In this week’s episode, Jennifer Kahnweiler speaks with renowned business relationships strategist Andy Lopata about the intersection of networking, mentoring, and introversion. Together, they explore how introverts can harness their natural strengths—like listening and thoughtful reflection—to build powerful professional relationships.

Andy shares his journey into business networking, which began with a family business and evolved into a global platform for relationship-building and mentoring. Drawing from his newest book, The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring, co-authored with Ruth Gotian, Andy offers insights on developing strategic mentoring relationships and how introverts can thrive in these settings.

The episode also touches on the role of authenticity in social media, the use of AI in professional development, and actionable tips for introverts looking to build meaningful networks.

• Andy's personal and professional journey in networking
  
  

• Strategic mentoring: principles and practical guidance
  
  

• The strengths introverts bring to networking and relationship-building
  
  

• Andy’s 24-7-30 follow-up method for building connections
  
  

• Navigating authenticity and consistency on LinkedIn
  
  

• Using AI for productivity and communication
  
  

• Finding your voice online—without obsessing over engagement metrics
  
  

Andy’s Book: The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring co-authored with Dr. Ruth Gotian

→ A practical guide for building and sustaining mentoring relationships with intention and impact.

Andy interviewing Jennifer on his podcast,

• Andy Lopata’s website: https://lopata.co.uk/
  
  

• 7 Reasons Not To Accept LinkedIn Connection Requests From Strangers

Connect with Andy on LinkedIn

“Introverts often make the best networkers—not by working the room, but by listening, engaging deeply, and following up with intention.” – Andy Lopata

For nearly 25 years, Andy Lopata, a self-defined Ambivert, has specialized in professional relationships and networking. The Financial Times called him ‘one of Europe’s leading business networking strategists,’ and the Independent and Forbes.com called him a true master of networking.

A very experienced international speaker and podcast host, Andy is the author of five books, has been quoted in a number of other business books, and is regularly quoted in the international press. Andy’s sixth book, ‘The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring’, will be published in spring 2024.

Andy is a former President of the Fellows Community, a two-time Board Member of the Professional Speaking Association UK & Ireland (PSA), and a Fellow of the Learning and Performance Institute and a Member of the Meetings Industry Association and Association of Business Mentors. He is also among just 32 recipients of the PSA’s top honour, the ‘Award of Excellence’.