In this insightful session, we’ll explore how professional relationships can unlock your potential. We’ll challenge outdated ideas of “networking” and demonstrate how a more strategic, authentic approach to building connections can drive career growth — without others feeling ‘networked’ by you

You’ll be introduced to The Relationship Matrix, a simple yet powerful stakeholder-mapping tool designed to help you:

– Uncover blind spots in your networks
– Identify who could offer support but currently isn’t
– Recognise where relationships need nurturing before support is forthcoming
– Take clear, purposeful steps to strengthen connections

This webinar will equip you with smarter relationship strategies, ensuring you connect with the right people who can support you in achieving your goals.

What we’ll cover:

• Discover the strategic role professional relationships play in your growth and why they’re essential to achieving success beyond technical skills and performance.
• Reframe how you think about “networking” — moving away from transactional interactions toward an intentional, authentic process that builds trust and long-term value.
• Learn how to use The Relationship Matrix, a simple stakeholder-mapping tool that will help you identify and engage the key supporters who can accelerate your development.
• Uncover blind spots in your own network — recognise who you’re missing, who you’re under-leveraging, and why that matters.
• Take purposeful action to build influence and strengthen relationships, equipping yourself with the tools and mindset to grow your career without being manipulative or inauthentic.

Why is it important for people to learn this skill?

Strategic relationship-building is no longer a “nice to have” — it’s a core capability for success in today’s connected workplaces. Learning to build authentic, intentional relationships will help you navigate complexity, uncover hidden support, accelerate your career growth, collaborate across boundaries, and build influence with integrity. Developing this skill doesn’t just fuel your own success — it also empowers you to contribute to a more connected, capable organisation.

Who is this relevant for?

Anyone who would like to strengthen their relationship-building skills to get ahead.

About the Subject Matter Expert

A specialist in professional relationships and networking for 25 years, Andy Lopata was called ‘one of Europe’s leading business networking strategists’ by the Financial Times and ‘a true master of networking’ by the Independent and Forbes.com.

A very experienced international speaker and podcast host, this is Andy’s sixth book. In addition, he has been quoted in a number of other business books and regularly quoted in the international press.

Andy is a former President of the Fellows Community and a two-time Board Member of the Professional Speaking Association UK & Ireland (PSA) and a Fellow of the Learning and Performance Institute as well as a Member of the Meetings Industry Association and Association of Business Mentors. He is also one of just 32 recipients of the PSA’s top honour, the ‘Award of Excellence’.