The New Currency of Career Growth: Why Your Network Matters More Than Your Resume

Opportunities don’t just land in inboxes. They arrive through people who know you, trust you and believe in your potential. Those personal connections, however, are increasingly difficult to make. Hybrid schedules turn casual colleague conversations into scheduled meetings; friendly chats happen over social media; and rapid career changes strain working relationships. The value of trust has never been higher, because it is so rare. 

The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer reports that seven in 10 people believe leaders and media mislead the public, with trust in business and “my employer” down significantly from the previous year. In this low-trust environment, your network matters more than your resume.

Throughout my career, I’ve leveraged my network to create meaningful introductions. Whether I’m connecting CEOs or college students seeking mentorships, these introductions often lead to collaborations and long-term partnerships. The real value lies in making connections before they are needed, ensuring they are genuine and mutually beneficial. 

Recently I spoke with Shay Prosser, founder of North 12 Partners at a FUEL women's leadership group. As a fractional Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, Prosser helps small to mid-sized companies scale with clarity and purpose. And, as a super connector, she brings together like-minded business owners and professionals for intentional networking. 

“Connecting starts with truly listening. It means understanding who people are, where they want to go, and what they need to get there,” Prosser said. “When you not only provide clarity and direction but also connect them to the right resources and support, you help them achieve their goals. That’s how you earn trust and create lasting impact.”

But building authentic connections takes effort, especially when remote work limits organic interactions and digital noise encourages surface-level engagement. Strong relationships require vulnerability, consistent follow-through and aligned values. This is why trust is rare and real connections are harder to achieve. It’s also why it’s more important than ever to invest in a powerful network.

How to Build and Strengthen an Intentional Network

1. Lead with generosity, not need. The strongest networks are rooted in reciprocity. Approach every interaction asking, “How can I add value?” rather than “What can I get?” Share resources, make introductions and offer encouragement without expecting an immediate return. Over time, your reputation as a giver will draw people toward you.
2. Curate and connect with purpose. Introduce people who should know each other. Take the time to explain why the connection matters and how both parties might benefit. This intentionality turns a simple introduction into a catalyst for collaboration and trust.
3. Stay present and visible. Relationships fade without touchpoints. Keep connections alive with small, consistent gestures: a quick check-in email, a comment on their recent post or a handwritten note after a big milestone. 
4. Create or join trusted circles. Peer groups like FUEL thrive because they are built on shared values and confidentiality. If you can’t find a circle that fits, create your own. The structure of a committed group fosters deeper relationships, mutual accountability and opportunities that don’t emerge in casual settings.
5. Invest in relationships before you need them. Networks are like gardens; you can’t harvest what you haven’t planted. Build trust and rapport during calm seasons so the relationship is strong when you need advice, support or an introduction. This long-term approach ensures your network is resilient and ready.
6. Show up as your authentic self. Authenticity invites trust. Be honest about challenges, share your learning journey and ask heartfelt questions. Vulnerability not only deepens relationships but also encourages others to open up, creating a foundation of mutual respect.

For underrepresented professionals, who may be “one of the few” in their environments, intentional networks provide more than career opportunities. They are a crucial source of psychological safety. These are the spaces where asking for help, exchanging honest feedback and exploring new ideas feels natural and supported.

The Closing Advantage

The professional landscape isn’t getting simpler. AI filters screen resumes before human eyes ever see them. Your digital footprint is easier to find, but it’s harder to stand out when everyone is using ChatGPT to create their LinkedIn profile. Hybrid work will continue to limit organic encounters that once sparked new relationships. And the erosion of institutional trust will keep making personal trust more valuable.

This is why intentional networks are a strategic advantage and the new currency of career growth. 

Strong, diverse networks protect you against volatility by giving you access to trusted perspectives when decisions are complex. They expand your reach by introducing you to people you might never have encountered otherwise. They amplify your impact because the right people are in your corner when opportunities arise.

Titles change. Companies reorganize. Industries shift. What remains is the strength of the relationships you’ve built. Invest in them with the same rigor you apply to your most important work. Approach them with generosity, vulnerability and authenticity. Build a circle of trust that not only supports your next move, but multiplies the possibilities for every move after that.

Editor's Note: Read more about the power of our networks below:

• If AI Is Your Best Friend at Work, It May Be Tanking Your Social Capital — AI is becoming many of our go-to collaborators, over our colleagues. What does this do to workplace relations and what can we do about it?
• Making the Remote Office Work: Cultivate Relationships to Drive Productivity — Leaders who prioritize authentic connections — whether in-person or remote — will be more likely to see the results they want without jeopardizing team trust.
• The Hidden Superpowers of Corporate Alumni Networks — Attracting and retaining engaged employees is critical to growth — and a corporate alumni network could provide a huge boost. Here’s how.