Squiggly Careers Podcast: Squiggly Shortcut — An Introvert's Guide to Networking
Date: February 12, 2026
Host: Sarah Ellis (with an intro from Helen Tupper)
Theme: Practical networking strategies for introverts, focusing on making authentic connections while recognizing introversion as a preference for re-energizing rather than a dislike of people.
Episode Overview
In this “Squiggly Shortcut” episode, Sarah Ellis takes listeners through her personal and actionable advice for introverts who find networking daunting. Drawing from her own experience as an introvert, Sarah reframes networking as a must-do for career development—not just for extroverts. She explains how nurturing meaningful connections can open up new opportunities, increase resilience, and bring unexpected joy, even for those who find it draining.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
What Introversion Really Means
- Sarah clarifies misconceptions: introverts value people but need solitude to recharge.
- “It doesn't mean that you don't like people. It's much more about how, where and when you re-energize.” (01:00)
- The temptation for introverts is often to stick with familiar faces and essential relationships, neglecting developmental ones.
Why Networking Matters for Everyone
- Other people are crucial sources of learning, opportunity, and seeing perspectives you can’t access alone.
- Sarah emphasizes, “People really matter in a squiggly career… Other people are a brilliant source of learning, opportunity and possibility.” (02:10)
Top Tips for Introvert-Friendly Networking
-
Start With Learning, Not People
- Instead of, “Who do I want to know?” ask, “What do I want to learn, and who can help me?”
- Learning as a filter makes networking feel purposeful rather than forced.
- Quote: “Ask yourself a learning question.” (03:00)
-
Use Strong Ties for Warm Introductions
- Leverage people you already have rapport with (managers, colleagues, friends) to make new introductions.
- Scripts to request introductions: “One of the things I’d like to learn more about is... Do you know anyone who you think could help?” (04:00)
- Warm intros reduce the discomfort of “cold” networking.
- Quote: “If people can help to make a connection, they typically will.” (04:50)
-
Seek Networking That Doesn’t Feel Like Networking
- Many of Sarah’s meaningful connections started incidentally: through learning, volunteering, or joining groups outside her primary job.
- By participating in new environments and activities, relationship-building happens organically.
- Quote: “It’s often where network isn’t the first priority... You're automatically going to be surrounded by new people.” (06:20)
-
Demystify Events—One Person is Enough
- Ignore the pressure to “work the room.”
- Tactics:
- Bring a companion to events for support and shared experience.
- If solo, set the bar at holding one good-quality conversation.
- Quote: “All I’m trying to do... If I have one good-quality conversation, I create one new connection, that’s it.” (09:10)
-
Plan for Possibility—Who Are Your 10 Possibility People?
- Identify 10 people who could help you explore new paths—even if you changed roles or sectors.
- This exercise reveals network gaps and challenges you to step outside your current echo chamber.
- Sarah admits she got to five on her own list, recognizing opportunity for growth.
- Quote: “Who are your 10 possibility people?” (10:20)
- “It helps you escape the echo chamber trap... you don’t get stuck in your silos.” (10:55)
Memorable Quotes & Moments
-
On Networking as a Must-Do, Not a Nice-to-Do:
“We want to make building brilliant relationships—a must-do, not a nice-to-do—as part of your squiggly career because it will increase your opportunities... but also increases your resilience.” (12:00) -
On Avoiding Complacency in Networks:
“I’ve probably been a bit lazy because I love what I do. But things change. In a squiggly career there’s lots of uncertainty...” (11:10) -
Final Thought:
“You’re never going to lose out by creating connections and borrowing brilliance outside your world today.” (11:30)
Recommended Next Steps & Resources
- AI Skills Sprint:
For a deeper dive, listen to their special episode on using AI to make networking “easier if you’re more introverted like me.” (12:30) - Contact:
If you need a networking shortcut not covered here, email: HelenandSarah@squigglycareers.com
Key Timestamps
- 01:00 — Explaining introversion and reframing networking for introverts
- 02:10 — Why people matter in “squiggly” (nonlinear) careers
- 03:00 — Using learning objectives to guide networking
- 04:50 — Leveraging strong ties for introductions
- 06:20 — How incidental activities lead to genuine networks
- 09:10 — Reducing event anxiety: focus on one good conversation
- 10:20 — The “10 Possibility People” exercise
- 12:00 — The importance of proactive relationship-building
Tone & Style
The episode is warm, personal, and reassuring. Sarah’s candid admissions about her own introversion, vulnerability, and experiences encourage listeners to see networking as accessible and adaptable to their own style.
TL;DR:
Networking isn’t just for extroverts—introverts can create meaningful, powerful connections by focusing on learning goals, leveraging existing relationships for introductions, and making small, manageable steps at events. Reframing networking as building brilliant relationships makes it essential for both development and resilience in today’s unpredictable work world.