Networking has always been a cornerstone of career growth, but for many, it still feels uncomfortable, time-consuming, or ineffective. At ICON 2025, Marilynn Joyner, CEO of Her Workplace, will tackle this challenge head-on in her session Harnessing AI to Humanize Your Network: The Next Evolution of Career Connections.

Leading up to her ICON session, Marilynn reminded us that it might be time to rethink how we approach networking.

“Your immediate connections don’t get you as far as your tertiary connections… those third-party relationships actually propel your career forward.”

Instead of relying only on who you know today, Marilynn emphasizes the importance of broadening your reach and cultivating those next-level relationships that open new doors. The right tools can help us uncover those next-level connections, but technology alone isn’t enough. It’s about how we approach relationships—strategically, authentically, and with intention.

AI can handle the busywork like tracking contacts, surfacing opportunities, and helping you prioritize. However, the magic happens when we focus on the human side: meaningful conversations, genuine follow-ups, and connections that actually propel your career.

“Networking should feel more strategic, authentic, and energizing.”

Whether you’re job-hunting, fundraising, or simply expanding your circle, Marilynn’s insights help us reframe how we build connections—moving away from outdated playbooks and toward more intentional, human-centered approaches.

You can watch the full recording of our conversation with Marilynn to see her strategies in action—and join us at ICON to experience her session live, connect with like-minded professionals, and take your networking (and career) to the next level.…and if you listen to the full recording, you’ll also get a sneak peek into the upcoming Her Workplace summit!