Hey Reader,

This is the weekly announcement for The Awkward Handshake, a podcast & community all about networking that I co-host. If you want to opt-out of these podcast & networking community updates, CLICK HERE.

At the end of January, Megan and I hosted one of our invite-only coffee parties for community organizers.

The mood felt different.

Heavier. Quieter. Uncertain.

So instead of sticking to our usual format, we circled up the chairs and opened the floor. We wanted to give people space to talk about what was affecting their communities right now.

And the big question surfaced immediately: They didn’t know how to talk about their values because many of them never had to before.

But they’re watching the cultural shift unfold in real time while hearing the mantra everywhere:

“Silence is complicity.”

So what do you do with that?

In Episode 6 of The Awkward Handshake, we dig into what we’re seeing in networking rooms right now when it comes to values.

• How do you attract clients and collaborators who share your values?
• How do you create safer spaces without becoming performative?
• How do you show up honestly without turning every interaction into a debate?
• How do you communicate your values beyond a single social post?

This is a leadership episode.
And it’s timely.

​🎧 Listen to Episode 6 here.​

You’re Invited 🥳 Our First Happy Hour Networking Party

We’re also thrilled to invite you to The Awkward Handshake’s first official networking party. We're taking our parties from coffee to cocktail time!

This will be a two-hour, lightly facilitated gathering designed for real connection — not business card roulette.

Come ready to meet other 10/10 humans.
Come ready for depth.
Come ready to be present.

We’re grateful to Dovetail Cellars for hosting us — there will be light bites, and incredible wine available for purchase.

Space is intentionally limited to 50 people.

If you want in, RSVP ➡️ HERE​

Still deciding? Here’s how one past attendee described our events:

If you’ve been craving better rooms… this is one of them.

See you soon,
Mary