Most networking advice tells you to perfect your elevator pitch.

But what if that’s the wrong place to start?

In this episode of The Awkward Handshake, Mary and Megan sit down with Kellen Moody to talk about why people are so much more than the one-line explanation of their business — and why the best networking conversations rarely start with a rehearsed pitch.

Kel brings a refreshing perspective on curiosity, connection, and the power of being a genuinely interesting human in professional spaces. Together, the three of them unpack how real relationships form, why curiosity is one of the most underrated networking skills, and how conversations become more meaningful when we let people show up as full humans instead of job titles.

If you’ve ever felt boxed in by the pressure to “deliver the perfect pitch,” this conversation might be the permission slip you didn’t know you needed.

Because the best rooms don’t reward the most polished pitch.

They reward the most human presence.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

• Why elevator pitches can sometimes shut down real conversation
• The role curiosity plays in building authentic connections
• How to ask better questions in networking settings
• Why being interesting matters more than sounding impressive
• The difference between transactional networking and relational networking
• How curiosity leads to stronger collaborations and referrals
• Why your personality and interests belong in the room too

Connect with our guest, Kellen Moody:

• Kel's Website
• Kel's LinkedIn

Keep in touch!

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