The Connector Effect: My Experience Speaking at the LOUDR Summit

Photo cred: Sean Diamond / Tatyana Lopez

This past Thursday, I had the incredible opportunity to sit on a panel at the LOUDR Summit, a space built for creatives, entrepreneurs, and industry shifters who are ready to expand their impact. The panel I joined was titled “The Connector Effect – Building a Network That Books You,” and it was one of those conversations that reminded me exactly why I do what I do.

As someone who has built a career through community, collaboration, and consistent connection, being able to share my journey—authentically and transparently—felt special. I’ve learned that the most meaningful opportunities rarely come from cold outreach. They come from nurtured relationships, aligned values, and showing up even when no one is watching.

What We Discussed

Our panel dove deep into what it truly means to be a connector in today’s creative landscape. Not just someone with a long contact list, but someone whose presence naturally opens doors for others.

Here are a few key points I shared:

1. Your network is built in the everyday moments.

Relationships are grown through consistency, not convenience. Every conversation, every event, every collaboration is a brick in the foundation of your career.

2. Follow-through is your superpower.

So many opportunities are lost simply because someone didn’t circle back. In an age of instant gratification, reliability is unforgettable.

3. Give first, give freely.

When you lead with generosity—whether it's sharing information, making an introduction, or offering insight—you naturally attract connections that want to pour into you as well.

4. Your personal brand speaks before you do.

Energy, professionalism, presence, and aesthetic all contribute to how people remember you. Your reputation is working even when you aren’t in the room.

The Power of Community

One of my favourite moments from the summit was connecting with attendees afterwards. Hearing their stories, their challenges, their visions—it reminded me how many talented people are building, dreaming, and hustling in their own ways.

Community has always been at the center of my work, whether through DJing, building That Slow Jam Party, or curating spaces for Black music, culture, and storytelling. Speaking on this panel felt like an extension of that purpose.

Why This Conversation Matters

We’re in a season where visibility and virality often feel like the goal. But sustainable success is built through connection, not just attention. It’s built through the people who believe in you, advocate for you, and remember you when rooms get quiet or loud.

For anyone building their brand, their artistry, or their business, I hope this panel served as a reminder that your network isn’t just a resource—it's a reflection of your values.

A Final Thank You

Thank you to the LOUDR Summit team for inviting me, the moderator AdaOhh my fellow panelists @osagie , and @heylissamonet , and @djrevy_b and to everyone who attended, asked questions, or simply shared space in the room. I left feeling inspired, aligned, and even more committed to creating opportunities not just for myself, but for the communities around me.

Here’s to building networks with intention.
Here’s to being connectors.
Here’s to elevating each other every step of the way.