ben Mulroney, host of The Ben Mulroney Show