Last week, I had the pleasure of attending a networking session organized by Atlas Corps, which brought together a dynamic and diverse group of young leaders from across the globe. As I walked into the event, I carried with me a powerful lesson I recently learned from reading Zen by Shunmyo Masuno. The book offers an important perspective on networking: instead of focusing on amassing countless contacts, prioritize deepening the connections that truly matter.
With that advice in mind, I decided to shift my approach. Rather than trying to meet as many people as possible, I made a conscious effort to engage in more meaningful conversations. I took time to listen, to understand the passions and goals of the individuals I met, and to find points of shared interest. It wasn’t about how many business cards I collected, but about the quality of the interactions I had.
The result? I found myself in inspiring discussions with fellow attendees, learning about the exciting initiatives they were leading in their communities and fields. We spoke about mutual interests, from digital transformation to leadership in tech, and how we might collaborate on future projects.
One standout conversation was with a leader working on a community-driven initiative to enhance digital literacy in underserved regions. We discussed ways that technology can be harnessed to bridge gaps in education, and I was reminded of how powerful collaboration can be in driving meaningful change.
This event reinforced a valuable lesson: true networking is about more than building a large contact list—it’s about forming deep, genuine connections that have the potential to spark new ideas and collaborations. By focusing on quality over quantity, I left the event with a handful of strong connections that I am excited to build on.
The Atlas Corps session was a fantastic reminder of the power of human connections and the importance of fostering relationships that are built on mutual interests, respect, and the desire to collaborate.
Networking doesn’t end when the event does. I’m excited to follow up with the people I connected with, explore potential projects, and continue to cultivate these relationships. I’m looking forward to more opportunities to collaborate and make a real impact, both in the digital space and beyond.
If you’re looking to improve your networking skills, I highly recommend Zen by Shunmyo Masuno. It provides simple, practical advice on how to be more present and mindful in our everyday interactions—valuable lessons that extend beyond the world of networking.
