Authentic Networking Strategies for Introverted Women Leaders

In this episode, Carol is joined by Janine Friston, the founder of the Female Business Network. Janine’s community is dedicated to supporting introverted and quietly confident women who are building businesses, generating real income, and cultivating authentic relationships entirely on their own terms. Networking is often viewed as a vital component for career advancement and business growth, yet it frequently presents significant challenges for introverted women. The traditional expectation of walking into a large, noisy room to make small talk with dozens of strangers can be deeply overstimulating and draining. Janine shares her personal journey of navigating this reality, reflecting on her 20-year corporate background in customer service. Working her way up to senior management, she often found herself as the quieter leader surrounded by highly extraverted management colleagues. Rather than forcing herself into uncomfortable moulds, Janine realised she was naturally networking all along by seeking out individuals in other departments for deeper, one-to-one conversations. When she launched her own business in 2018, she initially tried to attend massive networking events with hundreds of people, only to realise that connecting with just a few individuals in a smaller setting was far more effective and authentic to her nature. In this episode:Why traditional networking events can feel overstimulating and draining for introverted leaders. The immense value of one-to-one connections and building deeper, more meaningful professional relationships. Practical ways to network without attending large, unstructured social gatherings, such as through digital messaging and small groups. How to protect your energy by deliberately scheduling recovery time before and after demanding events. Inclusive strategies for hosting large events that support quieter attendees, including buddy systems and pre-event introductions. Connect with Janine FristonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-friston-connector-and-small-business-mentor/Instagram: @FemaleBusinessNetwork Carol Stewart & Free Confidence, Influence & Impact Assessment: https://aboundingsolutions.comMusic: ©️ Julie Anne Smith#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders