If you want to build a powerful network without draining your social battery or working the room like a used car salesman, this episode is for you.

Phoebe Dodds is a global connector, ecosystem builder, co-founder of Social Capital, and the woman Harvard Business Review, Vogue, and Forbes turn to when they want to talk about the future of relationships and business. She's built connections across companies like Apple and Airbnb — not by hustling harder, but by understanding how human connection actually works.

This conversation is full of concrete tools you can use immediately. From what to actually say when you're meeting someone for coffee and why you should network at your level instead of only reaching for the C-suite to how one message a week can completely change your trajectory. Phoebe breaks down her approach to moving across continents and boardrooms while building a network that genuinely opens doors without feeling like a second job.

What You'll Learn:

How Phoebe got hired from one cold message on LinkedIn
The 100 new connections challenge and why it works
Why you should network at your level, not just C-suite
How to use jealousy as a tool for your vision board
Network stacking: bringing people together strategically
Low-lift conversation starters that actually work
How to keep networking organic without tracking systems

Find Phoebe here:

Substack: Social Currency | @phoebedodds1

LinkedIn: Phoebe Dodds

EPISODE CHAPTERS

[01:39] - Welcome: Phoebe Dodds on networking without the sleaze

[06:15] - How every cool thing Phoebe's done came through her network

[12:30] - The cold LinkedIn message that led to a year-long contract

[18:45] - Why networking is your safety net in an uncertain economy

[24:20] - The 100 new connections challenge

[36:40] - Jealousy as a vision board tool

[42:15] - Moving across continents and building networks everywhere

[48:30] - Network stacking and making it easy on yourself

[54:20] - Low-lift conversation starters that work

[56:00] - Rapid fire Q&A

WHERE TO FIND ALEXIS & TOO COLLECTIVE

Instagram:

@alexisbarber: https://www.instagram.com/alexisbarber/?hl=en

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Substack:

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TikTok:

@alexisbarber_: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexisbarber_

YouTube:

Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@alexis_barber

Shop the Episode: https://shopmy.us/shop?Curator_id=250549

Book Office Hours: Work with Alexis Here:

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22112790&appointmentType=79833937

Get the Journal: Too Smart For This: A Guided Journal Here:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/761193/too-smart-for-this-by-alexis-barber/

Questions, thoughts, or want to collaborate? Email Alexis at alexis@alexisbarber.com

ABOUT TOO SMART FOR THIS

You're ambitious. You're overwhelmed. And you're definitely too smart to keep sacrificing your well-being for someone else's definition of success.

Too Smart For This is the show for ambitious material girls just like you who are learning how to channel their chaotic energy into a more intentional and fun life.

Join your host, Alexis Barber (author, Wharton MBA, former Google/YouTube strategist, and certified ambitious material girl), every Monday for the frameworks, authentic conversations, and tangible tools you need to build a life that's both driven and deeply enjoyable. Because self-care is part of the business plan—and you're too smart to settle for anything less.

Subscribe now and follow @alexisbarber and @toocollective for more.

ABOUT YOUR HOST

Hello, love!

I'm an ambitious material girl obsessed with wellness, business, consumer culture, and the creator economy. I write from New York City, where I'm busy enjoying being young, gifted, and Black, oversharing online, and remembering that self-care is part of the business plan.

This show is supported by Other Kind Media — otherkindmedia.com