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Empowered by Artificial Intelligence and the women in tech community.
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Mariia Stadnyk
Full stack software engineer

Embrace Authenticity As an introverted woman, networking can be daunting—especially when initiating conversations doesn’t come naturally. I found a surprising strategy that worked for me: wearing a bright hoodie with a favourite cartoon character. This simple choice had unexpected benefits: It made me notable, yet invisible. I stood out just enough to catch attention without feeling spotlighted. Interestingly, a few guys wore similar attire, so I blended in rather than feeling isolated. It was a comfortable icebreaker. The hoodie sparked three conversations—all initiated by others. Each exchange flowed easily, and I didn’t have to struggle to start things myself. It allowed me to stay authentic. I didn’t have to “step over myself” to engage. I stayed true to who I am, which helped me feel relaxed and genuine throughout the event. This experience taught me that small, authentic choices can create opportunities while keeping anxiety at bay. Networking doesn’t always have to mean pushing yourself out of your comfort zone; sometimes, it’s about letting your personality shine in subtle ways. For fellow introverts: Try leaning into what makes you feel at ease—it might become your best conversation starter!

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