Networking as Necessity: The $5 Billion Tech CEO’s Recipe for Success

Sanjay Beri, the CEO of Netskope, has been making waves in the tech industry with his unapologetic take on what it takes to succeed. In a recent interview, he declared that landing your dream job is not about crafting a flawless résumé or perfecting cover letters – it’s about who you know and how well you network.

Beri’s emphasis on frequency and quantity sets him apart from the norm. He advocates for attending networking events regularly, making connections over meals, and turning social interactions into opportunities for professional growth. This philosophy prioritizes building relationships over mastering the application process.

For those struggling to find employment in today’s competitive job market, Beri’s prescription might seem like a recipe for burnout. According to recent statistics, about one-fifth of Gen Zers worldwide are classified as “NEETs” – not in education, employment, or training – and are currently locked out of the workforce. The pool of applicants for graduate roles is overwhelming, with some individuals applying to over a thousand positions without securing an offer.

However, Beri’s approach doesn’t just focus on quantity; it also highlights the importance of quality connections. He stresses that networking events don’t have to be awkward or forced speed-dating experiences but can be as simple as attending conferences in your preferred field, joining local clubs, or grabbing coffee with someone from a company you’re interested in.

Beri’s own success story is instructive on this point. From working at an IT help desk in Toronto at 16 to running Netskope, a unicorn startup valued at over $5 billion, his networking efforts were instrumental in building connections that would later prove invaluable when he founded his company and raised capital.

While Beri’s advice might seem like a luxury reserved for those who are already well-connected or have the time to attend multiple events per week, it raises important questions about the accessibility of networking opportunities. Should job seekers be expected to invest significant time in building their professional network when many struggle to find employment in the first place?

Beri’s emphasis on “never eating alone” can also be seen as a commentary on the isolation of modern life, where people are increasingly spending more time interacting with screens than with other humans. In this context, networking becomes not just a means of advancing one’s career but also a way to reconnect with others and rebuild community.

As the job market continues to evolve, driven by technological advancements and shifting economic landscapes, Beri’s advice offers a glimpse into what it might take to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world. With his prescription being put to the test, one thing is clear: networking will continue to play a significant role in determining who gets ahead and who gets left behind.

In fact, as the stakes are high, so too should our expectations of what it means to network effectively. Those in positions of power like Beri should be expected to create opportunities for those who don’t have the luxury of attending multiple networking events per week. Can we redefine what success looks like beyond just building a robust professional network?