Featured Industry Voices ✨
Networking, A Real-World Guide to Bold, Authentic Connections, coming June 2026, features stories and lessons from hospitality professionals across the industry, including Adesuwa Elaiho, CEO & Executive Chef of Asukar, @chef_adesuwa and @myasukar.
Adesuwa has built a brand rooted in culture, creativity, hospitality, and intentional experiences through food. As the leader behind Asukar, she brings people together through elevated culinary experiences while continuing to build a respected presence within the hospitality and events industry.
What I love most about Adesuwa’s story in the book is the reminder that networking is not about performing, it’s about being present.
In her chapter, she shares how she once approached every professional room feeling like she needed to have the perfect introduction prepared. But after one honest conversation at an industry gathering, everything shifted. She realized the strongest connections are built through authenticity, curiosity, and genuine conversation, not perfectly rehearsed pitches.
And honestly, that lesson changes everything.
The strongest relationships are rarely built from polished introductions.
They’re built from real conversations.
Thank you Adesuwa for being part of this project and for sharing your story. 🖤
Join the early release list through the link in bio. ✨
Networking in the hospitality industry, as illustrated by Adesuwa Elaiho's experience, goes far beyond exchanging business cards or delivering rehearsed pitches. Through my own journey attending industry events, I’ve found that approaching networking with a mindset of authenticity brings far greater rewards. Adesuwa’s insight that “networking is not about performing, it’s about being present” deeply resonates with me. In one memorable event, I forced myself to relax and simply listen and engage with people out of genuine curiosity rather than trying to impress them. The resulting conversations felt more natural and often led to unexpected opportunities. This approach aligns with a broader trend in hospitality where meaningful connections are formed around shared passions—whether it’s culinary creativity, cultural storytelling, or crafting memorable guest experiences. As Adesuwa has shown with Asukar, which is rooted in culture and intentional experiences, building a brand and relationships authentically can create a powerful presence in this competitive field. For those looking to sharpen their networking skills, my advice is to prepare less scripted introductions and instead foster openness and curiosity. Ask thoughtful questions, show interest in others’ stories, and be willing to share your own journey honestly. These real conversations make lasting impressions and often create collaborative opportunities that formal pitches might miss. The upcoming book 'Networking, A Real-World Guide to Bold, Authentic Connections' seems poised to be a valuable resource for hospitality professionals eager to build genuine relationships. Joining the early release list could be a smart step for anyone in events or hospitality aiming to connect more deeply within the industry.
