# How Breakfast Meetings Built an Executive's Leadership Network A VP's unconventional strategy for cross-company connections through monthly meals. - **Source:** [Entrepreneur – Latest](https://brifing.si/source/1bee40f8-abda-4cd6-b055-05148ce79f53) - **Published:** 2026-09-22 - **Topic:** [Leadership](https://brifing.si/c/leadership) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/ac0cb178-8da6-438d-a73e-1a37c5df1e14 ## Unconventional networking approach An executive of color rejected traditional networking methods like golf outings that didn't align with her identity. Instead, she created monthly breakfast meetings inviting employees across all levels - from admins to managers - focusing on people rather than titles. Despite skepticism from colleagues about its career value, this approach proved transformative for her leadership journey. ## Breaking hierarchy barriers The breakfasts intentionally mixed employees from different departments and levels who wouldn't normally interact. Analysts sat with hourly workers, project managers with admins. This deliberate cross-pollination created organic connections that bypassed formal corporate hierarchies. Senior leaders occasionally joined, but weren't the focus of these gatherings. ## From meals to communication network What began as relationship-building evolved into a powerful information-sharing system. Employees solved interdepartmental issues before they escalated to leadership. Trust developed organically through repeated interactions. Within two years, the executive was promoted to VP, with these connections contributing to her success. ## Community-based leadership model The strategy drew from community-building traditions like church gatherings and kitchen table conversations. These spaces naturally develop relationship skills that formal corporate environments often lack. The executive applied principles of trust-building and belonging that predate modern leadership training programs. ## Limitations of formal meetings Traditional corporate meetings focus on agendas and presentations, leaving little room for genuine connection. Employees often self-censor to manage impressions. The breakfasts created space for natural conversations without performance pressure. This environment allowed relationships to deepen organically over time. ## Historical precedents The approach mirrors how marginalized communities historically organized - through relationships rather than hierarchy. Examples include the Underground Railroad's decentralized coordination and Black churches' community leadership. These models developed effective leadership skills outside formal power structures. ## Cost of community labor The article notes that relationship-building work often falls disproportionately on women and minorities without organizational support. While companies benefit from stronger networks, they rarely compensate those doing the connecting work. The breakfast strategy borrowed this community practice while acknowledging its origins. ## Future of leadership The story suggests effective leadership may involve creating spaces for organic connection rather than more meetings. When people feel heard in informal settings, they're more likely to support difficult decisions later. This approach builds the trust that underlies organizational success, proving sometimes the most strategic move is simply making room at the table. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.entrepreneur.com/leadership/she-was-the-only-person-of-color-on-her-executive-team/505034 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._