J. Kelly Hoey is determined to change the way we understand and approach the critical career skill of networking. She’s the author of Build Your Dream Network: Forging Powerful Relationships In A Hyper-Connected World. Kelly has appeared on CNBC’s Power Pitch, co-created and moderated the “Meet The Innovators” speaker series at Apple, and has also contributed to publications such as The New York Times, Forbes, Fast Company, and Inc. Magazine.
Kelly looks at "networking" through a new, modern, fresh lens, offering young professionals, creatives, managers, and entrepreneurs advice on how to connect for success in the social media age.
Especially for the WomenTech Network, Kelly agreed to give an interview and share her story.
Are you excited to be among the speakers at the WomenTech Global Conference 2021 and what motivated you to join our community of 100 000 women in tech, minorities, and allies?
I am thrilled to have the opportunity to speak at the Women Tech Global Conference 2021 and I have Mercè Labordena, PhD, EU Senior Policy Advisor, Solar Power Europe to thank for telling me about your open call for speakers. Mercè's enthusiasm for Women Tech motivated me to look further in the organization to see how I could be of service and add value to the event.
Share with us about your background, your journey in tech, and what inspired you to develop your career in this direction?
The most interesting aspects of my career have come about because of networks. I veered off a traditional corporate career into entrepreneurship when I was asked to be the first president of a global business network for women. That year-long role exposed my skills to a wider audience - and I was asked to be a co-founder of a startup accelerator focused on investing in female founders creating mobile-first ventures.
Around this same time I began investing in early-stage companies. Today, all my various career experiences - lawyer, marketing manager, interim-CMO of an emerging tech company, co-founder, startup advisor - are put to use as an author and speaker.
Who would you advise to attend the Global Conference and why?
Those women who are considering careers in tech, any woman wondering if she should continue her career in tech and women who are excelling in tech careers, should attend. Global Conferences such as this are a mirror of what is possible for women in tech. Beyond the information, there is the inspiration from the success of others and the community-building opportunities, which are critical for boosting the numbers of women in tech roles.
Get your ticket to WomenTech Global Conference in June 2021 to enjoy Kelly's talk "The Networks Women Need For Career Success", and learn from other inspiring speakers.
