BREWING Connections & BREAKTHROUGH Communications

Last Thursday (June-6th), Perth's Brew & Breakthrough was more than just about the two 'B's, it was all about the four 'C's: Connection, Communication, Community, and of course, Coffee.

As the saying goes in Australia, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know”. Brew & Breakthrough, hosted by Mentor It Forward (MiF), is the perfect space to get involved in the community while building meaningful, lasting connections.

After living in Perth for almost two years, I kept hearing about the importance of networking events, but I had no real idea how they worked or whether I should attend. Questions like where to go, how to begin, and what to expect always held me back. That changed in March when I attended my first Brew & Breakthrough session, and continued during June gathering, all thanks to Mentor It Forward.

Last week’s session began with warm introductions and quickly evolved into a powerful conversation about networking without expectations. Haim Oz (MiF founder) shared his view that real connection isn’t about chasing opportunities. It’s about showing up as humans first.

Our MiF mentors, Diana Goh and Guru Prasad, brought warmth and energy to the space by introducing a fun table game where each of us was challenged to speak for two minutes on a random topic. It made us realise how often we run out of words, and how quickly we tend to wrap up before even using the full time.

Over warm coffee, rich conversations, and a bit of laughter, we walked away with practical insights. Here are some that stood out to me:

Introduce yourself genuinely, reflect who you are as a person

While introducing ourselves at networking events, we often tend to lead with our roles: “I’m a Business Analyst”, “I work in IT”, or “I’m a student”. However, during our discussions, I discovered the power of simply being yourself. Start the conversation on a lighter note and progress through it while sharing your passion, a hobby, or what truly motivates you. This gives space for the other person to understand you better, and you can land on a common interest to continue the conversation. Most meaningful conversations happen when we let go of labels and connect human to human, not just a professional to another professional.

Do not make interactions transactional

Every meaningful conversation at an event should begin with a clear “why”. Why you’re there, and what you hope to take away from the experience. When we start with job talk, such as “I’m looking for an opportunity”, we risk turning a genuine interaction into a transactional one. This can make others feel like the focus isn’t on building a relationship, but on getting something in return. And that often leads to disconnection.

Instead, focus on sharing who you are and why you’re there. Engage with sincerity and curiosity. Even if an opportunity doesn’t come up right away, trust built over time can open unexpected doors.

Embrace the pause, it’s not awkward

It is difficult for many of us to take a pause during conversations, as it makes us feel uncomfortable. But this session reminded me that pauses aren’t empty; they give your listener time to absorb what you're saying, which tends to deepen engagement. Subsequently, a pause gives you time to think and respond properly, as words do carry weight.

Take the opportunity

When given the moment to share your story, take it and shine

We often shy away from speaking about ourselves, whether out of modesty or fear of public speaking. But when you're given the opportunity to share, take it as your moment to shine. It's your story, your journey, your experiences, so own it, and speak with confidence. No one knows your story better than you do. I’ve learned that it’s not about trying to impress others but about allowing yourself to be seen. .

Be prepared, but don’t perform — sound like you, not a script

It’s always good to prepare a few thoughts before attending an event or meeting someone new. But don’t memorise your content word for word, it can make it harder to truly connect with the people listening. The goal isn’t to deliver a perfect pitch, but to share a story that stays with them. When you speak from the heart, it resonates more deeply and leaves a lasting impression. That’s what helps people remember you, not just what you said, but how you made them feel.

Listening: A silent superpower

One more important takeaway for me was the value of listening. We often focus so much on what we want to say that we forget how much we can learn by simply being present and listening to others.

When you speak, you’re sharing what you already know. But when you truly listen, you open the door to new ideas, different perspectives, and meaningful stories that can enrich your own thinking. Listening is not passive; in fact, it's one of the most powerful tools for building genuine connections.

---

And if there's one thought I’d like to leave you with, it’s this quote I came across recently:

“The future belongs to the consistent.

Not the talented.

Not the lucky.

But the ones who show up – even when it’s hard.

Show up.

Effort never betrays you.”

---

Speak whenever you get a chance. Listen when others do. And most importantly, grow with every interaction. You never know where one small conversation might lead.

See you at the next B&B.

Jyoti