Why does “networking” still feel awkward, exclusionary and exhausting for so many women — even though relationships quietly decide who gets visibility, sponsorship and opportunity at work?

From after-hours circles to unspoken cultural rules and real life constraints, this episode unpacks why women are often left navigating the most important part of career growth without access, energy or a clear map.

In this episode of L for Leadership, hosts Swati Apte and Sangeetha Rajan reframe networking from self-promotion to relationship-building and share practical, low-friction ways to grow influence, attract sponsors and create career momentum through curiosity, reciprocity and small, consistent actions that fit real lives.

Credits:

Host: Swati Apte and Dr. Sangeetha Rajan

About The Arts Quotient

The Arts Quotient is a leadership development firm powered by the two founders’ collective experience of over 50 years across business strategy, operations, psychology, law, communications, and more. Founded by Swati Apte and Dr. Sangeetha Rajan, and their shared experience in the live arts, where they learned in practice - many of the concepts of leadership, such as presence, collaboration, and agility, TAQ looks to bring a multi-dimensional approach to solving leadership problems. Over the past decade, it has harnessed the power of diverse disciplines to solve business challenges and energise leaders across more than 80 organisations.

This is a Maed In India Production

Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas

Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome

Head of Audio Production: Kartik Kulkarni

Producer: Rachna Sukuru

Assistant Producer: Devanshi Chandak

Sound Editor & Mix Engineer: Nihar Temkar

Artwork: Alika Gupta

Recorded at Island City Studios, Mumbai