February 04, 2026|Publications
Just a few sincere words can have a profound and lasting impact on someone else.
Abovethelaw.com, January 29, 2026
By Jeanine M. Donohue
On the first morning, I was in Starbucks, desperately craving my much-needed latte. A woman entered, placed her order, and then stood next to me while waiting. I recognized her as someone who had spoken on a panel the previous year. Her wit, humor, and practical advice had left a lasting impression on me, and I remembered her well.
As an introvert, networking doesn’t always come naturally to me, and I hesitated over whether to speak. But I decided to overcome my shyness. Turning to her, I honestly choked out, “Excuse me, you were a panelist last year, right? Your presentation was fantastic.” Her face lit up with a genuine smile, and she thanked me. That small moment sparked a simple conversation as we walked to the conference together. I learned she was presenting again this year and that she had recently started a new job. I shared briefly about my own practice and my hopes for the conference.
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