Networking. Everyone says it’s important, yet it often triggers mixed feelings. For some, it comes naturally; for others, it feels forced or even uncomfortable. What makes it so fascinating is that networking is full of misunderstandings and paradoxes. You need it to move forward, yet you don’t want to appear dependent. You seek connection with others, while at the same time wanting to stay true to yourself.

In this keynote, we dive into the network paradox. We’ll unravel the contradictions and show why these tensions make networking both challenging and valuable. It’s not about collecting business cards or attending as many events as possible, but about understanding the dynamics behind relationships, trust, and reciprocity. By looking differently at paradoxes and misconceptions, you’ll discover how to network more effectively and authentically—without losing yourself in the process.