Networking often feels forced, transactional, or uncomfortable.
In this episode of Beyond the Noise, we speak with networking and philanthropy expert Kotryna Stankutė-Jaščemskienė about why traditional professional networking advice often fails and what actually helps people build meaningful professional relationships.
Kotryna has spent years helping professionals develop authentic networking strategies that feel natural rather than performative. Through her work with international leaders, entrepreneurs, and global communities, she has seen how curiosity, generosity, and intentional follow-up create networks that truly matter.
In this conversation, we explore how professionals can navigate networking events without feeling fake, why introverts may actually have an advantage in building strong relationships, and how authentic curiosity often opens more doors than self-promotion ever will.
If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable with traditional networking culture, this episode will change how you think about building professional relationships.
• Why most networking advice feels unnatural
• The biggest mistakes people make at networking events
• Why introverts can be excellent networkers
• The role of curiosity in building meaningful relationships
• How vulnerability creates deeper professional connections
• Why networking should focus on giving rather than taking
• The importance of intentional follow-up
• How strong networks are built over time, not in a single meeting
Kotryna Stankutė-Jaščemskienė is a networking strategist and philanthropy leader focused on connecting people, ideas, and opportunities.
She mentors professionals on how to build authentic networks through mentorship, corporate training, and group programmes designed to help people discover their own natural networking style.
Kotryna also leads the Marius Jakulis Jason Foundation, a philanthropic initiative attracting global talent, academics, and entrepreneurs to Lithuania to share knowledge and build impact.
Previously, she served as Director at Global Lithuanian Leaders, an international professional network connecting Lithuanian professionals around the world.
LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kotryna-stankute/
Website
https://www.kotryna.network
Collab Circle
https://www.kotryna.network/en/collab-lab
Podcast Hosts
Anastasija Lynch
Executive Coach
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anastasija-lynch-coach
Khurshid Zaynutdinov
Executive CoachLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khurshidz/
Beyond the Noise is a podcast exploring leadership, resilience, decision-making, and the human side of success through conversations with leaders, experts, and thinkers from around the world.
New episodes are released biweekly.
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