What if networking isn’t something you turn on when you need a job…
but something you build for the rest of your life?

In this episode of The Awkward Handshake, we sit down with Dinesh Mathew, a business operations executive turned consultant, to talk about what actually makes someone a great networker and why it matters more now than ever.

This conversation goes beyond surface-level advice. We get into the realities of today’s job market, how networking has changed, and why the people who succeed aren’t always the loudest in the room… they’re the ones paying attention.

Dinesh shares how his background in market research shaped his approach to networking, why listening is an underrated superpower, and how thinking about your relationships like a portfolio can completely change how you show up.

If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll network when I need to…”
This episode might change your mind.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why networking is a forever skill, not a short-term tactic
• What’s really happening in today’s job market (and why it feels harder)
• The concept of a “warm network” — and why you can’t let it go cold
• How listening (not talking) makes you a better networker
• Why asking better questions changes everything
• What a “portfolio approach” to networking actually looks like
• The difference between online, local, and travel-based networking
• Why relationships (not resumes) are driving opportunities right now

Meet the Guest

Dinesh Mathew

Business operations executive, consultant, and expert facilitator with a background in market research, focus groups, and organizational strategy.

Dinesh specializes in helping companies improve operations, align leadership, and build systems that actually support growth—while bringing a deeply human approach to networking and relationship-building.

Connect with Dinesh:

• Website
• LinkedIn

Favorite Takeaway

You don’t build a network when you need it.
You build it so it’s there when life inevitably shifts.

Because in today’s world…
your network isn’t optional.

It’s infrastructure.

Keep in touch!

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