Redirecting.work
Kimberli Jeter:
Rising through the Darkness by Building Networks of Love and Light
I first met Kimberli when she reached out to share her recent “cocooning” experience—a reflective period that revealed her passion for networks and their vital role throughout our lives. She was energized, and I could feel her clarity and excitement. Her new mission was clear: creating networks that not only connect people but also help them thrive. With her pivot underway, Kimberli had some remarkable insights to share. When I shared a draft story with her several months later, she told me that much had transpired in the ensuing months and asked to talk again.
Here is the story of her transformation, current direction, and the wisdom she offers to those navigating their own life pivots.
The Pivot: Embracing the Past to Shape the Future
Kimberli’s journey took a transformative turn when an unexpected trigger caused her to confront old traumas she had long set aside. A moment of reflection showed her she hadn’t responded in a way she wanted to when someone needed her support. This realization compelled her to delve deeply into her past, peeling back layers of unaddressed pain and memories. Kimberli discovered that, while difficult, this introspection was essential for healing. It involved naming and accepting each challenging moment, and then moving forward with a renewed sense of self.
During this process, she recognized the depth of her support network—a “net” that had been there all along, providing love and resilience. “When we take the work out of network, we’re left with a beautiful net of love and life,” she reflects. This revelation became the foundation of her new mission.
Current Direction: Networks of Love, Curiosity, Generosity, and Gratitude
Kimberli’s focus today is on building transformative networks grounded in love, curiosity, generosity, and gratitude. Her goal is ambitious yet clear: to foster a global community of 100 million people—ultimately expanding to 800 million—united by authentic human connection. “It’s about creating spaces where people can thrive personally, professionally, and in their communities,” she explains. For Kimberli, a network isn’t merely transactional but rather a support system woven together by meaningful connections. She is dedicated to supporting others to build networks for life through all their transitions - early career, life and work updates, to retirement.
Advice for Those Undergoing Transition
Reflecting on her journey, Kimberli offers valuable insights for others navigating transitions, emphasizing three guiding principles: intentional connection, the power of healing, and a daily practice of gratitude.
1. Build Your “Net” with Intention: Kimberli believes that networks should be rooted in love, curiosity, generosity, and gratitude, forming a genuine support system through life’s challenges. She encourages focusing on relationships that bring joy, inspiration, and resilience. "Do things with people who bring you joy and challenge you," she emphasizes, advising against traditional networking events that might feel inauthentic. By forming connections in spaces of personal interest—such as hobbies or community events—relationships emerge naturally, creating a net that sustains and strengthens.
2. Embrace Healing and Growth: For those facing trauma or transitions, Kimberli advises leaning into the healing process, even when it’s painful. Confronting past pain, she believes, is essential for resilience. Kimberli stresses the importance of vulnerability and accepting help when it’s offered, describing growth as a journey that “often happens in the dark.” Embracing the "broken bits" and finding beauty in putting them back together has given her strength, teaching her that these challenges can be stepping stones to a stronger, truer self.
3. Cultivate Gratitude and Wonder: Daily rituals of gratitude became Kimberli's sanctuary, bringing her clarity during difficult times. She suggests incorporating small, daily practices as she does—such as mindful walks, bike rides, or simply observing nature—as a grounding force that fosters an open heart. “We’re all stars, each of us brilliant and unique, but also part of a constellation,” she says, a reminder that gratitude helps us connect with each other and with our place in the world. This sense of wonder and appreciation has become a cornerstone of her life and work, helping her find joy even in uncertainty.
In Kimberli’s view, every meaningful connection, moment of healing, and act of gratitude strengthens our personal “net,” allowing us to thrive through life’s pivots. Her journey of resilience and transformation exemplifies the power of intentional connection, and her story serves as a reminder that even the hardest transitions can become opportunities for growth, purpose, and lasting meaning.