Networking for Introverts: How to Effectively Connect

Networking and connecting effectively are pivotal for professional growth. While some find it intuitive, it can be daunting for introverts who feel drained from vs energized by social interactions. Attempting to adopt extroverted strategies often exacerbates discomfort and even causes some people to dread the idea of networking. To support their networking endeavors, WEST is offering this event tailored to introverts with practical tools and strategies, fostering authentic and confident connections. 

All are welcome to attend 'Networking for Introverts: How to Connect Effectively' to explore a refreshing approach to networking. In addition to insights from our panelists, introverts who've navigated networking hurdles, attendees will engage in interactive games, facilitated discussions, and open networking sessions. Our goal is to provide a supportive environment where introverts can thrive and connect with authenticity and confidence.

Learning outcomes:

  • Reframing Networking: Gain insights into reframing networking as a genuine opportunity for connection rather than a strategic advancement tool.
  • Authentic Connection Strategies: Explore practical strategies tailored to introverts for building authentic connections in professional settings.
  • Overcoming Networking Challenges: Identify common networking challenges faced by introverts and explore effective strategies to overcome them.

Panelists include

  • Jahna Soomer James, Senior Associate Scientist, Mersana Therapeutics
  • Rashmi Korke-Kshirsagar, Senior Vice President, Technical Development and CMC Strategy, Be Biopharma
  • Pallavi Srivastava, CEO, The Wellbeing Ways LLC and an Executive Coach
  • Jo Viney, Ph.D., Co-founder and CEO, Seismic Therapeutic
  • Leah Cole, Director, Immunology, Sanofi Pasteur, Moderator

Date and Time:  
August 8, 2024
6:00-8:00 PM ET
 

6:00-6:35 PM: Registration, Light Dinner, Table Topic Conversations, Welcome, Introduction
6:35-7:10 PM: Panel Discussion
7:10-7:20 PM: Small Group Discussion
7:20-7:40 PM: Networking Game
7:40-8:00 PM: Reflection and Open Networking

 

 

Location:
Be Biopharma, Inc., One Kendall Sq, Bldg 200, 3rd Floor, Be Bio Café, Cambridge, MA 02139

Cost:   
Members: $15; Non-Members: $30 - light dinner provided by WEST
 

Given our mission is to promote women's development in STEM we would like to offer a free spot in our workshops to those in transition between jobs or who cannot afford the ticket price. Please contact [email protected] if you qualify.

 

Register Here

 

 

More about the panelists

Jahna Soomer James is Senior Associate Scientist at Mersana Therapeutics. I developed a deep passion for Science at a young age to interpret and feel connected to the world around me. In kindergarten we learned arithmetic using spent popsicle sticks and bottle caps then progressed through middle school to studying everything from the waxing and waning of the moon to its effect on the tides. I felt Science all around me growing up on the island of St. Lucia, nestled between the pristine skies and oceans that were kept in perfect balance by Science. To me, the connections in Science were obvious but along the way I was challenged by understanding the bonds we form with each other. As I learned more about the Science happening daily, hourly, by the minute inside us all, and more profoundly the ripple effect of the loss experienced when there is an upset to that perfect internal balance, I had an overwhelming desire to learn and do more. In the years that followed I’ve cultivated a limitless way of thinking about Science and fascination with the connections we make with each other. I’ve found great joy in sharing my passion with younger scholars and this fuels pride in my everyday work as an Immuno-Oncology researcher. Spending much time in deep thought can sometimes be exhausting so I’m happy to share my introvert experience and highlight how I preserve my energy, while also sharing my life force with others in order to have the greatest impact.

Rashmi Kshirsagar has relevant industrial experience in pharmaceutical Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) development based on more than 20 years of CMC development responsibilities in biologics, focused on proteins and cell therapy. Rashmi Kshirsagar joined Be Biopharma as Senior Vice President and will be part of the Operations Leadership Team. Previously, Rashmi was the VP for Technical Development and CMC Strategy at Rubius Therapeutics. Before that, she was Senior Director for Protein Development in Pharmaceutical Operations & Technology at Biogen. She joined Biogen with a PhD in Chemical Engineering from University of Minnesota where she worked with Professor Wei-Shou Hu and prior experience in Technical Development at Millennium Pharmaceuticals. Her graduate work involved application of genomic and proteomic approaches to mammalian process development. Rashmi has been active for more than 25 years in the scientific community by presenting at conferences, publishing scientific papers and book chapters, planning conferences, conference sessions and workshops and participating in industrial forums and consortia. Full Bio 

Pallavi Srivastava's diverse 18+ years of career journey includes closely collaborating with executives in multifaceted roles. In her professional stint 1.0 as business journalist she worked with CEOs and other c-suite leaders asking tough questions. Her personal experience with burnout inspired her to pivot to stint 2.0 as a workplace well-being therapist. In her present role as CEO of The Wellbeing Ways LLC and a Leadership Coach, Pallavi partners with leaders, scientists and start-up founders on topics life self-leadership, presence, resilience, conflict management, problem solving, emotional intelligence, etc. She has guided leaders towards their highest potential and sustainable high performance. Her book 'Relationship with the Self,' underscores her commitment and expertise in fostering self-leadership and thriving. It shows us how we can lean into 'who we are' and leverage our values and strengths to create success and fulfillment. Pallavi has coached leaders across the world and industries for over 1000 coaching hours and with results that have earned consistent re-engagement of her services. Pallavi is credentialed by the International Coaching Federation as an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and is certified by the Co-Active Training Institute as a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC), and holds an MBA degree. Full Bio

Jo Viney, Ph.D. is co-founder and CEO of Seismic Therapeutic, the machine learning immunology company developing medicines for autoimmune disease. A seasoned biotech executive and entrepreneurial scientist, she has co-founded 3 biotech startup companies in MA - the first of which, Pandion Therapeutics, was acquired by Merck in 2021 for $1.85B. Prior to Pandion she held research leadership positions and contributed to the drug discovery pipelines at Biogen, Amgen, and Immunex. She is an experienced director on both private and public company boards. Jo is a big advocate for workplace inclusiveness and regularly volunteers her time with a number of organizations focused on increasing diversity.