12th November, Building Bridges through the Power of Supportive Networks - webinar roundup!

Written by Karolina Spalek

Our second online workshop in the Autumn series on the theme of Career Resilience

in a Changing World featured a truly inspiring guest - Vince Pizzoni, a professor of

Chemical and Environmental Engineering at the University of Nottingham. Beyond

his impressive academic and professional credentials, Vince is a passionate mentor,

advocate, and champion for women in STEMM.

With decades of experience working across the global Energy Transition sector,

Vince shared powerful lessons on the value of building supportive networks, no

matter where we are in the world. From collaborating in remote locations to

overcoming extreme conditions, he demonstrated that the ability to form genuine

connections can make all the difference in both personal and professional growth.

Vince emphasised that successful networking starts with clear goals. Once we know

what we want to achieve, we can take focused action by joining relevant groups,

associations, and professional societies, or attending events that align with your

interests.

According to Vince, networking is a cornerstone of career development, and one of

the best tools we can have ready is our “30-second elevator pitch.” This short but

focused introduction helps making a memorable first impression and opening doors

to meaningful conversations.

A key part of Vince’s talk focused on using LinkedIn effectively to build and maintain

professional connections. He highlighted the importance of crafting a strong personal

brand by creating and refining our profiles, sharing valuable content, and engaging

with others through thoughtful comments and interactions.

The discussion then turned to the transformative power of mentoring relationships.

True mentorship, Vince explained, is built on honesty, active listening, and

transparent communication. He also explored the idea of reverse mentoring, where

traditional roles are flipped, allowing younger professionals to share fresh

perspectives and empower leadership inclusivity. Alongside sponsorship, where

senior figures actively advocate for others’ growth, these approaches form a

powerful trio for career advancement.

Vince’s final message resonated deeply: even if networking feels uncomfortable,

growth happens when we step outside our comfort zones. Authentic connections

don’t just expand your networks but also help us grow both personally and

professionally.