Most of the meaningful work I’m involved in now was built on relationships formed years ago
This piece was originally shared on LinkedIn in response to recurring conversations with founders and leadership teams around this topic.
I’m publishing it here as part of an ongoing body of thinking around restaurant strategy, market entry, and operational decision-making.
Three, five, sometimes ten years ago.
Former colleagues.
People from previous suppliers and partners.
A lot of coffees that, at the time, felt like nothing more than conversations.
What’s struck me is how rarely things line up immediately.
At the time, there was no “opportunity”. Just conversations, sharing perspectives and making introductions when it felt useful.
Only much later do the dots connect.
Someone you helped think through something in 2016 recommends you in 2026.
Someone you met years ago calls when they’re ready to make a move.
You don’t get to control when that happens.
You can’t manufacture relevance or force timing.
All you can really do is:
- do good work
- share perspective openly
- stay in touch without an agenda
The compounding part only becomes obvious looking backwards.
In the moment, it doesn’t feel particularly strategic.