Episode Details

This is your The Woman's Career Podcast podcast.

Welcome to The Woman’s Career Podcast, where we shine a light on career growth, empowerment, and honest conversations for women navigating their professional journeys. Today, we’re diving into one of the most powerful, and sometimes intimidating, tools in your career toolkit: networking. Whether you thrive in a crowded room or prefer one-on-one coffee chats, this episode is about making networking work for you—authentically, effectively, and confidently.

Let’s get real: networking is not just about collecting business cards or racking up LinkedIn connections. According to Deborah Gray, a Professor of Marketing at Central Michigan University, true networking is about building relationships—real, lasting connections that go deeper than a quick handshake at a conference. And here’s something I’ve learned from my own experience and from listening to voices like Henna Inam, author of How to Network with Authenticity: women often build incredible networks, yet sometimes hesitate to actually use them, fearing that asking for help feels transactional or inauthentic. But here’s the truth: networking is a two-way street, and you have just as much to offer as you do to gain.

So, let’s break it down for both introverts and extroverts. If you’re someone who loves the energy of a room full of people, you might gravitate toward big industry events, conferences, or women’s professional networks like Ellevate or Lean In Circles. These organizations, highlighted by Vault, offer not just networking opportunities but also mentorship programs and skill-building workshops. For introverts, smaller gatherings—think discussion groups, coffee meetups, or virtual roundtables—can feel less overwhelming. The key is to find the setting that energizes you, not drains you.

Here’s a practical tip: wherever you land, master the art of small talk by asking open-ended questions and truly listening. The Career Central blog notes that showing genuine interest is a superpower. And remember, you don’t have to work the entire room. Two or three meaningful conversations can be more valuable than a stack of business cards.

A common pitfall, as discussed in InPower Coaching, is over-giving—saying yes to every favor, every request, every coffee date—until networking becomes a burden. Building network karma is about generosity, but also about setting boundaries. Give when you can, but also give yourself permission to say no and focus on what matters to your own growth.

Now, let’s talk about the ask. So many women struggle with being specific about what they need—or even asking at all. Vague requests like “help me find a job” are hard to act on. Instead, try something like, “I’d appreciate a quick introduction to someone in sustainability at Amazon,” or, “Could you share your perspective on breaking into tech as a new grad?” This specificity transforms your ask from a burden into a clear, manageable action.

If you’re just starting to build your network, the shared activities principle that Professor Gray emphasizes can be a game changer. Look for groups, clubs, or volunteer opportunities connected to your interests or industry. Joining the board of a local nonprofit, participating in a professional association, or even starting a book club with colleagues can create natural connections.

For those who identify as women of color or from marginalized communities, the perspective from Embrace Change NYC is especially relevant. Networking can be about collective uplift—making the pie bigger for everyone. Ask others about their goals and challenges, and see how you can support each other. It’s not just about climbing the ladder; it’s about building a foundation where everyone has room to thrive.

Mentorship is another critical piece. Seek out mentors, but also be open to mentoring others. The act of sharing your knowledge and experie