1. Be curious: learn about yourself Building strong networks and relationships starts with understanding yourself. What are your key strengths, and how can you use them effectively? Are there aspects of your personality you could develop further? As Socrates advised, “Know thyself.”

Tools like the VIA Character Strengths survey and the 16 Personalities assessment can offer useful insights into your traits and how others may perceive you. Reflecting on these perspectives can help you build rapport more intentionally and identify emotional or psychological barriers that may have held you back.

2. Be brave Push yourself beyond your comfort zone. Reach out to someone you admire on LinkedIn or a similar platform and start a conversation - perhaps asking if they mentor or support aspiring leaders.  ...