Why does “networking” still feel awkward, exclusionary and exhausting for so many women — even though relationships quietly decide who gets visibility, sponsorship and opportunity at work? 

From after-hours circles to unspoken cultural rules and real life constraints, this episode unpacks why women are often left navigating the most important part of career growth without access, energy or a clear map.

In this episode of L for Leadership, hosts Swati Apte and Sangeetha Rajan reframe networking from self-promotion to relationship-building and share practical, low-friction ways to grow influence, attract sponsors and create career momentum through curiosity, reciprocity and small, consistent actions that fit real lives.

 

Credits: 

Host: Swati Apte / Dr. Sangeetha Rajan

About The Arts Quotient

The Arts Quotient is a leadership development firm powered by the two founders’ collective experience of over 50 years across business strategy, operations, psychology, law, communications, and more. Founded by Swati Apte and Dr. Sangeetha Rajan, and their shared experience in the live arts, where they learned in practice - many of the concepts of leadership, such as presence, collaboration, and agility, TAQ looks to bring a multi-dimensional approach to solving leadership problems. Over the past decade, it has harnessed the power of diverse disciplines to solve business challenges and energise leaders across more than 80 organisations. 

 

This is a Maed In India Production

Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas

Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome

Head of Audio Production: Kartik Kulkarni]

Producer: Rachna Sukuru 

Assistant Producer: Devanshi Chandak

Sound Editor & Mix Engineer: Nihar Temkar

Artwork: Alika Gupta

 

Recorded at Island City Studios, Mumbai

Why does &ldquo;networking&rdquo; still feel awkward, exclusionary and exhausting for so many women &mdash; even though relationships quietly decide who gets visibility, sponsorship and opportunity at work?&nbsp;
From after-hours circles to unspoken cultural rules and real life constraints, this episode unpacks why women are often left navigating the most important part of career growth without access, energy or a clear map.
In this episode of L for Leadership, hosts Swati Apte and Sangeetha Rajan reframe networking from self-promotion to relationship-building and share practical, low-friction ways to grow influence, attract sponsors and create career momentum through curiosity, reciprocity and small, consistent actions that fit real lives.
&nbsp;
Credits:&nbsp;
Host: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/swati-apte-75067a114/">Swati Apte</a> / <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sangeetha-rajan-4761647/">Dr. Sangeetha Rajan</a>
About The Arts Quotient
<a href="https://theartsquotient.com/">The Arts Quotient</a> is a leadership development firm powered by the two founders&rsquo; collective experience of over 50 years across business strategy, operations, psychology, law, communications, and more. Founded by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/swati-apte-75067a114/">Swati Apte</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sangeetha-rajan-4761647/">Dr. Sangeetha Rajan</a>, and their shared experience in the live arts, where they learned in practice - many of the concepts of leadership, such as presence, collaboration, and agility, TAQ looks to bring a multi-dimensional approach to solving leadership problems. Over the past decade, it has harnessed the power of diverse disciplines to solve business challenges and energise leaders across more than 80 organisations.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
This is a <a href="http://www.maedinindia.in">Maed In India</a> Production
Creative Director: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/maemariyam/?hl=en">Mae Mariyam Thomas</a>
Project Manager: <a href="http://www.instagram.com/sfanthome">Shaun Fanthome</a>
Head of Audio Production: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kartik.kulkarni/?hl=en">Kartik Kulkarni]</a>
Producer: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rachnasukuru">Rachna Sukuru</a>&nbsp;
Assistant Producer: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/adriannelenkerismylove25?igsh=ZzVnZ3djdmYxdXc0">Devanshi Chandak</a>
Sound Editor &amp; Mix Engineer: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nihar_temkar?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw%3D%3D">Nihar Temkar</a>
Artwork: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/capefoxalix/">Alika Gupta</a>
&nbsp;
Recorded at Island City Studios, Mumbai

L for Leadership by The Arts Quotient is a podcast that explores how leadership is evolving in a world marked by constant disruption, shifting power structures, and redefined careers. 

This season spotlights women founders, investors, and community-builders who are shaping new pathways across varied domains. From building women-first ecosystems and funding underrepresented founders to questioning how data is collected and redefining what a “successful” career looks like, the show unpacks what inspires these leaders to explore new frontiers. The conversations are real and go to the heart of what leadership means in our changing world. 

The hosts, Swati Apte and Sangeetha Rajan share practical insights on building leadership presence, leveraging networks, and navigating career breaks without guilt, so you can lead the change you want to see.

L for Leadership by The Arts Quotient is a podcast that explores how leadership is evolving in a world marked by constant disruption, shifting power structures, and redefined careers.&nbsp;
This season spotlights women founders, investors, and community-builders who are shaping new pathways across varied domains. From building women-first ecosystems and funding underrepresented founders to questioning how data is collected and redefining what a &ldquo;successful&rdquo; career looks like, the show unpacks what inspires these leaders to explore new frontiers. The conversations are real and go to the heart of what leadership means in our changing world.&nbsp;
The hosts, Swati Apte and Sangeetha Rajan share practical insights on building leadership presence, leveraging networks, and navigating career breaks without guilt, so you can lead the change you want to see.