Networking is often described as a career accelerator, but industry leaders say it is far more than that, it is a mindset, a daily practice, and one of the most valuable forms of professional currency. As Dr. Ritchie Karaburun, Clinical Associate Professor at NYU’s Tisch Center of Hospitality, explains, “Your network is your net worth,” equating social capital to money in the bank. Connections open doors, create opportunities, and shape the trajectory of a career, yet great networking is not about collecting business cards, it’s about building meaningful, genuine relationships. Insights from leaders across It’s Personal Stories reveal powerful strategies for connecting with authenticity and purpose.

1. Keep Going, It Gets Easier

Networking can feel intimidating, especially early in a career. Stephanie Ricca, Editorial Director at CoStar News Hotels, recalls the anxiety of walking into rooms full of strangers, but emphasizes that it becomes easier and more enjoyable with practice. Rupesh Patel, hotel owner, investor, and advocate, encourages approaching others with sincerity: “We all wake up the same way every morning.” His advice, “Connect with a lot of people, and don’t burn any bridges, “reminds us that meaningful engagement starts with confidence and shared humanity.

2. Take Genuine Interest in Others

Authenticity is the cornerstone of powerful networking. Susie Grynol, Regional Vice President of Marriott International, begins every interaction with a human-first approach: “I always start by asking how people are doing as a human being…I actually care.” Thom Geshay, CEO & President of Davidson Hospitality Group, echoes this with: “Be interested; don’t be interesting.” And Chip Rogers, Past President & CEO of AHLA, reinforces that real, lasting connections form when leaders connect personally, not transactionally.

3. Foster Transformative Connections

Great networkers don’t just build relationships, they elevate them. Liu Xin Xin, President of H World Hotels (China), stresses a win-win mindset centered on adding value. Industry visionary Chip Conley, bestselling author and thought leader, outlines a two-phase process: build your network, then cultivate it. He encourages “social alchemy,” bringing people together to create “collective effervescence,” moments where connection becomes transformational. Successful leaders introduce their networks to one another, multiplying opportunities for everyone.

4. Connect Authentically in Comfortable Settings

Networking does not need to follow traditional scripts. Leslie Hale, President & CEO of RLJ Lodging Trust, doesn’t golf or drink beer, common networking settings, but excels by connecting in ways authentic to her. Jin Lee, CEO of Acrophyte Hospitality Trust, prefers relaxed meals where genuine conversation flows more naturally. Their message: choose environments that bring out your real self. Authenticity always outperforms conformity.

5. Learn the Four Points of Effective Networking

Stacy Silver, President of Silver Hospitality Group, teaches networking at Cornell University and emphasizes four core principles:

1. No quid pro quo, authenticity is essential.
2. Be fully present, eye contact, no phones, active listening.
3. Do your research, know who you want to meet and what you want to say.
4. Accept imperfection, “Man plans, God laughs.” When things don’t go as expected, learn and try again.
   
   

Her framework turns intimidating interactions into purposeful, approachable conversations.

6. Follow Your Curiosity

For Frank Nardozza, Chairman & CEO of REH Capital Partners, curiosity is the engine of connection. “Networking is not just something one might do, it’s a necessity to succeed,” he says. His broad interests, from markets to biomedicine, equip him to connect deeply across industries. He reads widely and credits a daily front-to-back reading of The Wall Street Journal with generating opportunities worth millions. Curiosity transforms casual conversations into meaningful, memorable exchanges.

Cultivating Connections That Last

Across these leaders’ stories, a unifying truth emerges: networking is not about collecting contacts, it is about cultivating relationships that enrich your life and your career. Whether through curiosity, authenticity, preparation, generosity, or simply showing up, building meaningful connections is one of the most powerful professional investments you can make. After all, it’s not just what you know, but who you know, and how genuinely you engage, that accelerates success.