From Networking to Nurturing: How to Form Meaningful Relationships with Executives

Starting a new relationship with an executive, especially early in your career, can feel a little intimidating. You might wonder, “Am I bothering them?” or assume they’re too busy to talk. Totally normal. Most of us have felt that awkward hesitation at some point when thinking about reaching out to someone more senior.

Here’s what I’ve learned over my years as an HRBP: a lot of execs actually want to connect with people across the business. They’re not just sitting in leadership meetings all day (although it can occupy a good bit of their calendar depending on the week). Many are genuinely interested in hearing new ideas, getting fresh perspectives, and building a stronger sense of connection with folks they might not work with day-to-day.

In fact, some of the most insightful conversations execs have are with early-career employees. Those real, unfiltered perspectives help them understand how things are actually going—what’s energizing teams, where morale might be slipping, or how culture is showing up day to day. These insights shape how leaders engage their teams and make better, more human-centered decisions.

So if you’re trying to grow your career, internal networking matters—a lot. And not just to “get noticed.” It’s about building meaningful, two-way relationships that help you learn, grow, and feel more connected at work. Here’s a few tips to help you build those authentic relationships without feeling like you’re wasting anyone’s time.

Be Genuine and Authentic

Be yourself. You don’t need to sound hyper-polished or act like someone you’re not just because you’re talking to someone with “VP+” in their title. Talk about what genuinely excites you. Ask real questions. Share what you’re working through. 

The best relationships—at any level—start with authenticity. If you’re only reaching out to try and “get ahead,” people can sense that. If you approach someone with real curiosity and a desire to learn, it shows.

When you lead with curiosity and honesty, you invite the other person to do the same. Many of them were you once. They know what it feels like to be starting out or at an early point in their career, and they’ll often welcome a thoughtful, real conversation.

Find Common Ground

Before reaching out, take five minutes to learn a little about them. Where have they worked? What projects have they led? What do they seem passionate about?

You don’t need to write a research paper—just look for a few natural connection points. Maybe they came from a similar background, or they care deeply about a topic you’re interested in. Mentioning that in conversation gives you a bridge to stand on.

And don’t overlook the personal stuff. If they casually mention they run marathons or love baking, you’ve got something human to connect on. Relationships often grow faster through shared interests than through shared job functions.

Look for Organic Opportunities to Collaborate

One of the most organic ways to build relationships with execs is by raising your hand for cross-functional work. These are the moments when senior leaders show up—for example, getting involved in an Employee Resource Group or Engagement Committee that they sponsor or work with.

Being in the room (virtually or not) gives them a chance to see how you think, how you collaborate, and how you show up—not just what’s on your resume.

Even better: when you care about the work, the connection builds naturally. You’re not networking for networking’s sake—you’re working toward something together. That shared experience can build trust way faster than a formal intro ever could.

Respect Their Time

Execs juggle a lot. Trying to find time on their calendars during a busy work week can feel like finding the perfect place to fit a block in Tetris. 

So if you’re reaching out, be clear and concise. Instead of asking, “Can we connect sometime?”, try something like: “Would you be open to a 20-minute chat? I’d love to get your thoughts on [specific topic].”

That small shift shows respect for their time and gives them a reason to say yes.

And once you’re in the meeting? Stick to what you asked for. If you said 20 minutes, aim to wrap around that mark—even if the conversation’s flowing. They’ll appreciate that you’re not trying to monopolize their day. It leaves the door open for next time.

Ask for Advice, Not a Job

When you reach out for help or guidance, make it about learning—not asking for favors. Execs are more likely to engage when your ask is thoughtful and tied to something they’re experienced in.

Instead of “Can you help me grow in my career?”, try “I saw you led [initiative]. I’m working on something similar and would love to hear how you approached it.”

The key is specificity. It shows you’ve done your homework and value their expertise. And if they give advice—use it, and follow up. A quick note saying, “I tried what you suggested and it worked really well—thank you again” can go a long way in keeping the relationship warm.

Follow Up and Maintain the Connection

Your first conversation isn’t the end—it’s the start. But staying in touch doesn’t mean sending weekly updates or trying to force regular coffee chats.

Just be thoughtful. If they gave you advice that paid off, let them know. If you see an article or update relevant to something you discussed, pass it along. These small, low-lift touches show you’re still thinking about the relationship without asking for anything.

Consistency beats frequency. Staying on someone’s radar in a genuine way builds trust over time—and that’s how real mentorship and sponsorship start to form.

Now let’s get to work!

You don’t need to have all the answers, the perfect script, or years of experience to start. What matters most is showing up with curiosity, intention, and respect.

Remember, you're not just asking for time—you’re offering perspective. As someone earlier in your career, you bring a fresh lens that can help leaders better understand what’s working, what’s not, and what people actually care about on the ground. That kind of insight is incredibly valuable.

And over time, the connections you build now can become some of the most impactful ones in your career. Not because they lead to a job or promotion (though sometimes they do), but because they help you learn, grow, and navigate work with more confidence and clarity.

So reach out. Say hi. Ask the question. You’ve got more to offer than you might think—and these relationships often start with just one honest conversation.