Episodes
How to Turn a Networking Failure Into Career Capital
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore a counterintuitive idea: that the most valuable career capital comes not from your wins, but from your networking failures. They dissect the 'post-conference silence'—that cringe-worthy moment when you follow up with a promising contact and hear nothing back. Lucas shares a specific framework called the 'Failure Audit,' drawn from his own experience of a botched introduction at a trade show in 2023, and explains how to extract actionable lessons from any…
How to Ask for an Introduction Without Being Awkward
In this episode of Networking with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore the fine art of asking for a professional introduction. They break down the psychology behind why we hesitate, share a simple three-part framework for making the request easier for everyone, and discuss how to follow up when the introduction happens. Along the way, they reference real-world examples like Reid Hoffman's philosophy on asking for help and the 'warm intro' etiquette in venture capital. Whether you're reaching out to…
How Your Professional Bio Can Attract Career Opportunities
In this episode of Networking with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore how a well-crafted professional bio can serve as a passive networking tool, opening doors you never knocked on. They break down the anatomy of a bio that actually gets read, from the opening hook to the strategic use of keywords, and share the surprising story of a project manager who landed a board seat because her bio read like a promise, not a resume. They also discuss common mistakes—like the 'résumé on a napkin' effect and…
How to Politely Decline a Networking Request
In this episode of Networking with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna tackle the uncomfortable but essential skill of saying no to networking requests without burning bridges. They explore the 'kind no' framework, the importance of offering alternative value, and how to protect your time while maintaining professional relationships. The hosts share concrete scripts and real-world examples, such as how a simple LinkedIn message can be turned into a positive interaction. They also discuss the power of…
How to Network Within Your Own Company Before You Quit
Episode 151 of Networking with Fexingo drills into a counterintuitive career move: building your internal network when you're already planning to leave. Hosts Lucas and Luna break down the 'stay interview' strategy, using the example of a mid-level finance manager at a regional bank who networked her way into a promotion she'd given up on. They discuss why internal contacts are your best references, how to identify informal power brokers, and why a graceful exit can actually expand your…
The Networking ROI of Being a Known Resource
Lucas and Luna explore the underrated networking strategy of becoming the person others think of first when they need a resource, a recommendation, or a referral. They discuss how building a reputation as a helpful connector can compound into career capital, using the example of a mid-career marketer who transformed her network by hosting monthly 'office hours' for junior colleagues. The episode digs into the psychology of reciprocity, the practical steps to becoming a known resource without…
How to Network with Recruiters Without Being a Pest
In this episode of Networking with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore a fresh angle: building genuine professional relationships with recruiters. They discuss why recruiters are often misunderstood, how to add value to their work, and the 'five-percent rule' for follow-ups. Using a concrete example from a healthcare tech recruiter, they show how a simple 'industry trend alert' can turn a transactional contact into a career ally. The hosts also share practical scripts for initial outreach and…
How a Networking Playlist Can Reopen Old Connections
Lucas and Luna explore networking playlists: curating shared music as a low-pressure, high-recall way to rekindle dormant professional relationships and build new ones. They unpack why music bypasses small talk, how to build a playlist that reflects your professional story, and when a song might be the only opening you need. Packed with practical steps and a real-world example, this episode is for anyone who finds traditional networking forced or forgettable. #NetworkingPlaylist #CareerCapital…
How to Turn Small Talk Into Real Career Connections
In this episode of Networking with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore how to transform superficial small talk at professional events into meaningful career connections. They dissect the anatomy of a memorable conversation, from the first 30 seconds to the follow-up, and share a concrete framework called the 'three-beat method' to move beyond the weather and job titles. Using the example of a software engineer who landed a mentor at a conference, they show how a simple shift in questions can reveal…
How to Network Your Way Into a Board Seat
Ever wondered how to land a board seat without waiting decades? In this episode, Lucas and Luna dive into the surprisingly strategic world of board networking. They unpack the story of a mid-career CFO who turned volunteer board roles into a Fortune 500 directorship, and break down the 'board-ready' playbook: how to identify the right committees, leverage your operational expertise, and build credibility with search firms. Expect concrete tactics like the 'two-step warm intro' and the…
How a Weak Handshake Kills Your Career Network
In this episode, Lucas and Luna unpack the surprisingly powerful role of the handshake in professional networking. They dig into a 2018 University of Chicago study linking handshake quality to interview evaluations and hiring recommendations, and share practical tips for improving your own style. Learn how the right grip, eye contact, and follow-through can create a positive first impression that lasts, and why the handshake remains a meaningful ritual in an increasingly digital world. If…
How a Networking Sidekick Role Boosts Your Career Capital
In this episode of Networking with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore a fresh angle: the power of being a networking sidekick. They break down how taking on a supporting role in someone else's networking effort—like helping a colleague prepare for a big event or introducing two contacts—can dramatically expand your own career capital. Using the concrete example of a mid-level marketer who became the go-to connector in her firm, they discuss the psychology of reciprocal value, the art of strategic…
How to Turn a Conference Stranger Into a Long-Term Career Ally
In this episode of Networking with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore a powerful networking technique: turning a single conference encounter into a durable, mutually beneficial professional relationship. They break down the 'conference-to-correspondence' method, using a real-world example of a marketing manager who met a potential mentor at a trade show and, through a series of deliberate follow-ups and value exchanges, built a relationship that led to a board recommendation. The hosts discuss the…
How a Networking Journal Builds Career Capital
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the power of a networking journal — a simple habit that can transform scattered contacts into a strategic career asset. They dig into the story of a mid-career product manager who used a daily journaling practice to turn casual coffee chats into a board seat at a startup. Lucas explains the 'catalog method': recording not just names but context, follow-ups, and the 'career capital' each contact represents. Luna challenges him on the time commitment, and…
How Giving a Lightning Talk Expands Your Career Network
A single 15-minute talk at a local meetup can unlock more career opportunities than months of cold outreach. In this episode, Lucas and Luna unpack the before-during-after strategy for using short presentations as a networking catalyst. They share a real-world example of a marketer who turned one lightning talk into multiple consulting gigs and speaking invitations. Listeners learn how to choose a topic that highlights rare expertise, how to structure content for maximum audience engagement…
How to Network with Senior Executives Without Being Pushy
Only 15% of professionals feel comfortable reaching out to someone two levels above them. In episode 140, Lucas and Luna unpack why most networking attempts with senior leaders fail — and how to fix them. Lucas shares a specific framework: the 'one-sentence ask' combined with a pre-meeting research habit that turns a cold email into a warm conversation. They walk through a real example of a junior marketer who landed a VP mentor by referencing a white paper the VP had co-authored, using a…
How a Networking Portfolio Can Attract Career Opportunities
In this episode of Networking with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore a proactive networking strategy: creating a one-page 'opportunity portfolio' that summarizes your skills, projects, and ideal roles. They walk through a real case—Sarah, a marketing manager who shared her portfolio with 20 contacts and landed two interviews in a month. Discover how to craft your own portfolio, when to share it, and why this approach shifts networking from asking to attracting. #NetworkingPortfolio…
How to Network in a Remote or Hybrid Workplace
In this episode, Lucas and Luna tackle the challenge of building professional relationships when face-to-face interaction is limited. They discuss concrete strategies for remote and hybrid workers, including leveraging asynchronous communication, scheduling intentional one-on-ones, and creating virtual water cooler moments. Drawing on real-world examples, they explain how to turn digital interactions into career capital, with practical tips for engaging senior leaders and peers alike.…
How Asking for a Favor Builds a Better Network
Episode 137 of Networking with Fexingo explores the Benjamin Franklin effect—the counterintuitive idea that asking someone for a favor makes them like you more. Lucas and Luna unpack the psychology behind it, starting with the 18th-century story of Franklin borrowing a rare book from a political rival. They discuss how to apply this in modern career networking: the types of small, genuine favors that strengthen relationships, why it works better than traditional 'give first' advice, and how to…
How Your Alumni Network Can Open Career Doors
We explore how to activate your alumni network for career opportunities, backed by a 2025 NACE survey showing 45% of Fortune 500 internships are filled via alumni referrals. Lucas shares a specific tactic: joining mentoring circles to give value first, then receiving referrals. Luna contrasts with cold outreach mistakes and recommends starting on LinkedIn with tailored messages referencing shared context. The episode includes a concrete weekly goal and the importance of tracking response rates.…
How to Rekindle Dormant Professional Relationships
Most professionals have hundreds of LinkedIn connections but rarely reach out to those they haven't spoken to in years. In Episode 135 of Networking with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore the hidden career capital buried in dormant contacts. They unpack why we hesitate to reconnect, how a 2018 Harvard Business Review study found that over 80% of people are willing to help if asked, and what a simple three-sentence email can accomplish. Lucas shares his own story of reconnecting with a former…
Why Internal Networking Is Your Best Career Move
Most professionals focus their networking efforts externally, but the real career leverage often lies within your own organization. Based on a LinkedIn survey showing that employees with strong internal networks are four times more likely to be promoted, Lucas and Luna break down three overlooked strategies for building internal connections that boost career mobility. They cover cross-departmental coffee chats, internal informational interviews, and the concept of organizational currency…
How Introverts Can Network Without Formal Events
Episode 133 of Networking with Fexingo tackles a common career hurdle: networking when you're an introvert. Lucas shares a story of a software engineer named Priya who went from dreading conferences to building a 300-person network using asynchronous methods like thoughtful LinkedIn messages and email outreach. He references a 2024 Harvard Business Review study showing introverts who follow structured async outreach build networks 40% faster than those forcing in-person events. Luna challenges…
Networking Across Industries Without Existing Contacts
Switching industries feels impossible when you don't know anyone in the new field. In this episode, Lucas and Luna break down a systematic approach used by a former retail manager who landed a software sales role after just 24 targeted conversations. They explore the concept of 'industry bridge conversations' — low-friction, story-based asks that build cultural fluency and generate referrals. Learn how to reverse-engineer your target role, identify people with similar transition stories, and…
How a Networking Content Strategy Became a Career Magnet
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore how B2B marketing manager Sarah used a deliberate LinkedIn content strategy to attract five career opportunities in three months without sending a single cold message. They break down her approach: picking a specific niche (B2B content marketing metrics), posting weekly insights, and engaging authentically in comment threads. Sarah's story illustrates how building visible expertise can flip the networking dynamic from outbound to inbound. Lucas and Luna…
The Networking Follow-Up That Multiplied My Career Offers
In this episode, Lucas and Luna dive into a specific networking follow-up strategy that turned one conversation into three job offers. They break down the exact email template Lucas used after a coffee chat with a VP at a mid-sized tech firm, and how a simple 'update and ask' approach kept the relationship warm without being pushy. Luna shares her own data: of 50 follow-ups she tracked over six months, the ones that included a specific ask had a 40% higher response rate than generic 'great to…
The Networking Handoff That Turns Contacts Into Career Advocates
Lucas and Luna explore the concept of a networking handoff — the moment you actively transfer a contact you can't serve to someone else, turning a dead end into a career asset for both parties. They dissect a real example: a mid-career marketer who connected a junior designer with a startup founder, which led to a job for the designer and a trusted reputation for the marketer. The hosts discuss why most people hoard their networks instead of actively brokering introductions, how to spot a…
The Networking Reciprocity Gap That Hurts Your Career
Lucas and Luna explore the networking reciprocity gap — the tendency to focus on what you can get from a connection rather than what you can offer. Using the example of a marketing manager who revived a stale network by proactively sharing industry reports and introductions, they break down how shifting from a 'what can I gain?' to a 'what can I give?' mindset builds deeper trust and opens unexpected career doors. The episode covers the 'five-minute favor' concept, how to identify your own…
How a Networking Accountability Partner Transformed My Career
Lucas and Luna explore the power of networking accountability partners. Lucas shares how a weekly 15-minute check-in with a peer from a previous job turned vague goals into concrete introductions and a promotion. They discuss how to find an accountability partner, what to cover in each session, and why the structure matters more than the relationship. Specifics include a case of a marketing manager who landed a director role after 12 weeks of structured accountability calls. No fluff, just…
The Networking Asset Inventory That Reveals Your Hidden Career Value
Most professionals overlook the career capital they already own. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the concept of a networking asset inventory: a systematic way to catalog your existing relationships, skills, credentials, and experiences to uncover hidden opportunities. Lucas shares a concrete example from a marketing manager who discovered that her dormant alumni network and a forgotten certification were worth more than any cold outreach. Luna pushes back on whether this feels too…
The Networking Follow-Up That Builds Career Trust
Lucas and Luna unpack why most networking follow-ups fail and reveal the one technique that builds real career trust: the 'spotted' email. Drawing on a real case from a marketing manager who landed a referral after a six-month gap, they explain how to send a low-pressure, high-value note that rekindles a connection without asking for anything. They cover timing, specific examples, and the psychology behind why this approach works. No templates, no scripts — just a conversational breakdown of a…
How a Networking Elevator Pitch Becomes a Career Conversation Starter
In this episode of Networking with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna tackle the art of the elevator pitch — not as a 30-second sell, but as a genuine conversation starter that builds professional relationships. They break down why most pitches fail because they're too transactional, and share a specific three-part structure used by a senior product manager at Microsoft to land introductions that turned into job offers. You'll learn how to pivot from 'what you do' to 'what you're curious about,' and why…
The Networking Curiosity Gap That Holds Your Career Back
Why do so many professionals struggle to turn casual conversations into career capital? In Episode 123 of Networking with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna unpack a 2025 Harvard Business School study of 800 job seekers. The finding: people who asked three or more follow-up questions during a networking call were 41% more likely to receive a referral within 90 days. But most stop after one. The hosts drill into the psychology — what researcher Alison Wood Brooks calls the 'curiosity gap' — and why your…
How a Networking Introductions Scorecard Reveals Hidden Career Gaps
In this episode of Networking with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore a counterintuitive way to measure your networking health: tracking not how many people you meet, but how often those connections result in warm introductions. Lucas shares the story of a marketing executive who kept a simple scorecard of introductions made for others versus introductions received, and discovered a blind spot that was stalling her career. They discuss why the ratio matters more than the raw number, how to ask for…
How a Networking Warmup Call Unlocks Better Career Conversations
In this episode of Networking with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore the power of the 'pre-conversation' — a 10-minute warmup call before a networking event or important meeting. They break down why even seasoned professionals freeze up, how a low-stakes alignment chat can double the value of the main conversation, and share a concrete three-question framework you can use before your next networking interaction. Drawing on examples from tech conferences and executive roundtables, they explain how…
How a Networking Warmup Call Unlocks Better Career Conversations
Lucas and Luna explore the power of a networking warmup call: a low-stakes five-minute conversation before a high-stakes meeting or event. They break down the psychology — why priming your brain with voice contact reduces social friction, increases recall, and makes follow-ups feel natural. Lucas shares a specific example: a product manager who used a warmup call before a conference and landed two meaningful introductions she wouldn't have made otherwise. Luna offers a contrasting case: a job…
How a Networking Story Bank Unlocks Career Conversations
Lucas and Luna explore the power of a personal 'story bank' — a curated set of 3–5 professional anecdotes that naturally convey your value in networking conversations. They break down why most people wing it and how a simple prep framework, used by a real mid-career marketer named Priya, led to three warm referrals in one quarter. The hosts discuss how to identify which stories to include, the 'so what' test for relevance, and the surprising benefit of practicing aloud. Plus, a brief interlude…
How a Networking Punch List Turns Contacts into Career Capital
Lucas and Luna tackle a common networking frustration: you meet someone interesting, exchange cards, and then nothing happens. The fix, they argue, is a 'networking punch list' — a simple system for tracking who you've met, what you discussed, and the next specific action. Lucas breaks down the three-part structure that keeps follow-through from falling through the cracks: a contact log, a conversation summary, and a timed reminder. Luna pushes back on whether this veers into transactional…
How a Networking Warm Intro Multiplied a Career Cold Email
You've heard that a warm introduction is better than a cold email. But Lucas and Luna break down the actual math: one specific case study of a mid-career marketer who landed five conversations from one warm intro, versus twelve cold emails that resulted in one reply. They walk through the four-part structure of a warm intro request that actually works — and why most people skip step two. Plus, a practical template for making your ask easy for a contact to say yes to. This is Episode 117 of…
How to Network Through a Career Gap Without Embarrassment
Episode 116 of Networking with Fexingo tackles the career gap — whether from a layoff, health leave, parenting, or just a break. Lucas and Luna explore why silence after a gap is the real networking killer, and break down a specific technique called the 'Bumper Lane Message' — a low-stakes email framework that turns the gap into a narrative bridge instead of a hole. They use the example of a marketing director who took 14 months off to care for a parent and landed three coffee meetings within…
How a Networking Audit Revealed Hidden Career Levers
Most professionals network by instinct, not by design. In episode 115 of Networking with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore the concept of a networking audit — a systematic review of your contact map, relationship depth, and engagement gaps. Lucas walks through a real example: a mid-career marketing director named Priya who realized she had 80% of her contacts inside her own company and was missing the weak ties that drive external opportunities. By auditing her LinkedIn connections, calendar…
How a Professional Biography Becomes Your Networking Superpower
In this episode of Networking with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore why a polished professional biography is one of the most underutilized networking tools. They break down the story of Sarah, a mid-career marketing director who overhauled her one-paragraph bio to include a specific numerical impact—tripling her inbound speaking invitations within three months. The hosts discuss the three essential elements of a bio that converts: specificity, relevance, and a subtle ask. They also share a…
How a Networking One-Pager Doubled Their Career Opportunities
In this episode of Networking with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna break down a powerful but underused networking tool: the one-pager. They walk through a real case of a mid-career marketing professional who created a single-page document summarizing her career story, key skills, and ideal next role — and how that document helped her land three interviews in two weeks, including a role at a Fortune 500 company. Lucas explains the exact structure of an effective one-pager: a professional summary, a…
How Weak Ties Land Your Next Career Breakthrough
Lucas and Luna explore the power of weak ties in career networking, drawing on a landmark 1973 study by sociologist Mark Granovetter that found 84% of job offers came from acquaintances, not close friends. They discuss why weak ties work — they bridge different social circles, expose you to fresh information — and offer practical tactics: the five-minute outreach, the two-sentence ask, and how to maintain a weak-tie contact list. Luna shares a personal example of a colleague who landed a role…
How to Network Without Ever Asking for a Job
Most people approach networking backwards: they lead with requests. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore a counterintuitive approach — giving before you ask. They dissect the story of a marketing manager who landed her dream role at Patagonia not by applying, but by building a free resource for the outdoor industry. They break down the psychology of reciprocity and the specific steps to offer value without looking transactional. Plus, a concrete framework for identifying what you can give…
How a Networking Menu Unlocks Better Career Conversations
This episode introduces the concept of a 'networking menu' — a curated list of conversation topics and ask-types that make follow-ups feel natural. Lucas walks through how to build one using three categories: intellectual curiosity, shared experience, and mutual benefit. Luna pushes back on whether this feels too transactional. They explore a real example from a product manager who used a menu to turn a conference ping-pong match into a job offer at a Series B startup. The episode closes with a…
The Follow-Up Email That Actually Gets a Reply
Most professionals send a networking follow-up and never hear back. In this episode, Lucas and Luna break down why the standard 'great to meet you, let's connect on LinkedIn' email fails — and what actually works. They walk through a real case: a marketing manager who used a specific observation from a conference conversation to land a 30-minute call with a VP at a Fortune 500 company. Lucas shares the four-part structure of an effective follow-up: reference a shared moment, add a tiny insight…
How to Follow Up After Networking Events Without Being Awkward
Episode 108 of Networking with Fexingo tackles the art of the follow-up after conferences, meetups, and virtual events. Lucas and Luna break down why most follow-ups fail (too generic, too late, too self-serving) and share a simple three-part framework: reference a specific moment, add a small value, and propose a low-friction next step. They walk through real examples, including how a single tailored email led to a mentorship for a junior analyst, and why sending a follow-up within 24 hours…
How a Networking Gap Map Reveals Hidden Opportunities
Most professionals network with the same people in the same circles. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore a counterintuitive tactic: the networking gap map. They break down how intentionally mapping your current connections reveals blind spots — industries, functions, and geographies you're missing. Lucas shares the story of a marketing director who used a gap map to break into climate tech, landing a board seat after discovering her network had zero renewable energy contacts. Luna pushes on…
How to Network Through a Career Pivot
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore a networking strategy specifically for professionals changing industries or roles. They break down the concept of 'bridge conversations'—introductions that connect your past credibility to your new direction—using the story of a former teacher who broke into tech sales by networking through shared volunteer work. They discuss how to identify which past connections are most valuable for a pivot, how to ask for introductions without sounding desperate, and…
Showing the latest 50 episodes. The full archive of 155 is on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and every major podcast app — or via the RSS feed above.