with Uwakmfon Nsa
The 7th edition of ICCEF’s Big Brothers and Sisters Mentorship Session, held on Friday, 17th October 2025, was a deeply engaging and insightful conversation on the art of networking, led by Uwakmfon Nsa. A Youth Fellow of the Innocent Chukwuma Social Impact Chair & Fellowship and the Founder/Executive Director of Flourish Her Africa, Uwakmfon brought her vibrant energy and wealth of experience to the session. She guided participants through the nuances of building meaningful relationships and opening doors to new opportunities.
The session began with a personal reflection on Uwakmfon’s own networking journey. She shared how a single connection made during the ICSICF became the catalyst for securing a Chevening Scholarship and gaining access to mentorship and key organizations. Her story was not just inspiring; it was a testament to the power of intentional relationships and the ripple effect they can have on one’s personal and professional growth.
As the conversation unfolded, participants were introduced to the foundational principles of networking. Uwakmfon offered a clear definition: networking is the practice of building and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships to exchange information, advice, referrals, and opportunities. Beyond the definition, she emphasized its deeper value and how networking shapes who we become, not just what we achieve.
She then introduced the 3 Cs of effective networking: Connection, Communication, and Consistency. These pillars served as a framework for understanding how to identify and engage with people aligned with one’s goals, how to communicate with intention, and how to nurture relationships over time. The heart of the session lay in a simple yet powerful question: “How real are you?” Uwakmfon reminded participants that people connect with authenticity, not titles. Networking, she said, is about who you are, not just what you want. It’s about offering value, being present, and showing up as your true self.
The theme “Building Bridges, Not Walls” became a guiding principle throughout the session. Uwakmfon encouraged participants to move away from transactional networking and embrace a relational approach. She spoke about the importance of being open, inclusive, and curious, and of seeking to understand before being understood. Networking, she explained, should be seen as a long-term investment rather than a one-time transaction.
Drawing from her own experiences, Uwakmfon shared practical strategies for building meaningful relationships. She spoke about the importance of being genuinely interested in others, asking thoughtful questions, offering help or value first, and following up with gratitude and intention. In today’s digital age, she highlighted platforms like LinkedIn as modern networking rooms. She urged participants to use social media to connect rather than compare, and to build a professional brand rooted in authenticity.
Addressing the common challenge of networking anxiety, Uwakmfon offered gentle encouragement. She advised participants to prepare before events, start small conversations, and focus on curiosity rather than perfection. “Most people feel the same way,” she said, reminding everyone that vulnerability is often the bridge to connection.
As the session drew to a close, Uwakmfon shared key insights on turning connections into opportunities. She spoke about the importance of staying in touch, sending updates, celebrating others’ successes, and choosing collaboration over competition. Networking, she emphasized, is not about collecting contacts. It is about cultivating relationships that matter.
The session ended with a quote that captured the essence of everything shared:
“Your network is your net worth—but only if it’s built on trust, empathy, and value. Start small. Be intentional. Build bridges.”
With those words, participants were left not only inspired but also equipped with the mindset, tools, and clarity to approach networking as a powerful force for growth, connection, and impact.
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