When someone says "you need to network," what's your gut reaction? If it's dread mixed with a side of ick, Kaylee Johnson gets it. She's an occupational therapist who's worked across clinical care, health tech, and leadership roles in the US, and we sat down to unpack what networking actually looks like when you're an introvert who'd rather do anything else. We also had some fun comparing Australian and US takes on networking.

This conversation cuts through the schmoozing stereotype to explore networking as something more human: leading with curiosity, asking questions because you genuinely want to know, and figuring out how you can help someone solve a problem. Kaylee shares how she flopped hard in early attempts but eventually landed roles through authentic connections and why LinkedIn doesn't have to feel like performing.

If you've been avoiding networking because it feels transactional, or you're job hunting but worried about word getting back to your current workplace, this episode offers practical reframes and the courage you'll need to step outside your healthcare bubble.

We Explore

• Why networking conversations feel transactional and how to reframe them
• The courage required to network outside your professional comfort zone
• Cultural differences in networking expectations between Australia and the US
• Strategic use of LinkedIn without the performance anxiety
• How to de-risk job search networking when you're worried about your current employer finding out
• How networking plays a role in preventing career and performance stagnation

About Kaylee Johnson

Kaylee Johnson is an Occupational Therapist with 15 years of experience across clinical practice, health tech, and leadership roles in the northeast United States. As a self-described introvert, Kaylee has navigated multiple career transitions and now brings insights about authentic networking, cross-functional collaboration, and career evolution for healthcare professionals who want to explore beyond traditional clinical pathways.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylee-m-johnson/

Career Cliniq Resources

If this conversation has you thinking about what else might be possible in your healthcare career, the StreamAhead Assessment can help you identify which work streams align with your current interests and strengths. Sometimes clarity starts with simply knowing what's out there.

Access the StreamAhead Assessment: https://careercliniq.com/streamahead

What's your biggest networking challenge right now? Drop me a message and let me know.

Connect with me:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drruthvo/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drruthvo/