766: Using AI to Make Networking Easier, with Ruth Gotian

112 snips

Jan 19, 2026

Ruth Gotian, a leading management thinker and author, shares insights on leveraging AI to enhance networking efforts. She discusses the shrinking networks post-pandemic and introduces the 90/9/1 rule for online engagement. Ruth emphasizes using AI for administrative tasks, such as preparing for conferences and optimizing LinkedIn profiles. She also advocates for curating content and organizing small gatherings to foster genuine connections. Ultimately, Ruth highlights that while AI can assist, authentic human relationships remain irreplaceable.

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INSIGHT

Trust Forms Over Time Online

Trust can form strongly in virtual relationships but it builds slowly through repeated small interactions over time.
Ruth Gotian says people expect instant trust, but real trust is earned by consistent, small behaviors.

ANECDOTE

Tiny Gestures Spark Conversations

Ruth Gotian shares a ritual of photographing books or shirts at airports and sending them to authors or friends.
She uses these small, no-ask gestures to start genuine conversations and show people they're top of mind.

ADVICE

Move From Lurker To Engager

Move from lurking to engaging by creating thoughtful comments, sharing content, or posting your own reflections on LinkedIn.
Ruth Gotian says consistent engagement helps others know, like, and then trust you.

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Ruth Gotian: Networking in the Age of AI

Ruth Gotian is the former Chief Learning Officer and Associate Professor of Education in Anaesthesiology at Weill Cornell Medicine. Thinkers50 has ranked her the #1 emerging management thinker in the world, and she’s a top LinkedIn voice in mentoring. She’s the author of The Success Factor and, with Andy Lopata, The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring.

Most of us recognize the value of building a better network, but we also know the time and dedication it takes. In this conversation, Ruth and I explore how we can use AI tools to do some of the administrative legwork so that we can spend more time on the real relationship-building.

Key Points

McKinsey reports that since the pandemic, most people’s networks have shrunk or stalled.
Consider the 90/9/1 rule: 90% of people lurk in online communities, 9% interact somewhat regularly, 1% post and lead the conversation.
Use AI to enhance, not replace, your communications. Invite AI to do the administrative legwork (i.e. brainstorming, proofreading) so you focus on the human aspects.
Ask AI to analyze speaker and attendee lists in advance at conferences in the context of your goals.
Consider being the person that puts together an in-person dinner or gathering at a conference. Use AI to help you prep questions and discover the best people to invite.
Ask AI to help complete your LinkedIn profile. An All-Star LinkedIn profile makes it substantially more likely that you’ll get surfaced to others.

Resources Mentioned

Networking in the Age of AI by Ruth Gotian

Related Episodes

How to Grow Your Professional Network, with Tom Henschel* (episode 279)
How to Build a Network While Still Doing Everything Else, with Ruth Gotian* (episode 591)
The Key Elements of a Powerful Personal Brand, with Goldie Chan* (episode 757)

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