From Small Talk to Big Opportunities:

25 Networking Starters for Women in Commodities & Shipping

Industry Conferences / Trade Events

1. “What’s been the most interesting conversation you’ve had at this event so far?”
2. “What shifts are you seeing in commodities right now that people aren’t talking enough about?”
3. “What brought you to this conference (this year)?”
4. “What markets or regions are you focused on right now?”
5. “What trends do you think will create the biggest opportunities over the next few years?”
6. “What’s something happening in shipping right now that leaders should be paying closer attention to? 

Board Dinners / Executive Events

1.  “How did you build your career in this industry?”
2. “What’s been the biggest leadership lesson you’ve learned in this space?”
3. “What do you wish more emerging leaders understood about this industry?”
4. “What has surprised you most about how this industry has changed over time?”
5. “What qualities do you think help someone stand out in commodities or shipping leadership roles?”
6. “What’s one career decision you’re really glad you made?

Internal Leadership Meetings

1. “What opportunities do you think people often overlook in this industry?”
2. “What challenges are creating the biggest bottlenecks right now across trading/shipping operations?”
3. “What trends do you think will have the biggest impact on our industry over the next few years?”
4. “How do you see this part of the business evolving?”

LinkedIn Networking / Outreach

1. “I came across your work and really enjoyed your perspective on [topic]. How did you get into this space?”
2. “I noticed your background in both shipping and commodities. What helped you make that transition?”
3. “I’d love to hear what trends you’re watching closely right now.”
4. “Your career path stood out to me. What helped you navigate growth in this industry?”
5. “I’m always interested in learning from leaders in this space, what advice would you give someone looking to grow here?”

 Follow-Up Conversations

1. "I really enjoyed meeting you at [event]. I kept thinking about what you said about [topic].”
2. “I’d love to continue our conversation about [industry trend/challenge]. Are you open to staying connected?”
3. LinkedIn: “I’ve really enjoyed connecting with you here. Would you be open to a brief virtual coffee chat sometime?”
4. “Your perspective on [topic] was incredibly valuable. If you’d ever be open to a quick conversation, I’d love to learn more from your experience.”

 BONUS : “What to Avoid”

1. Leading with “What can you do for me?” energy
2. Overexplaining your background when no one asked
3. Waiting weeks to follow up
4. Only talking to people you already know
5. Asking generic questions like “So…what do you do?” when you could be more intentional
6. Treating networking like collecting business cards instead of building real relationships

You can be exceptional at your job and still be overlooked.

That’s why visibility matters.

That’s why confidence matters.

That’s why executive presence matters.

Your next leadership move requires more than expertise alone.

And if you’re ready to strengthen the confidence, communication, and leadership presence needed for your next chapter, I’d love to support you.

Book a complimentary Lead & Shine session here