Purna Virji — Principal Consultant and Global Program Manager at LinkedIn
I’ve spoken at conferences all over the world, but I still need to disappear into a bathroom to recharge between sessions.
People are always surprised when I tell them I’m an introvert. I’ve just gotten good at being active during events, so good that people assume I’m naturally outgoing.
But that performance comes at a very high price, so these strategies have become essential for me.
Find common ground
It could be a shared hometown, a similar role, or even mutual frustration with a platform. Finding common ground makes things easier and helps me relax.
Take breaks
I schedule 3-5 minute “bathroom breaks” between networking sessions. Sometimes I sit in the car or find a quiet hallway. Just a few minutes of silence buys me another hour of energy.
Stick to small groups
I gravitate towards roundtables, smaller group sessions, or coffees with just a few people. It’s a lot less overwhelming than trying to get a giant network mixer to work.
Have an exit strategy
When I feel like my social energy is wearing off, I use a polite excuse like, “I promised I’d meet someone at 3 p.m.” He is polite and offers me an easy way to leave.
I plan my recovery
After a big event, I block out 1-2 days with no calls or obligations. I use the time to rest, reflect and recharge.
