Highly Effective Networking: Airbnb’s Mitesh Mangaonkar On 5 Strategies for Successful Networking, Both Online and Offline

An Interview With Athalia Monae

Follow Up and Follow Through:

After connecting, I follow up with a personalized message referencing our conversation. Once, at a hackathon, I discussed machine learning challenges with a participant. I followed up with an article that addressed those challenges, and this helped solidify our connection, leading to a valuable peer relationship.

The art of networking is pivotal in today’s interconnected world. Establishing meaningful connections can accelerate career growth, foster collaborations, and create opportunities that might otherwise remain hidden. Yet, the dynamics of networking are intricate, often requiring a nuanced blend of authenticity, strategy, and adaptability. And with the digital revolution, networking has transcended beyond face-to-face interactions to virtual platforms, expanding its scope and complexity. In this series, we would like to discuss the art and science behind effective networking. We are talking to seasoned professionals, career coaches, networking experts, and thought leaders who’ve mastered both traditional and online networking techniques. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Mitesh Mangaonkar.

Mitesh is a Lead Data Engineer at Airbnb’s Trust and Safety organization, with over a decade of experience in data engineering, data governance, and machine learning. With a robust skill set encompassing Databases, Big Data technologies, Cloud Computing, and Machine Learning, he has consistently delivered innovative solutions that drive businesses forward. As a forward-thinker and problem-solver, Mitesh harnesses the power of data to transform organizations of all sizes. While at Amazon Web Services, he served several Fortune 500 clients of AWS cloud with data migration and democratization of data. His work focuses on integrating AI with data engineering, setting new standards in data privacy and AI governance. His deep interest in technology and exceptional capability to convert intricate data into practical and valuable insights render him a highly sought-after expert in the industry.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about networking, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?

I was born in Mumbai in a simple family that valued education. My parents worked hard to help me become the first-generation Engineer in the family. Growing up in Mumbai, often compared to New York as the financial capital of India, brought the competitive trait in me to always strive to achieve better in life. While studying Engineering, I was introduced to several professors in my school who obtained their master’s degrees in the US; this intrigued me to research the prospects of further studies in the US. Also, I attended several conferences and industry events during my graduate school. I learned about the upcoming technological advancements in Data, ML, and AI from expert researchers and professionals who had made significant contributions to the field.

My curiosity to learn about Data and ML increased even more, and I started researching schools in the US that offered specialized courses in Information Systems and Data Analytics. During my college applications, I was fortunate enough to connect with Professors on LinkedIn who would talk to me and learn about my interests, which helped me finalize my chosen specialization program. I studied Management Information Systems from the Rawls School of Business at Texas Tech University. I majored in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics as I discovered my passion for data and analytics during my undergraduate time. At my first job as a Data Engineer at Amazon, I got the opportunity to build data models to support the Attribution, User Session, and User Preference on the Prime Videos platform. My strong analytical and problem-solving skills helped me grow in the Data Engineer role and get promoted within my team. My experiences during my initial career profoundly impacted the soft skills I developed, like communication and the art of collaboration, helping me professionally and personally.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?

I very well recall this incident that happened to me when I interviewed for a startup in NYC, which was one of the most valued startups of the last decade. It was my first visit to NYC during the onset of winter, and I was thrilled to interview for the startup since that seemed like a promising next step in my career.

I had 5 interviews scheduled for the onsite, with the first 2 that involved whiteboarding/coding and the remaining technical discussion and behavioral rounds. After the first two interview sessions, there was a lunch break, after which the other rounds were scheduled. During the lunch with the Head of Data for the company, I mentioned to him that it was my first-time visiting NYC, and I was excited to explore the restaurants after the interview since I am a gastronomer. He had something playful going in his mind. He decided to make it a memorable experience for me. He made reservations for 2 popular restaurants and a café near the office. So, all the next interview rounds were held in the restaurants/café instead of the office rooms. While I initially felt intimidated by this new experience, later, I was relaxed, and it was one of the best, most memorable, and most exciting interview experiences I have had so far.

You are a successful business leader. Which three-character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?

The influence of various individuals I have had deep connections with has transformed my way of life and thinking. The traits I have acquired, such as curiosity, structure, patience, and active listening, have shaped my career success and enriched my personal development. These influential figures have instilled within me a set of invaluable traits that have shaped my approach to work and personal growth.

One such trait I am proud of is curiosity, which I developed by actively investigating and addressing issues such as the downward trend in revenue for a new business sector. I applied this curiosity to uncover valuable insights and devise innovative solutions in one project.

At the onset of my career, a pivotal piece of advice from my manager forever changed my perspective. They emphasized the importance of having mentors in different areas of life, guiding me professionally and personally. This guidance instilled in me the significance of structure in my work. As I progressed in my career, the value of structure became increasingly evident. I vividly recall an experience when I joined a new team where the presence of a structured approach was instrumental in achieving success.

Another characteristic that has propelled my career is my ability to be patient and listen attentively. In the earlier stages of my professional journey, I was driven by a desire to make a significant impact quickly, often resulting in rushed decision-making and failed endeavors. However, I soon learned the significance of forbearance, attention, and comprehending the situation before acting. This approach allowed me to better understand the circumstances and fostered empathy toward stakeholders and their perspectives.

In today’s digital age, how important is face-to-face networking, and how do you balance it with online networking?

Networking is the strategic process of creating and nurturing long-term, beneficial relationships with people from various walks of life. The emphasis lies on forming meaningful connections rather than just socializing. It’s about sharing knowledge, resources, and support. It’s the art of finding and creating opportunities to give and receive value. This happens through ideas, advice, or collaboration.

In my decade-long data engineering and ML journey, networking has been pivotal. Being valued for your true self is key, not just the connections you have. You can establish a presence in your field online through LinkedIn or Twitter. It can also be offline at conferences, meetups, and workshops.

In today’s world, where technology pulses at the heart of our lives, online networking has flourished, creating bridges between communities. It’s a vibrant space where we exchange ideas, dive into discussions, and join hands-on projects that span continents.

For me, networking transcends mere connections and enriches the community tapestry. It’s about infusing the ecosystem with your unique contributions. Whether it’s through peer-reviewing conference papers. You learn as much as you share. Through this exchange, we weave a web of professional relationships that are as robust as they are lasting.

How do you maintain and nurture professional relationships over time, both in person and online, to ensure they remain fruitful and mutually beneficial?

Maintaining and nurturing professional relationships is like tending a garden. It takes time, effort, and a genuine interest in both parties’ growth. I approach it with -

Consistent Communication: Whether online or offline, I make it a point to check in regularly. It’s not always about work or seeking favors; sometimes, it’s just to share an article or congratulate them on a recent achievement. This consistent, non-transactional communication helps build a solid foundation of trust and goodwill.

Offering value: I ensure I have added value before I leave any interactions. It could be sharing a relevant contact, providing feedback on a project, or volunteering my time for a cause they care about, reinforcing the relationship’s mutual benefit.

Active Listening: Over time, I have developed a habit of prioritizing active listening over speaking. By comprehending people’s aspirations, obstacles, and passions, I can devise strategies to assist them, cultivating a mutually beneficial professional relationship.

Leveraging Online Platforms: Online platforms like LinkedIn are invaluable for keeping in Touch with my network. I use these platforms to celebrate others’ successes, share exciting finds, and participate in discussions, which keeps the relationship active and engaging.

Personal Touch: I believe in the power of a personal touch. Remembering small details from previous conversations and bringing them up in future interactions shows you value the relationship. Even online, a personalized message rather than a generic one can make a big difference.

Balancing Scale with Intimacy: While growing your network, it’s equally important to maintain the quality of your existing connections. I prioritize depth over breadth. It’s about having a smaller circle of relationships I can engage with meaningfully rather than a vast network with superficial ties.

Being Open and Honest: I strive to be transparent and honest in my professional relationships. If there’s a situation where interests don’t align or I am unable to commit time or resources, I communicate this openly. This integrity has helped me maintain long-term, mutually beneficial relationships.

It’s a continuous process but gratifying both professionally and personally.

How important is personal branding when it comes to successful networking, and how can individuals develop and maintain a strong personal brand both online and in person?

Personal branding holds the key to successful networking; it’s how you are perceived in the professional community. Your personal brand is like a beacon that attracts opportunities, partnerships, and connections that resonate with your values and expertise.

I believe that developing a solid personal brand starts with self-reflection — knowing your strengths, passions, and what you stand for. Once you have clarity on that, you can begin to craft your narrative. Here’s how I approach it, both online and in person:

Online Branding:

• Consistency Across Platforms: Your online presence should be consistent. Use the same profile picture, bio, and professional messaging across different platforms: LinkedIn, Twitter, or a personal blog. This creates a recognizable and cohesive image of who you are.
• Content Creation: Sharing insightful content related to your field can establish you as a thought leader. This could be through articles, blog posts, or even short-form content on social media. The key is to add value to your audience with your unique perspective.
• Engagement: Interact with others’ content thoughtfully. Commenting, sharing, and discussing topics shows your expertise and willingness to be part of a community.
• Visual Identity: A professional headshot and a clean, modern design for any personal website or portfolio help make a memorable impression.

In-Person Branding:

• Elevator Pitch: Have a concise and compelling elevator pitch ready. It should communicate who you are, what you do, and what value you bring.
• Networking Events: Attend industry events, conferences, and workshops. Be ready to introduce yourself, hand out business cards, and follow up after meetings.
• Consistent Messaging: Just like online, in-person interactions should consistently reflect your professional interests and values.
• Dress the Part: Your attire should reflect your professional brand. Whether business casual or formal, your appearance should align with the image you want to project.

To conserve the integrity of your brand, it is utterly pivotal to remain well-informed and adaptable. Just as your professional journey advances, your brand must also progress. Continually acquire knowledge, expand your horizons, and refine your brand to accurately mirror your position and aspirations.

Being authentic is key. I’ve learned that people can easily spot insincerity, and it can damage my brand. I strive to be genuine in every interaction.

I value feedback immensely. Understanding how others see me and being open to constructive criticism has given me invaluable insights, allowing me to fine-tune my brand.

A solid personal brand is your signature in the professional world. It opens doors and helps build trust before you enter the room, online or off. It’s not just about what you do but how you do it and the story you tell.

What is your advice for young professionals who are just starting to build their network? How can they effectively reach out to and connect with experienced leaders in their field?

Stay adaptable — approach networking with a mindset of learning and contributing rather than just gaining. To effectively reach out and connect with leaders, begin by engaging with the content they share. For instance, if a leader in your field has recently written an article or given a talk, take the time to understand their work and provide thoughtful feedback or ask intelligent questions. This not only demonstrates your interest but also your willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue.

When you do reach out, personalize your communication. For example, let’s say you’re inspired by a project the leader has spearheaded. You might write, “Dear [Leader’s Name], your project on [specific project] has sparked my interest in [specific aspect of the project], and it aligns with my recent volunteer work with [related work experience]. I am eager to understand your challenges and how you conquered them. Could we schedule a brief call so I could gain insights from your valuable experience?” This approach shows initiative and conveys that you’re reaching out for your benefit and understanding and appreciating their work’s impact. Remember, successful networking is about fostering genuine connections that are mutually beneficial. When you make contact, ensure that your intentions are not solely on receiving but also on offering. One quote from Zig Ziglar’s book “See You at the Top” comes to my mind that aptly captures the essence of networking — “You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.”.

You may offer fresh perspectives or skills that interest you even as a newcomer. Being gracious, professional, and persistent qualities are often appreciated and rewarded professionally.

Do you prioritize quality or quantity of connections? How do you determine when to invest more time in a particular relationship?

I prioritize the quality of connections over quantity. It’s about fostering relationships that are enriching and reciprocal. Each connection is like a unique data point; its true value is not in its mere existence, but in the insights and mutual benefits it can provide.

To decide where to invest more time, I look at the potential for collaborative synergy. If a connection is actively engaging, offering fresh perspectives, or presenting opportunities to tackle new challenges together, that’s a signal to invest more deeply. For instance, a relationship with a peer who provides critical feedback on my work is invaluable. It’s akin to a robust data model that challenges the status quo, leading to enhanced outcomes.

Furthermore, I assess the alignment of values and goals. Collaboration is better with a shared vision. If a connection and I are passionate about using data for social good, that common ground is fertile soil for a relationship worth nurturing. Ultimately, investing in relationships that promise mutual growth, learning, and advancement is a strategic choice, much like choosing quality data sources over sheer volume to drive better decision-making.

What are your “5 Strategies for Successful Networking, Both Online and Offline”?

1. Be Intentional and Strategic:

Online and offline networking should be purpose-driven. It’s not about collecting contacts; it’s about cultivating connections aligned with your values and professional goals. For example, I connected with a mentor through a LinkedIn group dedicated to Data Governance. Our shared interest in data governance practices led to a valuable exchange of ideas and, eventually, to a collaborative research project.

2. Cultivate a Diverse Network:

Diversity in your network ensures a wealth of perspectives. I once attended a conference outside my immediate field and connected with someone from a different industry. Our discussions led to a breakthrough in how I approached data visualization, significantly enhancing my team’s project deliverables.

3. Provide Value Without Expectation:

Offering help or insights without immediately expecting anything in return can build strong rapport and trust. I remember offering some pro-bono data analysis for a non-profit. Months later, they referred me to a significant client needing my expertise, which became a fruitful long-term relationship.

4. Follow Up and Follow Through:

After connecting, I follow up with a personalized message referencing our conversation. Once, at a hackathon, I discussed machine learning challenges with a participant. I followed up with an article that addressed those challenges, and this helped solidify our connection, leading to a valuable peer relationship.

5. Embrace Technology, but Don’t Forget the Human Touch:

Leveraging social media platforms, professional forums, and virtual events is excellent for expanding your network. Yet, nothing replaces the human element. A video call where you can share a smile, a handshake at a meetup, or a handwritten thank-you note can make your interactions more memorable. I recall sending a handwritten note to a speaker whose talk had inspired me. When we later met at another event, that small gesture had already made a lasting impression, making our conversation more engaging and open.

These strategies have expanded my network and deepened the quality of my professional relationships, leading to numerous successful collaborations and projects. Networking is an art as much as a science; these strategies are the brushstrokes that create the bigger picture.

What role does diversity and inclusion play in your networking approach? How do you ensure that your network is inclusive and represents a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds?

Diversity and inclusion are the bedrock of my networking philosophy. They ensure that the network I cultivate is a microcosm of varied thoughts, experiences, and cultures, which is vital in a field like data and analytics, where diversity in data leads to more comprehensive and innovative outcomes. A diverse network fosters creativity and drives excellence by challenging conventional thinking and introducing different problem-solving approaches.

In pursuing an inclusive network, I am steadfast in my approach to supporting diversity-focused industry events and online communities. These platforms are valuable for connecting with professionals from underrepresented groups, offering me new insights and experiences. I energetically connect with people from diverse backgrounds through projects, mentorship, and discussions. It’s vital to maintain a community of individuals who have not only unique appearances but also possess distinct thought processes. This breadth of perspective leads to the most vibrant and compelling professional ecosystems.

Moreover, I ensure inclusivity in my network by being intentional about accessibility. This means accommodating different communication styles and preferences and advocating for and creating spaces that welcome those who might otherwise be marginalized. Inclusivity is at the forefront, whether in the language used in discourse, the platforms chosen for communication, or the events organized for networking. It’s about making everyone feel seen, heard, and valued, which enriches the network.

You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

My expertise is rooted in a deep understanding and mastery of data! If I had the influence to kickstart a movement, I’d aim to create a global initiative focused on ‘Data Literacy for All.’

In our digital age, data is ubiquitous. It influences everything from the recommendations we receive to the policies governments enact. Yet, I noticed a significant gap in understanding and utilizing data effectively among the general population. This movement would empower people from all walks of life with the knowledge to understand, interpret, and question the data they encounter daily. It would involve creating accessible, engaging educational content and tools that demystify data analytics, interpretation, and critical thinking about data sources and biases.

My North Star vision is partnerships with schools, libraries, online platforms, and community centers to broaden our reach. The objective would be to establish data literacy as a necessary skill comparable to reading and writing, empowering individuals to make well-informed choices in their personal and professional endeavors. Furthermore, this movement would cultivate an environment in which data privacy and ethical utilization of information are ingrained in everyday conversations, leading to a society that is both knowledgeable and empowered. Envision a world where everyone can expose misleading statistics, comprehend the consequences of sharing their personal data, and actively contribute to a society that values transparency and is driven by data. Now, that’s a chain reaction worth triggering!

How can our readers further follow you online?

Readers can follow me online at LinkedIn and also on my personal website — https://miteshmangaonkar.com/

Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!

About the Interviewer: Athalia Monae is a product creator, published author, entrepreneur, advocate for Feed Our Starving Children, contributing writer for Entrepreneur Media, and founder of Pouches By Alahta.