It’s Not Who You Know — It’s Who Knows You

Leadership used to be about climbing the ladder. Now, it’s about building the web. In today’s fast-moving world, your influence, opportunities, and learning are increasingly shaped not just by what you know, but by the strength and relevance of your network.

And yet, for many leaders, “networking” still conjures images of awkward name tags, stale coffee, and elevator pitches. That mindset needs a reboot.

Modern leadership is relational. Leaders who thrive aren’t just visible, they’re meaningfully connected. They invest in real conversations, cross-sector collaborations, and networks that push their thinking and widen their influence. Let’s explore why networking is one of your most scalable leadership assets, and how to build one that works for you.

Gone are the days when leadership was defined solely by technical expertise or tenure. Today’s high-impact leaders are also great connectors. Why?

Because visibility drives influence.
Because access unlocks opportunity.
Because relationships accelerate trust, and trust accelerates growth.

Modern leadership is a mix of IQ, EQ, and social capital. When you’re well-networked, you’re not just leading from your desk, you’re shaping conversations across your industry and beyond it.

Example: Think of Satya Nadella’s leadership transformation at Microsoft. A big part of his success was shifting from an insular, internal mindset to one that embraced openness, partnerships, and ecosystem thinking, all of which required deep relational leadership.

Your next opportunity, breakthrough idea, or growth partner probably won’t come from within your existing four walls. Leaders who scale understand that external relationships are strategic assets.

Whether you’re:

• Expanding into new markets
• Shaping a new offering
• Looking for funding or talent
• Seeking mentorship or sounding boards

…the right network becomes a multiplier.

And we’re not talking about shallow LinkedIn contact lists. We’re talking about:

• Strategic collaborators
• Trusted peers and confidantes
• Cross-industry challengers
• Personal boardrooms of advisors

Fun Fact: According to research from the Harvard Business Review, leaders with broader “divergent” networks (i.e., across industries or functions) are more likely to generate creative solutions and perform better in volatile environments.

Networking isn’t about extracting value, it’s about creating it. The most effective leaders approach their networks with a give-first mindset.

That might mean:

• Sharing knowledge or resources freely
• Connecting others to relevant opportunities
• Showing up consistently in communities and forums

Generosity builds credibility. Over time, it builds a reputation that precedes you, and attracts people who want to be in your orbit.

Leadership Insight: Barack Obama credits much of his rise to the power of trusted networks, especially the ones he built early in his community organising years. The ability to listen, connect, and create shared purpose laid the foundation for national leadership later on.

Let’s bust the myth: you don’t have to be extroverted, overly social, or endlessly available to build a powerful network.

You just need to be:

• Intentional – Know what kinds of people you want to learn from or collaborate with
• Consistent – Show up in the right spaces, regularly
• Authentic – Build relationships, not Rolodexes

Some practical ways to grow your leadership network:

• Attend curated events like West Peak’s Business Growth Breakfast
• Join or create mastermind groups with peers
• Reach out after reading a great article or hearing someone speak
• Comment thoughtfully on LinkedIn posts, podcasts, or panels
• Invest time in 1:1s — even if it’s one new connection a month

Tip: Treat networking like leadership fitness. A little progress, done consistently, builds the strongest network muscles.

It’s one thing to meet someone. It’s another to stay top of mind. Leaders who nurture their networks do three things well:

1. Follow up with intention
2. Stay relevant and visible
3. Add value without always having an ask

You don’t need hundreds of people in your inner circle. You need a handful of people who would open doors for you, and for whom you’d do the same.

Whether you’re a founder growing your vision or an executive leading transformation, your leadership doesn’t scale in isolation. It scales in community.

So ask yourself:

• Who challenges your thinking?
• Who would recommend you in rooms you’re not in?
• Who can you learn from — or support — right now?

Leadership isn’t just what you know. It’s also who you’re connected to, and what you build together.

At West Peak, we help growth-minded leaders not only scale their business but expand their influence through meaningful, curated connections.

Want to surround yourself with a network that inspires action?
Join us at our next Business Growth Breakfast or explore our leadership circles designed for bold, relational leaders.