Authenticity is the foundation of powerful networking, as Adriana L. Cowdin shares in her interview with Athalia Monae at Authority Magazine. She recalls how a genuine conversation at a leadership conference led to a lasting client relationship—proof that meaningful connections begin with sincerity. Adriana dives into the nuances of networking in today’s world, balancing in-person interactions with digital outreach, maintaining professional relationships, and developing a strong personal brand. Her insights offer a strategic yet human approach to building a network that truly supports career growth.
Be Authentic — After the keynote at a leadership conference in Atlanta, I struck up a conversation with a fellow speaker. Instead of leading with a typical “I loved your talk,” I shared a personal takeaway that genuinely resonated with me. We ended up talking about the challenges of balancing leadership and authenticity. That conversation turned into a client relationship, and I helped them create a personal brand strategy. To this day, they credit that moment of genuine connection as the foundation for their trust in me.
The art of networking is pivotal in today’s interconnected world. Establishing meaningful connections can accelerate career growth, foster collaborations, and create opportunities that might otherwise remain hidden. Yet, the dynamics of networking are intricate, often requiring a nuanced blend of authenticity, strategy, and adaptability. And with the digital revolution, networking has transcended beyond face-to-face interactions to virtual platforms, expanding its scope and complexity. In this series, we would like to discuss the art and science behind effective networking. We are talking to seasoned professionals, career coaches, networking experts, and thought leaders who’ve mastered both traditional and online networking techniques. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Adriana L. Cowdin, CEO of Be Bold Executive Coaching.
Adriana L. Cowdin is a trailblazing entrepreneur, former CEO, and sought-after executive coach with over 20 years of leadership experience. She scaled her last business to over 400% growth before its 2023 acquisition, earning recognition in the top 1% of women-owned small businesses. Featured in Forbes, Inc. 500, and the NY Times, Adriana is known for her no-nonsense, strategic approach to executive coaching and leadership development. She empowers executives to tackle challenges, achieve transformation, and deliver exceptional results with clarity and confidence.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about networking, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
My career path began unintentionally in the mid-90s when I worked as an assistant on a recruiting team for a major telecom company. I quickly fell in love with analyzing resumes, matching candidates to jobs, interviewing, and — my favorite part — extending job offers. Even after transitioning into marketing, friends and colleagues continued reaching out for career advice, which kept my passion for coaching alive. Over 25 years later, coaching executives remains my dream job, combining my love for helping people with the joy of seeing them achieve life-changing results.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
One of the most interesting moments in my executive coaching career was when I was approached by a former colleague who asked for help preparing for a major interview at their dream company. They were incredibly nervous and unsure if they were qualified, but we worked together on their personal branding, resume, and interview prep. Not only did they get the job, but a few years later, they hired me to coach their entire leadership team! It was a full-circle moment that reminded me of the power of confidence and preparation — and how rewarding it is to help others realize their potential.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
The three traits most instrumental to my success are grit, integrity, and vision/innovation.
Grit — When I was a Divison Vice President at a Fortune 500 company, my days often stretched beyond 12 hours, juggling high-stakes meetings, strategic decisions, and managing geographically dispersed teams. Despite the demands of the role, I made it a non-negotiable priority to nurture meaningful relationships — with family, friends, colleagues, and my community. It meant waking up early to prepare for a board meeting, then staying up late to have dinner with my girlfriends, or supporting a team member facing a personal challenge like cancer treatment or a miscarriage (real stories). There were days I ran on sheer grit, but that commitment to balance gave me the energy and fulfillment to succeed in all areas of my life.
Integrity — Just over a decade ago, I was offered a high-paying executive role at a company with an impressive package — one most people would jump at. However, during the interview process, I noticed clear red flags in the company culture that didn’t align with my values or leadership style. Walking away wasn’t easy, but my integrity wouldn’t allow me to lead in an environment where I couldn’t bring my whole self. Similarly, as an executive coach, I’ve turned away lucrative clients when I knew I wasn’t the right fit for their goals. For me, success is measured not just by profit but by waking up every day knowing I’ve honored my principles.
Vision/Innovation — I’ve always been drawn to the leading edge of innovation, often finding myself ahead of the curve before trends are even recognized. As DVP of Social Media for a Fortune 500 company, I traveled to Israel to partner with an R&D team to build a fractional attribution solution for social media buys — years before the concept of fractional attribution even existed. I took my coaching course through Harvard Business School in the late 90s, long before coaching was a recognized field, and I coached clients on personal branding when no one was talking about it. My work ultimately landed me as a weekly syndicated columnist for The New York Times Personal Branding series — an entirely unintentional journey. Now, I’m focused on democratizing coaching to make it accessible to all professionals, regardless of financial means or career stage.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Let’s begin with a basic definition so that we are all on the same page. How exactly do you define “Networking?” Is it just about meeting new people?
Networking is the intentional process of building and cultivating meaningful relationships where mutual value is discovered, exchanged, and sustained over time. It’s not just about meeting people; it’s about fostering genuine connections that inspire collaboration, support shared goals, and open doors to opportunities for both parties. At its core, networking is about creating a foundation of trust, curiosity, and reciprocity that leads to growth, learning, and success for everyone involved.
In today’s digital age, how important is face-to-face networking, and how do you balance it with online networking?
Face-to-face networking is still incredibly valuable, especially for executives who’ve navigated a world where relationships were built in person — through phone calls, meetings, and those spontaneous, real-life interactions. It’s about connecting beyond the task at hand and investing time to truly get to know each other. That said, online networking has proven to be just as powerful, particularly when geographic distance or circumstances (hello, pandemic!) make in-person meetings tricky. Zoom, LinkedIn, and other digital platforms make connecting and staying engaged easier. Like anything, it’s about finding the right balance — leveraging face-to-face for those deeper connections and using online tools to expand your reach and keep things flexible.
How do you maintain and nurture professional relationships over time, both in person and online, to ensure they remain fruitful and mutually beneficial?
Maintaining professional relationships requires genuine effort and thoughtful touches. Celebrate life events — send handwritten notes or small gifts for milestones like promotions, birthdays, or becoming a grandparent. These gestures show you care beyond business. I also prioritize at least one in-person meeting each week, often over a casual walk or coffee. It keeps the connection authentic and personal. Stay engaged online by commenting on LinkedIn posts or sharing valuable resources with your community. The key is consistency and showing you value the relationship in meaningful ways.
How important is personal branding when it comes to successful networking, and how can individuals develop and maintain a strong personal brand both online and in person?
Personal branding is everything — it’s not a luxury; it’s a necessity. If you don’t own your narrative, someone else will. A strong personal brand isn’t just about words; it’s also how you come across. Think Steve Jobs — people picture his white New Balance sneakers, jeans, and black turtleneck. For me, it’s my signature bright red lipstick. Your personal brand is the whole package — what you say, how you act, and even what you wear. To make it work, be authentic, consistent, and intentional. Align your online presence with in-person interactions, share your expertise, and let your style reflect who you are. Be memorable because your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.
What is your advice for young professionals who are just starting to build their network? How can they effectively reach out to and connect with experienced leaders in their field?
For young professionals starting to build their network, my advice is simple: focus on authenticity, curiosity, and follow-through. I’m often asked this for my clients’ 20-something kids and my own 22-year-old stepdaughter, who graduates in 2025, to help jumpstart them.
- Do your research: Before reaching out, research the leader’s background so you can ask thoughtful, specific questions. This shows respect and genuine interest.
- Leverage shared connections: Ask for warm introductions through mutual contacts — it’s a more natural way to start a relationship.
- Show up and follow up: Attend industry events or send personalized LinkedIn messages, then follow up consistently with gratitude and updates to stay on their radar.
Building a network is about building relationships, not transactions like asking for a job — approach it with humility and patience, and you’ll go far.
Do you prioritize quality or quantity of connections? How do you determine when to invest more time in a particular relationship?
It’s all about quality. You can have thousands of LinkedIn connections or Facebook friends, but if you only truly know a handful, what’s the point? Networking is relationship-building, not a numbers game.
I prioritize connections that are mutually valuable — people who show genuine interest and are open to creating meaningful exchanges. When determining where to invest more time, I ask myself: Is this a two-way street? Are we learning from and supporting each other? If the answer is yes, it’s worth nurturing.
Focus on fewer, deeper connections over surface-level ones. Those are the relationships that create lasting impact.
What are your “5 Strategies for Successful Networking, Both Online and Offline”?
1 . Be Authentic — After the keynote at a leadership conference in Atlanta, I struck up a conversation with a fellow speaker. Instead of leading with a typical “I loved your talk,” I shared a personal takeaway that genuinely resonated with me. We ended up talking about the challenges of balancing leadership and authenticity. That conversation turned into a client relationship, and I helped them create a personal brand strategy. To this day, they credit that moment of genuine connection as the foundation for their trust in me.
2 . Offer Value First — A few years back, I was working from a coffee shop in Orlando, FL, when a guy named Todd approached me, saying he recognized me from social media. We chatted about my upcoming book, and as Todd left, a recently retired Disney executive who had overheard our conversation asked if he could “pick my brain” about writing a book. At the time, I was deeply involved in personal branding coaching and had a modest but growing online presence.
We ended up having an incredible conversation about book writing, personal branding, and leveraging thought leadership to build a post-corporate career. I shared everything I could — tips on structuring content, the value of social media, and even insights into publishing. Fast forward to today, that executive has authored several books, launched a complementary app, and become a sought-after keynote speaker.
We still stay in touch, and whenever I reach out with a question or need advice, he’s quick to respond. That one coffee shop encounter turned into a meaningful, mutually beneficial relationship — all because I was willing to share value first. It’s proof that helping others without an agenda often leads to long-term rewards. Todd and I also stay in touch, grabbing coffee or a meal whenever we’re in town near the other one.
3 . Leverage Shared Interests — A few years ago, I met a woman at a Pilates class — just a casual class, with no networking intentions. After a few sessions, she reached out to me about personal branding and coaching support. We had an instant connection and decided to work together for the better part of a year.
Our coaching sessions focused on sharpening her brand, honing her message, and positioning her as a thought leader in her field. The results? She’s now a regularly featured expert on one of the most popular national morning shows, runs a wildly successful business, and has become an influential voice in her industry.
It all started in that Pilates class. We bonded over something unrelated to work but soon discovered that the relationship could evolve into something much bigger. It shows how networking can blossom from the most unexpected places, especially when you show genuine interest in someone and are open to connecting on a deeper level.
4 . Be Consistent — I make it a priority to meet someone in person at least once a week — whether it’s over coffee, a walking conversation, or even a quick lunch. For example, I recently took a local connection on a walking meeting to discuss their career challenges. That casual, face-to-face time turned what could’ve been a transactional LinkedIn exchange into a real, trusted relationship — and a new coaching client. Consistency like this builds rapport and keeps relationships active, even in today’s digital age.
5 . Be Patient — Years ago, I met someone at a marketing seminar who I instantly respected. We connected online but didn’t interact much afterward. Three years later, they reached out to hire me as their executive coach when they were navigating a major career transition. They said they had kept following my work and trusted me to guide them through that pivotal moment. This taught me that networking isn’t about immediate returns — it’s about planting seeds that grow over time.
What role does diversity and inclusion play in your networking approach? How do you ensure that your network is inclusive and represents a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds?
Diversity and inclusion are essential to any networking approach. Cultivating relationships with people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives creates meaningful connections. A diverse network enhances creativity and problem-solving as well as broadens opportunities for growth and collaboration.
I actively seek out diverse voices, whether in industries, cultures, or communities and make sure I’m supporting and listening to those voices. I also create space for others to share their perspectives, whether that’s through mentoring, coaching, or simply being an ally. By intentionally broadening my network to be inclusive, I ensure that my relationships are richer, more dynamic, and more impactful.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
If I could start a movement to bring the most good to the most people, it would be to democratize executive coaching. I believe everyone deserves access to high-quality coaching and professional development regardless of their role, career stage, or financial means. Whether it’s for leadership, communication skills, mental health, wellness, or work-life balance, coaching has the power to transform lives. By making these resources accessible to all, we can empower individuals to reach their full potential, improve their careers, and ultimately create more inclusive, supportive work environments for everyone.
On a personal note, if I could start a movement to bring the most good to the most people, it would also focus on advancing the diagnosis, treatment, and care for those with pancreatic disease and cancer. This cause is incredibly close to my heart, as I personally live with pancreatic disease and have lost a loved one to pancreatic cancer. Early detection is crucial, yet we still have no effective treatments for pancreatic disease, and there are very few patient advocacy groups dedicated to supporting those of us who live with this challenging diagnosis. That’s why I’m involved with the Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, working to raise awareness and drive the change we need.
How can our readers further follow you online?
Follow me on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/adrianacowdin
You can also find me online at www.adrianacowdin.com
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
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