Why Every Emerging Woman Leader Needs a Network

If you're an emerging leader, you've probably been told to “network more.” But networking often gets a bad rap — it can feel transactional, awkward, or like just one more thing on your already-full plate.

Here’s the truth: the most powerful networks aren’t built from business cards and LinkedIn adds — they’re built on shared values, real conversations, and mutual support.

In my own leadership journey, I’ve found that the best connections often come from events where career advancement isn’t even the goal. When you show up as your full self — not just your job title — you open the door to genuine relationships that support both your personal and professional growth.

“In my own leadership journey, I’ve found that the best connections often come from events where career advancement isn’t even the goal.”

The Power of Values-Aligned Events

One of the most powerful networking experiences I’ve had recently was at a RiseUp event in San Diego — a gathering focused on connecting and empowering women. It wasn’t a “networking event” in the traditional sense. There were no name tags, no pitches, and no pressure to collect contacts. It was simply a space where women showed up to be in community, share stories, and support one another.

And yet — I left feeling more connected, inspired, and aligned than I had after some of the most polished professional mixers I’ve attended.

What made it so meaningful was that everyone was there for a shared purpose, not personal gain. I wasn’t trying to “work the room.” I was just present. And in that presence, I met women who were values-driven, ambitious, and open — the kind of people I genuinely wanted to stay connected with.

When you show up to events that speak to what you care about — whether that’s equity, leadership, wellness, or creativity — you’re more likely to meet people who feel like your people. And those are the connections that tend to grow into real community, not just contacts.

How I Build Community: Virtual and In-Person

As someone who moves between fast-paced work environments and coaching spaces, I’ve learned to be intentional about how I build and maintain my network. For me, that looks like a mix of in-person events that feel energizing and virtual communities that fit into the rhythm of my week.

I prioritize spaces where I can show up as my full self — not just a title or a role. That might mean joining a women’s leadership circle, attending a mission-driven gathering like RiseUp, or even carving out time for small-group masterminds or one-on-one virtual catch-ups with peers across industries.

The key isn’t how many events I attend or how visible I am — it’s about staying connected to communities that are aligned with my values and growth. Some of the most valuable professional relationships I’ve built came from a panel discussion I joined on a whim, or a virtual chat that turned into a long-term collaboration.

Your network doesn’t have to be huge. It just has to be real.

Building Connection

Natural connections are so much more powerful than going in with the expectation you will get something out.

When It Comes to Networking, Quality > Quantity

One of the biggest mindset shifts I had to make was letting go of the idea that networking meant collecting as many professional contacts as possible. It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers — how many people are in your LinkedIn network, how many business cards you leave with after an event, how many connections you “should” be making.

But the truth is, five meaningful relationships will take you further than 50 surface-level ones.

The most impactful professional connections I’ve built came from moments of real conversation — not polished elevator pitches. It’s the people who have seen me through career pivots, leadership challenges, and mindset shifts that have become collaborators, champions, and friends.

If you're an emerging leader, don’t just ask yourself, “Who should I meet?” Ask, “Where can I show up fully and connect with people who see me beyond my title?” That’s where the real network grows.

Coaching, Leadership, and the Power of Community

Leadership isn’t meant to be a solo journey. And yet, so many women try to go it alone — especially in the early stages of stepping into more responsibility or visibility.

That’s one of the reasons I became a coach. I saw how powerful it was to have a space where you could think out loud, untangle challenges, and reflect without needing to perform. Coaching offers that — and so do strong, supportive networks.

Whether it’s through in-person events, intimate coaching groups, or one-on-one spaces, I believe every emerging leader deserves a circle that reflects their growth back to them.

You don’t need to be the most connected person in the room — you just need to feel grounded in who you’re becoming, and be surrounded by people who support that version of you.

Ready to build a network that actually supports your growth?

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