One day, you read an article, and a name catches your attention. You pause, wondering: Do I know this person? Your curiosity leads you to Google them, only to find no immediate clues. Next, you sift through your LinkedIn connections and archived emails. Then, out of the blue, the name resurfaces in your memory: it was an aspiring entrepreneur who once sought your advice.

Years later, they’re still in business and featured as an expert in their field. You reflect for a moment—you were, in some small way, part of their journey. Perhaps the guidance you offered helped them overcome a hurdle or sparked an idea. Now, in their success, they may be paying it forward, helping other aspiring entrepreneurs.

It’s a small, interconnected world. Every interaction, no matter how brief, can leave a profound mark on someone else’s journey. So, as you move through your career, take the time to offer encouragement, share your knowledge, and build relationships.