This is your The Woman's Career Podcast podcast.
Welcome to The Woman’s Career Podcast. Today we’re cutting straight to the heart of what moves careers forward but rarely gets enough attention: networking. Whether you’re reaching for your first promotion or aiming for the C-suite, who you know, and who knows you, can be game changers. Sheryl Sandberg’s own story is a real-world reminder—she wasn’t headhunted for her game-changing role at Facebook. She met Mark Zuckerberg at a Christmas party, built an authentic connection, and months later, stepped into a leadership role that shaped the industry. This isn’t rare luck. It’s intentional networking, and women leaders consistently credit it with achieving boardroom seats and accelerating promotions, especially where informal networks still lean male-dominated.
Let’s get practical about how you can build, strengthen, and use your network strategically—no matter if you’re an introvert or an extrovert.
First, play to your strengths. As the Kellogg School of Management found, women often build deeper, more meaningful relationships. Don’t feel you must mimic broader, surface-level networking tactics. Instead, cultivate a smaller circle of strong connections who truly know your work and ambitions. And don’t overlook women-centric networks or affinity groups—these are powerful spaces for advice, mentorship, and advancing together. Leaders like Carla Harris from Morgan Stanley often highlight the huge impact of women’s sponsorship and peer support.
Second, diversify your network. It’s easy to stick to those similar to ourselves, but the most resilient, opportunity-rich networks cross boundaries—by industry, background, or even geography. Intentionally reach out to someone outside your usual circle and listen to their story over a virtual coffee. Harvard Business Review reminds us that such diverse ties spark innovation and open unexpected doors.
Now, if you’re an introvert, focus on authentic one-on-one interactions, not working the room. Write thoughtful LinkedIn comments, follow up after webinars, or send a genuine note of congratulations when you see someone’s achievement. For extroverts, use your energy to gather women together—host informal meetups or start a small networking group, helping lift each other as you connect.
A crucial but often missed point: leverage your network. Many women are brilliant at building relationships, but hesitate to ask for specific help—worried about being seen as self-serving. Here’s the truth: people want to help, and opportunities so often arise when you simply ask. Reach out for advice, referrals, or support on a project. The women who move forward most often, like Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, are those who don’t hesitate to draw on their networks, and who also give back in turn.
Remember, networking isn’t self-promotion. It’s relationship-building—about sharing value, collaborating, and making your accomplishments visible. Take the time to celebrate your successes, both publicly and within your group. When others see your impact, new opportunities follow.
Thank you for tuning in to The Woman’s Career Podcast. Subscribe for more stories, tips, and inspiration designed to propel your career forward. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease dot ai.
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