Selina’s Top Tips for Networking Start with a clear vision. Networking has more impact when aligned with your long ‑ term direction. Lead with authenticity. Not every connection needs to convert to a result and that’s perfectly fine. Use technology intentionally. Digital platforms can amplify your reach; tools like LinkedIn, online communities, and virtual events help you stay visible, build on relationships, and connect across borders. Nurture relationships. Follow up, add value where you can, and build gradually. Be intentional about your community. Surround yourself with people who share your mission, values, and momentum. Selina’s experience demonstrates that thoughtful networking not only opens doors you may never have anticipated, but also strengthens the communities you belong to.
brands. One of her standout initiatives, the Black Girls Tech Summit, has grown into one of the largest networks for Black women in technology, with a focus on skills development, leadership growth, and access to new opportunities. For Vanessa, networking is more than professional advancement, it is a lifeline. As a solo founder, she has faced challenges ranging from the isolation of entrepreneurship to the complexities of scaling a growing organisation.
Vanessa Sanyauke
“Networking isn't about asking for something and expecting it instantly. It's a conversation, you nurture it over time.” - SelinaThompson
She reflects: “That’s been really integral in terms of getting feedback, getting people to open those doors… especially when you are a solo founder, it can be quite isolated. You don't have someone to bounce ideas off and no person is an island.” She credits her success to a strong network of mentors, champions, and peers who have supported her throughout her journey.
Vanessa Sanyauke: Empowering Women Through Networking Vanessa Sanyauke, founder of Girls Talk and the Black Girls Tech Summit, understands first-hand the power of networking in building both business and community. Since 2013, Vanessa has been committed to empowering women, particularly those from underrepresented groups, by connecting them with opportunities, mentors and
Build Your Power | April 2026
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