First Impressions That Open Doors

You know how to meet people. But how do you turn a promising conversation into a friendship, a dinner invitation, a lasting professional relationship, or an opportunity you wouldn't have found otherwise?
Confident Introvert Academy is an eight-week live coaching experience that helps you turn networking into meaningful connection. Drawing on my book, Confident Introvert, you'll learn how to start conversations, build rapport, follow up in ways that feel natural, and nurture relationships that grow beyond a single encounter.
Unlike simply reading a book or collecting networking tips, you'll put the strategies into practice with live coaching from me and support from a cohort of people who are also looking to create more meaningful connections.
You don't need to become an extrovert. You need practical tools, opportunities to practice, and a more intentional approach to building the personal and professional relationships you want.
Build meaningful relationships, friendships, and opportunities without pretending to be an extrovert.
Start conversations at networking events, parties, and gatherings without overthinking what to say.
Move beyond small talk, discover common ground, and build rapport people want to continue.
Know what to say after meeting someone and how to keep a promising connection alive.
Identify aligned friends and peers, deepen promising connections, and turn shared interests into plans.
Build relationships that can lead to invitations, dinner parties, introductions, and future gatherings.
Nurture relationships that may lead to referrals, collaborations, clients, and new doors opening.

Author, TEDx speaker & coach. Hosted 1,000+ events; delivered 250+ talks.
Introvert moving to a new city or entering a new social circle who wants to make friends, feel at home, and build meaningful connections.
Starting a new job or growing their career, wanting to build relationships with colleagues, mentors, and peers and unlock new opportunities.
Founder/freelancer who wants to connect with potential clients, collaborators, and referral partners without uncomfortable self-promotion.

Live sessions
Learn directly from Stephanie Thoma in a real-time, interactive format.
Lifetime access
Go back to course content and recordings whenever you need to.
Community of peers
Stay accountable and share insights with like-minded professionals.
Certificate of completion
Share your new skills with your employer or on LinkedIn.
Maven Guarantee
Your purchase is backed by the Maven Guarantee.
Live sessions
Projects
Async content
Jan
12
Jan
19
I now have the courage to put myself out there by reframing some of my beliefs and learning of other opportunities. I have struggled with the right words in certain situations, so the tools and scripts for introductions, follow-ups, inquiries, etc. when networking are so valuable. I also loved the fact I got to practice being on video since I'm an introvert and a writer preferring texting over talking on the phone. The exercises each week kept me motivated and helped me realize that I am more productive than I thought. Definitely take the course, especially if you're struggling with putting yourself out there whether you're searching for a job or clients.

Tatyana S
Investing to work with Stephanie, although sizable, has been literally one of the best investments I've made in my life. Just as therapy got my mental health to a state I never thought possible, her coaching got my confidence to a level that I had never experienced- it literally changed my life.

Charles C.
Within 2 months of working with Stephanie, I was able to get a new job I love after being in a dead-end job I thought was the best I could do for over a year and a half. She helped me know my worth, strategize, grow my network, and understand me more than most people. I am so thankful that I learned she exists!

Tina D.
Maven for Teams
Reimbursement
Get your company to pay
Everything L&D needs: email template, receipts, and certificate of completion.
Get reimbursedTeam discount
Learn with your teammates
Save 20%+ when 2 or more teammates enroll in the same cohort.
Save 20%+ with a teamPrivate cohort
Run a cohort for your org
A dedicated cohort with a custom schedule and curriculum, tailored to your team.
Book a private cohort$800
USD