Cassandra Thompson

Why does something so important feel so… awful?

If the word “networking” makes your skin crawl, you’re not alone. For many professionals, it feels sleazy, fake, or just plain awkward. Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, looking for sales leads, or hoping to build your professional reputation, you've probably been told to “give value first” or “just put yourself out there.” But that advice often leaves you feeling like you're performing instead of connecting.

In this refreshing and relatable keynote, Cassandra Thompson flips the networking script. Through real-life stories (including a hilariously cringey lunch that taught her everything not to do), Cassandra shows why the old give-or-take approach is flawed—and reveals the simple mindset shift that makes networking feel natural and even enjoyable.

Audiences walk away with a five-step plan to build meaningful relationships, whether for client engagement, employee engagement, or simply learning to build a professional network.

You’ll learn:

• Why traditional networking advice doesn’t work—and what to do instead
• A practical five-step plan to connect with ease and confidence
• The exact words to say when reaching out (no awkwardness required)