Jeni Smith is an academic networking expert and founder of NetKno.

Sarah and Jeni talk about

1. How she turned her natural ability for connecting people into a career
2. Why businesses and academics network for different reasons
3. What networking is really about – and it's not what most people think
4. Finally finding the language to describe what she has been seeing in real life for 20 years

Find out more

1. Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website
2. Connect with Jeni on LinkedIn
3. Follow NetKno on the web, LinkedIn and Instagram

About Research Adjacent

1. Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn and Instagram
2. Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter
3. Email a comment, question or suggestion
4. Leave Sarah a voice message

Mentioned in this episode:

Leeds Research Adjacent Community Networking

Come along to meet other research-adjacent folks in person at Brooklyn Bar in Leeds on Thursday 30 April 2026 from 5.30pm. Open to anyone who feels part of this world. Facilitated by podcast host Sarah McLusky. Find out more and sign up here https://researchadjacent.circle.so/c/open-events/leeds-research-adjacent-community-networking-4058c1

Research Adjacent Directory Member of the Month: Clare Jonas, That Thinking Feeling

What do you get if you cross an academic psychologist with a research communicator? Some amazing skills training workshops! Clare offers workshops which support researchers to develop knowledge and practical skills in three overlapping areas: research communication, taking care of ourselves and each other, and career skills for academia and beyond. They’re based on Clare's professional expertise, lived experience, evidence from psychology and related fields... and love of dad jokes! Find out more at https://www.thatthinkingfeeling.co.uk/