You walk into a conference. You don’t know anyone. Everyone seems to already be in clusters: laughing, exchanging cards, working the room.
And you’re standing at the edge of it, wondering what’s wrong with you.
For most of my career, that’s how I felt.
In this solo follow-up to my conversation with Naama Nicotra, CEO of NakedPak, I’m naming the playbook Naama was running without calling it one, and the one I had to figure out for myself before I called myself a coach.
Spoiler: it’s three moves. One drink. One person. One question.
In this episode:
- The first big conference I ever went to (Java One 2001), and why I was terrified to walk into a single session alone
- Why “just put yourself out there” is the wrong instruction for introverts, and what actually works
- The 1-on-1 superpower (and the paid speaking gig I got because of it)
- What I told a client this week, who’s scared her team will leave because she’s not chatty enough
- Why people actually leave their managers , and it has nothing to do with whether you’re their best buddy
If you’ve ever stood at the edge of a room thinking something was wrong with you, this episode is for you.
Connect with Limor:Website: https://limorbergman.comPodcast: https://limorbergman.com/podcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/limorbergman/Substack: https://limorbergman.substack.com
For anyone searching: networking for introverts, introvert leadership, women in tech, female leaders, how introverts make connections, conference networking tips, quiet leaders, team retention, introverted managers.
I’m Limor Bergman Gross - a leadership coach, speaker, and podcast host passionate about helping women in tech step into their full power. After 20+ years in the tech industry, including leading engineering teams at companies like DigitalOcean, I now coach women who want to grow their confidence, influence, and leadership presence.
I’m also the host of From a Woman to a Leader, a podcast where I share real stories and practical advice to help women break through barriers and thrive. As a mother of four, I understand the juggle, and I’m here to show that it’s possible to lead with courage, clarity, and authenticity.
