#WorkMomSays you must be present to win. In this episode, Lori Jo Vest shares why “showing up” in your career and your life isn’t just a cliché. It’s the foundation of success. From overcoming career challenges to building life-changing networks, Lori illustrates how being present, getting uncomfortable, and stepping into new spaces will open doors and forge the relationships and confidence that accelerate your professional journey. Themes discussed in this episode The importance of showing up and being visible in your career and community How discomfort and self-doubt are natural but invaluable for growth Building your network beyond your own company and why it’s key to advancement Practical strategies for networking, joining associations, and volunteering The unique impact young professionals can make by simply being present Episode Highlights Time-stamped inflection points from the show 00:44 – Lessons from a breast cancer survivor: show up, dress up, and speak up 02:06 – The value of getting comfortable being uncomfortable, from jobs to meetings 03:57 – Lori’s experience joining an intimidating accountability group that transformed her confidence 06:13 – Why networking, industry events, and association involvement matter—even if you feel like an outsider 07:22 – The power of industry communities, volunteering, and creating connections outside your company 09:51 – Why young professionals stand out simply by showing up in real-world spaces 10:17 – Practical tips for “tag-team” networking and showing up, even if you’re nervous Top Quotes 03:23 – “If you don’t show up in those places where there are other successful people, you will not become one of them.” 05:32 – “Even when that little voice in your head is telling you, ‘Oh, you don’t belong here’ … say thank you for sharing and let it go.” 06:37 – “You will be able to push yourself out of your comfort zone, make some solid connections, because that’s another way you grow your career.” 10:50 – “If you are willing to be present, it’s inevitable that you will win.” Transcript 00:12Hello. I’m Lori Jo Vest, also known as Work Mom and I so appreciate you joining me for another episode of Work Mom Says: Don’t Be An Idiot! Today, we’re going to talk about “you must be present to win.” I heard that phrase the other day, and it just really stuck with me that if you want to be successful in your career and in your life, you have to show up. And showing up means a lot of different things. So we’re going to start with a couple of stories. 00:44I have a dear friend that I’ve known for years that she got breast cancer. And she got breast cancer when she was transitioning from one job to another. She was unable to work the new job during treatment, she lost her job, she lost her insurance, it was a really difficult time. Fast forward 10 or 15 years, and her charitable organization that she formed to help women financially during treatment and men, they also help men, but to help people during breast cancer treatment is national, and when she talks to groups, I mean, I’ve nominated her for some different awards. I’ve seen her speak at different events, and what she always says is, you need to show up, dress up, and speak up. And if you can do all three of those things, it might be in a different order—it might be dress up, show up and speak up, I think maybe that’s it—but those are the things that are really important, and that’s what has led her to the success she has today. She has a national organization that helps hundreds of women every year get through breast cancer treatment by paying their mortgages, their bills, their car payments. It’s just amazing. 02:06So part of what I notice with some of the young people that are in my sphere is that it can feel difficult to show up with your full self in new situations, like at th