WOMEN IN DEFENCE – Jana Lee Murray

The Power of Networking

Jane Lee

BY JANA LEE MURRAY

Networking is a word that makes some people excited and others uncomfortable. For some, walking into a room full of strangers is energizing. For others, it feels intimidating and draining. No matter where you fall on that spectrum, I believe networking is one of the most powerful tools you can invest in for your career. It has been the single biggest factor in getting me where I am today.

MY PATH

I grew up in Oshawa and studied kinesiology at Wilfrid Laurier University before completing a master’s degree in Human Kinetics at the University of Windsor. I started my career in human systems integration, supporting projects in public safety, defence, and the nuclear sector. After a number of years in technical consulting, I shifted to business development, building relationships with clients across the globe.

Over the past two decades, I’ve worked in defence, aerospace, marine, and healthcare. I spent 14 years with CAE, then moved into leadership roles with Babcock, including leading an international joint venture in an $11B pursuit. Today, I serve as Vice President, Programs at ADGA Group where I lead program execution strategy across the company. I’m also a proud mom of three young kids, and like many of you reading this, I’ve had to learn how to balance a demanding career with family life.

HOW NETWORKING CHANGED MY LIFE

When I was 19, like many students in Oshawa, I wanted the “dream” summer job at General Motors. My dad worked there, but so did thousands of other parents. What gave me an edge was a friend’s dad who worked in the employment office. He knew me, believed in me, and gave my resume a second look. That small connection made a big difference.

Later, as I was wrapping up my master’s in Windsor, I moved to Calgary for an internship. I didn’t know anyone there, and when I heard about an ergonomics association pub night, while it didn’t sound all that exciting, I figured it was at least a chance to meet people in my field and start building some connections, so I went.

One person I met that night was the manager of a consulting firm. Months later, that connection led me to my first full-time job and eventually my 14-year career at CAE. Looking back, I can say with certainty that if I hadn’t shown up that night, my career path would have looked very different.

Fast forward to my time as President of Women in Defence and Security (WiDS). That role connected me with senior government leaders, industry executives, and a vibrant network of women and allies. When I felt ready for a change after 14 years in one company, I didn’t go on LinkedIn or scour job boards. I reached out to my network. Within weeks, a conversation with an executive at Babcock led to a new senior management role. Without my network, that opportunity would never have happened.

WHAT NETWORKING REALLY IS

Networking isn’t schmoozing. It’s not working the room or collecting business cards. It’s about building real, mutually beneficial relationships. It’s asking questions, listening, and finding ways to support others.

Here are a few lessons I’ve learned along the way:

  1. Find your style. If you’re shy, you don’t have to force yourself into big rooms. Small groups and one-on-one coffees work just as well
  2. Be open. Great connections don’t only happen at conferences. Some of my best conversations have been with the person seated next to me on an airplane
  3. Follow up. Add people on LinkedIn, but don’t stop there. Send a short, personal note to keep the relationship alive
  4. Give as much as you get. A strong network is built on trust and reciprocity. Think about what value you can bring to others

WHY IT MATTERS

In today’s world, where information is at everyone’s fingertips, relationships are what make us stand out. Employers, clients, and partners notice when you’re connected, authentic, and able to bring people together.

I see this every day at ADGA. Our strength as a Canadian defence and security company comes from our people and the networks we build with our clients, our partners, and within the communities we serve. It’s core to how we deliver, how we innovate, and how we grow.

If there’s one message I hope you take away, it’s this: don’t underestimate the power of showing up, asking questions, and making a connection. One conversation can change the course of your career. I know, because it changed mine.

Jana Lee Murray is Chief Growth Officer at ADGA Group. The views expressed here are her own and do not necessarily reflect a CDR editorial position.