Podcast Summary:

What Are You Made Of? with Mike "C-Roc" Ciorrocco
Episode: It Pays to Be Connected: How Relationships Fuel Real Success with Hannah Schwartz
Date: January 6, 2026

Episode Overview

In this value-packed episode, host Mike "C-Roc" Ciorrocco sits down with Hannah Schwartz, business strategist and founder of the Connected Network, to explore the crucial role that authentic relationships and connections play in real success—both in business and personal development. Hannah opens up about her journey from feeling like an outsider to becoming a top connector, shares tangible strategies for meaningful networking, and provides the inside scoop on her innovative new platform. This episode is a powerful examination of how to cultivate genuine business relationships, overcome personal insecurities, and build a network that truly supports your mission.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ingredients of Success: Drive and Connection

• Hannah’s Origin Story ([01:10]–[02:49])

  • Hannah shares how, despite struggles in high school, she envisioned herself one day speaking to a room full of business people—a dream she eventually made reality.
  • Quote:

    "One day I was in the locker room and I remember shutting the locker room door and I said, one day I'll be speaking to a room of business people." (Hannah, [01:14])

  • She attributes her journey to a combination of relentless drive and a passion for authentic connection.

• Authenticity over Conformity

  • Both Mike and Hannah discuss the pitfalls of trying to fit in, especially for extroverted personalities who might be suppressed by their environment.
  • Quote:

    “If you’re not authentically yourself, you’ll draw the wrong people into your environment.” (Mike, [08:14])

2. Overcoming Early Adversity and Finding Your Circle

• Bullying and Loneliness as Catalysts ([03:55]–[05:53])

  • Hannah recounts experiences of isolation and bullying that initially made her desperate for connection, leading to some unhealthy patterns of people-pleasing and codependency.
  • Notable Moment:
    • Shares a childhood birthday party story, underscoring early struggles with belonging.

    "I remember... I had a grade of 40 classmates and I invited them all to a birthday party. And I remember, I think only four came." (Hannah, [03:58])

• Learning to Curate Your Network

  • Over time, she learned to be more selective, valuing quality over quantity, and understanding that outgrowing connections is part of growth.
  • Focused on helping others find thriving, supportive circles.

3. Authentic Networking vs. Surface-Level Relationships

• The Power of Solo Experiences ([10:24]–[13:16])

  • Hannah describes her practice of “solo dating” and “event hopping” in Toronto, intentionally going out alone to foster new and deeper connections.
  • Quote:

    "Going out by myself is how I've met the best people. It's how I also get centered in myself." (Hannah, [11:14])

• Being Intentional With Connections

  • Discusses the importance of not diluting authenticity by always adapting to fit in.
  • The difference between shifting energy in different groups and fundamentally changing oneself for approval.

• Letting Go of Outgrown Connections ([09:03]–[10:24])

  • Both hosts agree on the importance of recognizing when a relationship no longer serves mutual growth, even if it’s painful.
  • Quote:

    “Sometimes you outgrow people and they outgrow you. At one point, they were everything you needed.” (Hannah, [09:03])

4. Business Growth: From Strategy to Connection

• Hannah’s Business Focus ([16:34]–[18:34])

  • Started as a business strategist for six-figure earners, coaching on scaling teams and systems.
  • Realized that without genuine connections, businesses with the best strategies still stall.
  • Thus, she pivoted to focus on facilitating powerful connections—founding the Connected Network.

• Quote:

  "You can have the best business, the best idea, the best concept, but if you're not well connected, you won't go anywhere." (Hannah, [17:41])

5. The Art (and Limits) of Generosity in Networking

• Giving vs. Self-Preservation ([18:34]–[21:04])

  • Mike and Hannah discuss the tendency of ‘givers’ in networking—how to be generous but remain discerning.
  • Hannah avoids taking affiliate payments for connecting others, preferring to keep relationships in a “friend zone” which fosters deeper trust and reciprocal opportunities.
  • Quote:

    "Generosity builds generosity. If I start making every connection I have into a business connection... I won't actually get very far in my career." (Hannah, [19:24])

• Knowing When to Stop Giving

  • If people are unappreciative or exploitative, both agree it’s time to step back.
  • Protecting your own brand and reputation is essential.

6. The Connected Network: A New Model for Connection

• Platform Structure & Philosophy ([23:27]–[28:59])

  • The Connected Network is described as “LinkedIn, but with no follower counts and all independent careers.”
  • Members must be invited—either by an insider or directly by Hannah—which keeps quality high.
  • Features an “open room” for collaboration, separate industry channels, and an intentional “Promote it” space to contain spam.
  • Memorable Moment:

    "There's actually no way to join unless you get invited. ... I'm calling it proof of connection, proof of concept." (Hannah, [26:33])

• Next Phases: Connected Cities

  • Upcoming feature to allow members to join city-based networks and event calendars—facilitating in-person networking and local collaboration.
  • Plans for a Canadian tour and a docuseries to elevate the brand.

7. Protecting Community Integrity

• Quality Assurance ([26:33]–[28:59])
  • No public join links: limits access to strong-referral and direct-invitation only.
  • No tolerance for problematic members—admins reserve the right to remove anyone at any time without explanation.
  • Specific channels control and direct promotional activity, minimizing spam and maximizing value.

8. Vision for the Future

• Scaling With Intention ([29:06]–[30:17])

  • Targeting 1,000 members within six months—the “first 500” being the trench-warfare phase.
  • Focus on real engagement and utility, rather than rapid, indiscriminate scale.
  • Open to adapting platform tech as the community grows, but prioritizing value over design.

• Final Quote:

  "For me, I want something that has such high value that over delivers. ... The value is in the space and the people." (Hannah, [30:24]/[31:22])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Authenticity and Connection:

  “If you’re not authentically yourself, you’ll draw the wrong people into your environment...” (Mike, [08:14])

• On Outgrowing Old Networks:

  “Sometimes you outgrow people and they outgrow you. At one point, they were everything that you've ever needed.” (Hannah, [09:03])

• On Building a Trusted Network:

  “Every time you make a connection, that person represents you. Both parties represent you.” (Hannah, [21:53])

• On Generosity in Networking:

  “Generosity actually leads to more connections, and it leaves things in the friend zone. And sometimes connections are best left in the friend zone so you could grow those connections further.” (Hannah, [19:24])

• On Platform Integrity:

  "We can boot you for no reason at all, at any time. ... In case we do have someone that comes on that just does not add to the community, we can simply let them go." (Hannah, [26:44])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:10] — Hannah’s high school moment of resolve and the birth of her drive
• [03:55] — Bullying and early loneliness; longing for connection
• [09:03] — Outgrowing relationships and changing personal patterns
• [11:14] — “Solo dating” and event hopping: building a network through intentional solo experiences
• [16:34] — Transition from business strategy to building a connection-focused platform
• [19:24] — The boundaries between generosity and self-care in networking
• [23:27] — Detailed walkthrough of The Connected Network’s structure and features
• [26:33] — Platform access philosophy: invitation-only, strict moderation
• [29:06] — Vision for scale, upcoming features, and future development

Conclusion

This episode is an inspiring and practical guide to building a meaningful network in business and life. Hannah Schwartz shares her journey from outsider to expert connector and offers concrete advice on curating relationships that fuel success—and joy. Listeners will leave with new strategies for authentic networking, a clear understanding of Hannah’s innovative platform, and a reminder that relationships are the currency of real achievement.

Find Hannah:

• Instagram: @startwithhannah
• Connected Network: [Connected by SWH]

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