As an entrepreneur, meeting people and networking comes with the territory. But how often do networking events feel like you have to put on a front or a version of yourself? In business settings where interactions can feel more transactional, how can we show up more authentically and with more of ourselves?

Through this interactive workshop, you will be guided through a series of practical exercises and conversational prompts that are designed to help you go beyond the surface-level talk to genuinely connect about the work you care about. Instead of "being on," this session aims to help you lean into simply "being" so that you can create more meaningful connections.

Please come prepared to be fully present with your camera and audio on. There will be group and breakout rooms.

Facilitator - Stephanie Shyu

Stephanie (Steph) Shyu (she/they) is a consultant and facilitator who draws from her experience as a recovering startup founder and lawyer to advise entrepreneurs to be more authentic and effective leaders. In her role as Associate Director of NYU Stern's entrepreneurship center, Steph currently advises founders and teams of all stages on strategy, growth, and leadership. Her organizational and DEI consulting practice focuses on individual and interpersonal development as the pivot point for organizational growth.

The experience of chasing startup "success" as a Y-Combinator founder and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree catalyzed Steph's desire to explore more holistic, more conscious leadership styles through the frameworks of Interpersonal Dynamics and Authentic Relating. She has facilitated workshops, listening interviews, and community circles for Google X, tech startups, ART International, and more.

Steph holds a B.A. from Duke University, a J.D. and Wharton certificate from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Certificate in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion from Georgetown University's Institute of Transformational Leadership. She is also a 200-hour certified yoga instructor with a background in insight meditation.

https://thesjscollective.com/​

Co-Host, ACE NextGen Program Coordinator - Andrea Maeng

Andrea Maeng (she/her) is a trauma informed breathwork facilitator and certified Ontological Life and Leadership coach, whose practice focuses on the breath, the body and mindfulness as a pathway for healing, emotional release and transformation. Her passion lies in supporting humans embody the confidence, courage and clarity to lead a business, life and relationships on their own terms and in a way that honors identity and the full spectrum of their lived experience. She has worked with clients all over the world through her 1:1 and group coaching offerings as well as retreats/events. She specializes on the AAPI community and 1st/2nd generation immigrants through the transformational experiences, conversations and spaces she facilitates. She is proud Korean-American and daughter of immigrants.