Presentation Options

THIS Is Why You Hate Networking (and How to Fix It)

Why does something so important feel so… awful?

If the word “networking” makes your skin crawl, you’re not alone. For many professionals, it feels sleazy, fake, or just plain awkward. Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, looking for referrals, or hoping to build your professional reputation, you've probably been told to “give value first” or “just put yourself out there.” But that advice often leaves you feeling like you're performing instead of connecting.

In this refreshing and relatable keynote, Cassandra Thompson flips the networking script. Through real-life stories (including a hilariously cringey lunch that taught her everything not to do), Cassandra shows why the old give-or-take approach is flawed—and reveals the simple mindset shift that makes networking feel natural and even enjoyable.

Audiences walk away with a five-step plan to build meaningful relationships by doing one thing most professionals overlook: keeping in touch.

You’ll learn:

• Why traditional networking advice doesn’t work—and what to do instead
• A practical five-step plan to connect with ease and confidence
• The exact words to say when reaching out (no awkwardness required)

This talk is perfect for:

• Employee Resource Groups & Affinity Groups
• Teams looking to build strong client and customer relationships
• Companies developing their internal talent pipeline for long-term retention

Forget schmoozing. Forget selling. Start creating real connections—without the cringe.

The 2nd Hello: Following Up Without Feeling Weird 

Because a coffee chat isn’t a connection.

You made the introduction. You had the coffee. You said hello.
But what happens after that?

Too often, the conversation ends there—not because you don’t care, but because life gets busy… and following up feels awkward, unclear, or downright cringey. Most professionals know they should stay in touch, but they overthink it, wait too long, or default to a generic “just checking in.”

In this thoughtful and practical session, Cassandra Thompson introduces her Relationship Runway—a simple framework for turning first hellos into meaningful, long-lasting professional relationships. With stories, scripts, and strategies, she’ll show your audience how to follow up in a way that feels natural, not needy.

You’ll learn:

• Why one great meeting isn’t enough—and what to do next
• How to follow up with authenticity and confidence
• When to reach out, what to say, and how to stay in touch over time

This talk is perfect for:

• Employee and affinity groups building inclusive connection strategies
• Mentorship and talent development programs
• Teams strengthening their client or internal relationships

The first hello opens the door. The second one builds the relationship.

Less Cringe, More Clients: A Fresh Take on LinkedIn

The best platform you’re not using (or not using well).

You’re showing up on Instagram. You’re dabbling in Facebook. Maybe you’re even trying TikTok.
But LinkedIn? It feels corporate. Boring. Maybe even a little gross.

Here’s the twist: LinkedIn isn’t just for job seekers or cold pitches—it’s one of the most underutilized and high-impact platforms for small business owners, service providers, and lean teams looking to grow. Your audience is already built in. You don’t need a massive following. And it doesn’t demand daily reels or salesy DMs.

In this session, Cassandra Thompson breaks down how to use LinkedIn to build credibility, establish your authority, and attract aligned clients—all in less time than it takes to scroll your feed.

You’ll learn:

• Why LinkedIn gives you more visibility and less competition than other platforms
• How to fold LinkedIn into your existing content calendar without burning out
• How to grow on LinkedIn in just 10 minutes a day—even if you're starting from scratch

This talk is perfect for:

• Small business owners and service providers
• In-house marketing or sales teams who want their team to show up on LinkedIn
• Associations or networks supporting entrepreneurs, consultants, and experts

LinkedIn is where credibility meets visibility—and it’s easier (and less cringe) than you think.

Small Talk to Big Opportunities

How to Turn Casual Conversations Into Career-Changing Moments

We’ve all been there—awkward intros, vague elevator pitches, and small talk that feels like a waste of time. But what if those casual moments were actually the gateway to your next opportunity?

In this high-energy, interactive session, Cassandra Thompson helps professionals rethink how they approach networking—from what they say to what they ask for. Using a proven structure and guided activities, attendees will learn how to go beyond “nice to meet you” and start building relationships that actually lead to results.

She’ll share the mindset shift that helped her land speaking gigs, major clients, and career connections—not by working the room, but by clearly stating her goals in everyday conversations.

You’ll learn:

• Why putting your goals out there (even casually) creates unexpected opportunities

• How to craft a clear, specific, and actionable “ask” people can actually help with
• What makes someone want to open their network for you—and how to follow up without the awkwardness

This session is perfect for:

• Conferences and events with structured networking components
• Career development programs or team offsites
• Professionals looking to build confidence and clarity in how they connect with others

Because when you stop playing small with your small talk, big things can happen.

Maximize Your Internship Experience

You got the internship—now let’s get the offer.

You’ve landed the internship—great! But now what?

Everyone hopes their internship will lead to a full-time offer. But in today’s competitive job market, working hard isn’t enough. If you want to turn your internship into a job offer, you need more than a strong résumé—you need a strategy.

In this session, Cassandra Thompson shares how she used one internship at On Air with Ryan Seacrest to open unexpected doors—which led to five interviews and her first full-time job offer—at Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! (without ever applying). She’ll show students how to stand out, build real relationships, and become the intern people advocate for.

Students will learn:

• How to stand out above and beyond other interns
• What professional success skills managers actually notice
• How to build relationships that lead to unexpected opportunities

Ideal for:

• College juniors and seniors preparing for internships or early career
• Can be delivered as a keynote or a hands-on workshop

Don’t just do the internship. Leverage it.