Listening to podcasts for professional growth can be highly beneficial for several reasons, especially for networkers. They fit into a busy professional’s schedule easier than reading for most because you can listen to the content while doing other things like working out, driving/commuting, waiting for a meeting or event to start, or even cleaning the house or car. If you haven’t incorporated podcast listening into your professional (or personal) growth, it’s time you do so. And we have some suggestions on where to start.
But if you’re still thinking, “Why should I?” then it’s important you understand some of the key advantages that are making podcasting a popular medium for learning and connecting.
Key Advantages of Listening to Podcasts (especially for networkers):
- Expert insights and knowledge: Podcasts often feature industry experts, thought leaders, and successful professionals who share their insights, experiences, and expertise. With podcasts, you can gain valuable knowledge and learn from the best in your field. This can help you stay up to date with industry trends, understand emerging practices, and broaden your perspective for free. You can study with the masters without leaving your home or office. But since podcasts are also portable, you don’t have to be locked down to an indoor seminar setting. • Convenient and flexible learning: As we mentioned earlier, podcasts offer the advantage of convenience and flexibility. You can listen to them while commuting, exercising, or performing other tasks. This allows you to make the most of your time and transform mundane activities into valuable learning opportunities. You can access podcasts at any time and revisit episodes whenever needed, making it a flexible learning medium. • Networking and relationship-building: Many podcasts bring together professionals from various industries and provide a platform for meaningful conversations. By listening to these conversations, you can gain insights into different perspectives, learn about new connections, and identify potential networking opportunities. You may discover individuals or organizations you want to connect with, and you can leverage the knowledge gained from podcasts as conversation starters when networking. • Personal development and motivation: Podcasts often feature discussions on personal growth, mindset, and motivation. Listening to inspiring stories of successful individuals can boost your motivation, provide encouragement during challenging times, and help you develop a growth mindset. These elements can be highly valuable for networkers, as maintaining a positive attitude and perseverance are crucial for building and nurturing professional relationships. • Improving communication and storytelling skills: Many podcasts are expertly produced and hosted, providing excellent examples of effective communication and storytelling. By listening to skilled hosts and guests, you can learn how to structure your thoughts, articulate ideas, and engage your audience effectively. • Discovering new tools, strategies, and resources: Podcasts often feature discussions on practical tools, strategies, and resources that can enhance your professional growth. Whether it's software, books, courses, or other resources, podcasts can introduce you to valuable assets that can boost your networking abilities and overall professional development.
Best Podcasts for Professional Growth
The following podcasts are ideal for business professionals who want advice on more motivation, more productivity, and/or bigger growth personally and professionally. The descriptions are taken directly from their sites, but the categorization is our own. They can be found wherever you listen to podcasts including iTunes, Spotify, and Audible.
Best in Personal Growth: The Mindset Mentor with Rob Dial
“The Mindset Mentor™ podcast is designed for anyone desiring motivation, direction, and focus in life. Host Rob Dial has amassed a passionate following of over 3 million social media followers, including business professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners with his expertise and passion for helping motivate people to become the best version of themselves.
In this podcast, Rob blends neurology, neurobiology, psychology, early childhood development, cognitive behavioral therapy so that you can understand the way your brain and body work together, because when you understand yourself, it makes it much easier to make a plan to change and succeed. When you master your mindset, you master your life.”
What we love about it: the episodes are generally short, between 7-21 minutes. The episodes address common problems that hold most of us back in a way that feels like you’re getting some tough love from a friend.
Best Well-rounded Podcast: TED Talks Daily
“Every weekday, TED Talks Daily brings you the latest talks in audio. Join host and journalist Elise Hu for thought-provoking ideas on every subject imaginable -- from Artificial Intelligence to Zoology, and everything in between -- given by the world's leading thinkers and creators. With TED Talks Daily, find some space in your day to change your perspectives, ignite your curiosity, and learn something new.”
What we love about it: these talks make you a lot more interesting at networking events and they call your attention to trends and interests. Episodes are generally around 15 minutes long so you can squeeze them in even with the busiest of schedules. TED also has several other podcasts based on interests like TED Health and TED Business.
Best at Expanding Your Perspective: The Motivated Mind with Scott Lynch
“A podcast about leveraging, refining, and defining your mindset.”
What we love about it: We love the varied topics and the conversational tone. While motivation is always the underlying theme, the topics vary immensely. Lynch talks about each one in a conversational tone that makes you feel like he’s secretly sharing the wisdom of the ages.
Honorable Mentions
• The Daily Stoic If you like the Stoics, check out our blog post on the subject.
• The Tim Ferriss Show
• HBR Ideacast
• Sidepro Hustle
• The Art of Charm
• Happier with Gretchen Rubin
Now, you tell us. What are your faves and why?