Working With the Best Clients and Partners
.png)
.png)
Networking Isn't Something You Survive. It's a Skill You Master.
85% of opportunities are filled through relationships, not applications. Yet most professionals treat networking like something to survive instead of a skill to master. I teach the frameworks that turn authentic connections into career-defining opportunities. Through keynotes and workshops, I show professionals and organizations how to build relationship capital that drives career advancement, partnerships, and measurable business growth, especially for those traditionally locked out of traditional networks.
Because the best relationships aren't built by playing the game. They're built by changing it.
Alex Rodriguez
Sr. Manager GTM Operations at LinkedIn
What an incredible fireside chat with Shana Sumers! We had amazing conversational chemistry—super engaging and full of energy. The discussion was thoughtful and packed with actionable tips that left the audience inspired and ready to build authentic connections. Truly a session that combined insight, fun, and community!
Shana's Talks
Relationship Capital: The Strategic Skill That Drives Career Growth and Business Results
85% of opportunities are filled through relationships, not job boards. Yet most professionals treat networking like an awkward obligation instead of the strategic business skill it is.
In this high-energy, interactive session, Shana Sumers (aka "The Mayor") teaches you how to build relationship capital that drives measurable outcomes. Drawing from her experience scaling communities at HubSpot and launching networks for underrepresented professionals, Shana breaks down the MAYOR approach to strategic networking: how to connect with intention, enter rooms with a strategy, and turn quick interactions into career-defining opportunities.
You'll leave with practical frameworks, conversation starters, and an action plan to grow your network with purpose, whether you're an introvert, a seasoned leader, or someone who's never felt like they "belong" in networking spaces - you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to step into any room as your best self.
Building Community from the Inside Out: Turn Everyday Moments into Strategic Networks That Fuel Growth
Community isn't built at conferences or organized networking events, it's built in coffee shops, co-working spaces, online communities, and the everyday moments most professionals overlook. The best leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals know how to cultivate authentic community as a competitive advantage.
In this dynamic session, Shana Sumers teaches you how to transform casual, everyday interactions into strategic relationships that fuel career advancement, business development, and long-term growth. Drawing from her experience launching and scaling communities in startups and corporate, Shana breaks down how to turn strangers into collaborators, acquaintances into advocates, and isolated moments into networks of support and investment.
You'll leave with actionable frameworks for building community wherever you go, from your first day at a new job to scaling your business to navigating life transitions. This isn't networking theory. It's a playbook for building relationships that make you feel less alone, more confident, and better equipped to thrive.
Authentic by Design: Building a Personal Brand That Opens Doors
The most powerful networks aren't built by chasing connections, they're built when the right people find YOU. In this session, you'll learn how to design a personal brand that attracts opportunities, partnerships, and collaborators who align with your values and vision.
Shana, community builder and former HubSpot leader, breaks down how to use storytelling, visibility, and strategic positioning to build a brand that works for you online and offline. This is especially for creatives, thought leaders, and people building in public who want to stand out without feeling performative.
You'll walk away knowing how to communicate your value clearly, show up consistently across platforms, and build a presence that makes decision-makers say, "I need to work with this person."
How to Build Power, Belonging and Influence When You're Underrepresented
Walking into rooms where you don't see yourself reflected isn't just uncomfortable, it's exhausting. But underrepresented professionals can't afford to wait for spaces to feel safe before showing up and building the networks that change their careers.
In this bold, grounded session, Shana, community builder and former HubSpot leader, teaches professionals from underrepresented communities how to navigate professional spaces without shrinking, performing, or code-switching yourself into invisibility. You'll learn how to build strategic relationships that affirm your identity, expand your access, and create your own opportunities when the door closes in front of you.
This talk is for anyone who's ever been the "only" and refused to let that stop them from winning.
