Develop Your A-Game: The Power of Purposeful Connections

During my recent work trip to Hong Kong, I was reminded of a simple but powerful truth: that success is never built in isolation which is further supported by an African proverb which says “If you want to go faster go alone, but if you want to go further go with others.”

No matter how talented, hardworking, or visionary we are, the people we meet — and how we connect with them — more often than not will play a huge part in determining how far we go.

The main purpose of my trip was to be part of the week-long training programme curated specially for Chinese state-owned enterprises, by the Department of Justice Hong Kong. During the week, I made time to attend the HKIAC 40 Arbitration Week and the ADR in Asia Conference, both filled with incredible energy and gainful insights from ADR professionals across the world.

I ended a busy week at a special arbitration networking event on Friday co-hosted by Women in Central and Des Voeux Chambers, aptly titled “The Power of Purposeful Connections.” That gathering — and the conversations that flowed from it — inspired me to write this very article. On paper, my Hong Kong trip was a professional engagement, but in reality, it became something deeper — a practical lesson on how meaningful relationships can open doors, shape perspective, and strengthen purpose.

From the moment I arrived in Hong Kong, every encounter felt intentional. Each conversation, introduction, and moment of kindness reminded me that purpose-driven connections are never random. They are the invisible bridges that connect where we are to where we are meant to be.

One of those bridges came in the form of a barrister named Sian , one of the mentors during the breakout session at the women's networking event. She had an air of confidence and a mind sharpened by years of experience. She spoke at length about law, leadership, and the courage it takes to build bridges across cultures and disciplines. What stayed with me was her authenticity — her energy and passion and her curiosity about people and her belief in doing good work with integrity. She not only shared her inspiring career story but also listened to everyone in the circle. It reminded me that powerful connections are rarely loud or forced. They’re built on shared values, humility, and respect.

Too often, we treat networking as a numbers game — a race to collect contacts, to be seen in the right places with less focus on building genuine connections. But purposeful connections are different. They are not transactional. Authentic connections require presence, honesty, depth, a good dose of curiosity and the courage to show up as yourself, not your title.

The professionals I met in Hong Kong, — arbitrators, mediators, and other professionals — who were generous with their knowledge and their time, reaffirmed my belief that excellence thrives in community, not competition. 

Opportunities we seek often come in ways we don't expect, through relationships that shift our perspectives and perhaps change our way of thinking. 

The Currency of Connection

I can trace many major opportunities I have had in my career, from leading initiatives to working on international projects, through relationships I have invested in — not just hard work alone. Talent and diligence are essential, but oftentimes it’s people who take a chance on you that open doors for you. Someone recommends you for a role. Someone shares your name in a room you’re not in. Someone introduces you to another who becomes a catalyst for your next chapter.

That’s the quiet power of purposeful connections: they multiply your impact long after the initial interaction.

But here’s the key — these relationships can’t be rushed or faked sometimes it can take years to materialise. Purposeful connections take time, trust, and genuine interest. You can’t build them from a place of entitlement or convenience. You build them through consistency, contribution, and care.

Why Purposeful Connections Matter

• They expand your vision. Being around people from different backgrounds and experiences challenges your thinking. My time in Hong Kong expanded my understanding of how cultures, industries, and even legal systems intersect. Conversations that cross boundaries — professional or cultural — spark innovation and new ideas.

• They keep you accountable. Purposeful relationships don’t flatter you; they refine you. The right people will call you higher, not just cheer you on. They’ll tell you when you’re slipping, remind you of your goals, and push you to stay consistent with your values.

• They remind you that you’re not alone. In our pursuit of success, it’s easy to isolate ourselves — to believe we have to do it all on our own. But meaningful connections provide community, mentorship, and sometimes even healing. They help us navigate transitions, failures, and reinventions with more grace. 

How to Build Purposeful Connections

• Be genuinely curious. People can tell when you’re only interested in what they can offer. Approach conversations with curiosity, not agenda. Ask thoughtful questions. Listen more than you speak. Be the kind of person who remembers the details others forget.

• Show up with value. Relationships thrive when there’s mutual benefit. Share knowledge, give recommendations, connect others, celebrate their wins. When you bring value without expectation, people remember. 
• Build across, not just up. Everyone wants to network “up” — with people more senior or successful. But don’t underestimate the power of connecting “across.” Your peers today may be the industry leaders of tomorrow. Nurture those lateral relationships; they’re often the most enduring.
• Stay consistent. Purposeful connections aren’t built in grand gestures but in small, consistent acts — a follow-up message, a note of appreciation, checking in just because. Consistency breeds trust, and trust is the foundation of influence.
• Be open and authentic. Authenticity attracts alignment. When you show up as yourself — honest about your journey, your challenges, and your aspirations — you invite the right kind of connection.

As I reflect on my time in Hong Kong, I realise that every opportunity in my journey has been tied to someone who saw value in what I brought to the table — and vice versa. None of it happened by chance. It happened through intention, curiosity, and the courage to keep showing up.

So as you reflect on this article, remember this:

• Your next major break might be one conversation away.

• Stay open-minded. 

• Be curious about learning more about other people

• Practice active listening.

• Keep showing up.

Because the most powerful connections require intentionality and effort — they’re built by choice.

Beverley Agbakoba Onyejianya, aka Ms Maxximum, is a lawyer, arbitrator, mediator, and personal development coach passionate about helping professionals and entrepreneurs elevate their performance and purpose. Head of the Sports, Entertainment and Tech practice at Olisa Agbakoba Legal, and a FIFA mediator, she is also the founder of Develop Your A-Game and a leading voice in sports law, leadership, and mindset development across Africa and beyond.

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