On the Menu: Stop Networking, Start Connecting

To start the new year, we’re mixing it up!

On the Menu is trying something new—a lunch and connect with Intentional Sparks!

Here’s how it works.

Stop Networking, Start Connecting explores the shift from transactional interactions to meaningful, opportunity generating relationships. In this session, Sarah Lien Finnerty shares practical strategies for navigating a room, starting conversations with confidence, and creating follow ups that feel natural. Attendees will learn how to identify the right people to engage, articulate clear asks, and build a network rooted in trust instead of chance encounters. Walk away with a simple, repeatable approach to connecting with intention in any professional setting.

Due to the nature of this event, it will be hosted exclusively in person. We encourage all participants to join us on-site to fully engage with the experience.

Game Plan

10:30 a.m. | In-Person | Check-in begins

11:00 a.m. | Event begins

12:30 p.m. | Event ends & lunch is available

1:00 p.m. | Go on back to work!

Our Session Leader

Sarah Finnerty

Chief Spark Officer at Intentional Sparks & Senior Client Director at Kelaca.

Sarah Lien Finnerty is a seasoned talent strategist and relationship builder with over nine years of experience helping organizations solve complex hiring challenges through executive search and culture-first recruiting strategies.

Known for her energy, authenticity, and ability to turn conversations into lasting opportunities, Sarah has built a career on the power of intentional connection. Whether she’s guiding companies through leadership hires or facilitating spaces for professionals to connect and grow, Sarah brings warmth, clarity, and contagious enthusiasm to every room she’s in. A proud Raleigh resident since 2008, she’s also a dedicated mom, theatre enthusiast, and passionate traveler who believes that strong networks, like great stories, can change lives.

What’s On The Menu?

At Frontier RTP, we are constantly growing, and hope you will come along for the ride! We developed On the Menu as a way of helping you and your business grow to the next level, whatever that next level may be.

Each month, we offer a lunchtime workshop on a special topic related to small businesses or startups. On the Menu is taught by a diverse group of experts from around the Triangle (some of whom started their business here at Frontier RTP!) in a small group setting.

Our hope is that these workshops will not only be rich in content, but spark dialogue, start relationships, and make your lunch break meaningful. Did we mention there will be food? For those joining us in-person, there will be a free lunch available. If you are joining us virtually, we invite you to bring your lunch to the Zoom. No shame in eating with your camera on!

We want you to easily access our events and webinars. Please reach out to us with accommodation requests at programming@rtp.org and we’ll do our best to facilitate.

Note: By registering and participating in this event, you consent to the recording of your likeness, image, and/or voice and authorize Frontier RTP to use photographs, video, and audio recordings containing your likeness, image, and/or voice in any medium for any purpose.