John Watson, Co-host of The Right Place Podcast, has a unique perspective on competition and creativity. While many would see a good idea being used by someone else as a reason for frustration, John Watson turned it into an opportunity for collaboration, learning, and personal growth. His recent experience, as shared in a thoughtful and inspiring LinkedIn post, is a perfect reflection of his character as someone who values connections, celebrates the success of others, and remains open to new opportunities.
In 2023, while flying from Joburg to Cape Town, John Watson used the quiet time to develop new ideas for talks on networking, a topic he’s deeply passionate about. He had already given several presentations, including popular ones like “The opposite of networking is not working” and “From nervous networker to power-connector.” But that day, a new idea took shape—“Networking for Introverts.” As an introvert himself, John Watson realized that many people, like him, struggle with the traditional approach to networking. He saw an opportunity to help introverts make meaningful connections and build lasting business relationships. He even considered turning this knowledge into a book, along with some LinkedIn content, to reach a broader audience.
However, fast forward to July 2024, and John Watson stumbled upon a post that could have taken him by surprise. Helen Nicholson, a renowned author, had just published a book titled Networking for Introverts—the very same idea John had been working on during his flight a year earlier. It was a pivotal moment for John Watson. He could have chosen to react with frustration, feeling as though his idea had been “stolen.” But instead of going down the negative route, John Watson did something remarkable: he celebrated Helen’s achievement.
Rather than seeing Helen Nicholson’s success as a loss for himself, John Watson chose to view it as a win for introverts everywhere. He left a positive comment on Helen’s post and even reached out to her PR agent, Jenny Griesel. This act of reaching out led to a series of events that brought both John Watson and Helen Nicholson together in a collaborative way. He received a signed copy of her book and eventually had the chance to interview Helen on The Right Place Podcast. Their conversation, as John Watson described, was not only insightful but also deeply enjoyable, filled with shared wisdom and laughter.
John Watson’s ability to remain humble and open-minded throughout this experience teaches an important lesson: sometimes, even when you have a great idea, someone else may execute it in a way that surpasses your own vision. Instead of feeling defeated, John Watson chose to learn from Helen’s execution of the idea. He admitted openly that Helen’s book was fantastic and that it would likely serve as the definitive guide for introverts looking to improve their networking skills. John Watson recognized that she had done something he could not have done, and rather than envy her success, he embraced it.
In a world where competition can often lead to rivalry and resentment, John Watson’s reaction was refreshing. He not only celebrated Helen’s success but also acknowledged his own role in helping introverts within his network. He didn’t throw away his own notes or give up on his mission to help others; instead, he found renewed confidence. With Helen’s book as an additional resource, John Watson felt more empowered than ever to continue his work in guiding introverts through the complexities of networking.
John Watson’s approach to this situation highlights one of his greatest strengths: his belief in the power of collaboration over competition. By recognizing that multiple people can have the same idea and still bring something unique to the table, John Watson exemplifies the kind of leader and thinker who seeks to build bridges rather than walls. His reaction demonstrates a level of emotional intelligence and maturity that is rare in both the professional and personal realms.
Moreover, John Watson’s story is a reminder that success doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game. In his case, Helen Nicholson’s success with her book didn’t diminish his ability to make an impact. Instead, it expanded his perspective and gave him another tool to help others. By supporting Helen and learning from her work, John Watson enriched his own understanding of the subject matter, making him an even better resource for the introverts in his community.
At the heart of this story is John Watson’s belief in the importance of sharing knowledge and celebrating others’ achievements. He didn’t let ego or fear of competition cloud his judgment. Instead, he focused on what really mattered: helping others and being part of something bigger than himself. John Watson’s experience serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, the best way to succeed is to collaborate, learn, and support those who are doing great work in the same space.
As a co-host of The Right Place Podcast, John Watson brings this same mindset to the conversations he has with his guests. He creates a space where ideas can be exchanged freely, and where success is seen as a shared endeavor rather than a solo pursuit. His ability to lift others up while also growing himself is what sets him apart as a leader, not only in podcasting but also in his broader professional life.
John Watson’s story is an inspiring example of what it means to lead with humility, openness, and a genuine desire to see others succeed. His experience with Helen Nicholson’s book proves that when we let go of competition and embrace collaboration, everyone wins. And in the process, John Watson has shown that he is more than just a podcast co-host—he is a true connector, mentor, and advocate for growth, both for himself and for the people around him.
