Cassandra Thompson

Cassandra Thompson Speaking Topics

• 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 sales leads, 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, whether for client engagement, employee engagement, or simply learning to build a professional network.

  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)

• 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

• Small Talk to Big Opportunities

  This isn’t your typical “pass out your business card” event—and it’s definitely not one of those “Find someone whose name starts with the same letter as yours” bingo card mixers.

  Small Talk to Big Opportunities is a high-energy, interactive session: part workshop, part networking experience—designed to help you figure out what you need right now in your career or business, practice how to ask for it clearly, and connect with people who might actually help.

  In this hands-on session, you’ll move beyond surface-level small talk, get real about your goals, and find ways to accomplish them with the help of those in the room!

  You’ll walk away with:

  • A clearer sense of what support, opportunity, or connection you’re currently looking for
  • A refined “ask” you can actually say out loud (and get help with!)
  • Real-time support and ideas from others in the room
  • A new mindset around the power of simply sharing what you want

• Less Cringe, More Credibility: A Fresh Take on LinkedIn

  Your team’s reputation shouldn’t depend on one networking dinner or a cold pitch.

  Let’s be honest—LinkedIn can feel like a chore. Between outdated bios, sporadic posting, and awkward cold outreach, most professionals aren’t using the platform to its full potential.

  But here’s the good news: LinkedIn doesn’t have to be stuffy or salesy—and it’s one of the most efficient tools for building credibility, deepening client trust, and elevating your company’s presence in the industry.

  In this tactical and engaging session, speaker and strategist Cassandra Thompson reveals a modern, relationship-driven approach to LinkedIn that fits seamlessly into your team’s existing workflow. No complicated funnels. No “DM to pitch.” Just simple, authentic actions that build long-term business results.

  Your team will learn:

  • Why LinkedIn outperforms other platforms when it comes to client trust and professional visibility
  • How to build credibility and thought leadership without becoming a “content creator”
  • What 10 minutes a day on LinkedIn can do for client engagement, talent attraction, and long-term reputation growth

• Confidently Connect: Overcome Networking Nerves at In-Person Events

  Because you don’t need to “work” a room—you just need to feel like YOU in it.

  Ever walked into a networking event and immediately wanted to walk right back out? You’re not alone. Most professionals know they should be getting out there—but the awkward intros, the pressure to impress, and the fear of saying the wrong thing can make events feel like a high-stakes game you never learned how to play.

  And the usual advice? “Own the room.” “Fake it till you make it.” “Just go say hi!” Yeah… not helpful.

  In this tactical and surprisingly fun session, Cassandra Thompson flips the script on networking. You’ll learn how to show up to events authentically (yes, even if you’re an introvert), navigate conversations with ease, and leave feeling confident instead of drained.

  You’ll walk away knowing:

  • A simple, memorable way to introduce yourself—without sounding rehearsed or robotic
  • How to approach new groups naturally (without hovering awkwardly)
  • What to talk about besides “So, what do you do?”
  • How to gracefully exit a conversation when it’s time to move on
  • The introvert advantage no one talks about—and how to use it