Best networking advice for introverts – Gerry Anyanwu
Gerry Anyanwu, Client Development Director at Global, interviewed at MAD//Fest for the Anders & True series Best Networking Advice I Ever Got.
Been told networking is just for extroverts? Think again.
You've watched the naturally outgoing ones work a room and decided it isn't for you.
It is – it just needs a different set of tools. At MAD//Fest I asked Gerry Anyanwu, Client Development Director at Global, for her best networking advice, and she gave me some great practical answers:
“Even introverts can find a way to network – go in with three questions in your pocket, or buddy up with someone.”
Gerry's advice is the good kind: practical, kind, and true. Carry three questions in, take a wing person, give yourself permission to do it your own way. It's the version of networking that doesn't ask you to become someone you're not.
And at the heart of her advice is one of “the three Ps” that we teach in our networking training: preparation.
You don’t need to overdo it. Just a few minutes’ reflection ahead of any event and you’ll feel calmer and be more present.
This advice goes hand-in-hand with Michelle’s wing(wo)man recommendation – and James’ tips that better questions make for more interesting conversation.
Gerry Anyanwu is client development director at Global, the founder of Fully Human coaching, a Co-founder of Join Our Table and counts some of the following as part of her many accolades of note: 2025 Media Leader Black Women Game Changer, AdWeek Europe Future is Female winner and MEFA Unsung Hero winner.
Full transcript of Video 4 – Interview with Gerry Anyanwu · client development director · Global
Susi: What’s your name and what you do?
Gerry: I'm Gerry, from Global Media – one of the client development directors there.
Susi: What's the best networking advice you've ever received?
Gerry: Sometimes it feels like networking is something for extroverts – but actually even introverts can find a way to network. That might be going armed with three questions in your pocket, or buddying up with someone. You can network whatever your personality type.
Susi: Why is it important to get good at networking?
Gerry: In media especially, networking is really about human connection. It's that classic thing – you know “people buy people”. It's your chance to meet people in your industry, grow your network, and connect with your peers on a human level. That can open so many doors. Whatever stage of your career you're at: get out there, talk to people, and build!