Welcome back to another episode of Breaking the Chain! This week Nathaniel Chapman and Terentia Browne guide us through another thought-provoking episode, this time joined by guest Julie Surin, Project Manager at UCB, with 15 years in Biopharma and 4 years working in South Korea. Julie calls herself “a scientist at mind and an artist at heart,” bringing a powerful blend of analytical insight and creative flair to leadership.
In this episode, we explore something that touches every one of us: The need to belong, to find our people, not just for career moves or connections, but for genuine support, growth, and community. It’s about building a network that doesn’t just open doors, it helps you thrive once you walk through them.
Julie reminds us that before building outward, we need to look inward. Your circle starts with your dream. When you’re clear on what you’re reaching for, it becomes easier to recognize the people who align with that vision.
Making meaningful connections, as this episode reveals, isn’t about quantity, it’s about care and about taking the time to truly listen to people’s stories, to spot shared interests, and to say yes to that coffee invite. Those small moments, checking in, showing up, offering help, that slowly but powerfully build trust.
One of the key quotes Julie shares is:
Alone you can go faster, but together we can go further.
This African proverb captures the heart of what your circle should be: A collective of people moving forward together.
She also reflects on the words of Jim Rohn, who said,
You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with
In other words, who you surround yourself with shapes who you become. That’s why curating your circle intentionally is more than networking, it’s nurturing.
Terentia adds something crucial:
Your circle is not a hierarchy; it’s a space where everyone contributes and grows. It’s not about what can I get from this person? but also, what can I give? Because influence isn’t a one-way street it’s mutual.
Together, the trio explores how your circle of influence can open doors you didn’t even know existed. It can challenge you, lift you, and most importantly, remind you that you’re not walking this path alone.
So, if you’re ready to build connections that are grounded in real intention, not just transaction, hit play on this episode to start your journey towards finding your people, building your circle, and growing the kind of influence that lasts
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