🌈 GPN Networking Evening & Talk with Chris Beale
Tuesday, 23rd September 2025
The Civil Service Club, London
Join us for an inspiring evening of social and business networking, followed by an optional dinner—hosted by Jean-François Dor, founder of the Gay Professional Network, since 2010.
We meet every 4th Tuesday of the month (except August and December) at the Civil Service Club, a safe and welcoming venue offering affordable food and drinks.
🤝 What to Expect
- Connect, learn, and grow in a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere
- Build lasting social and professional relationships
- Meet great people from diverse industries and backgrounds
- Enjoy a thought-provoking talk from a guest speaker
Optional dinner to continue the conversation
“Attendees have reported turnover increases from £500 to £24,000 through networking at our events. Over £25 million in funding has been accessed by our members. It’s good to network!”
Every month, we welcome various speakers and please check our event page https://www.gpn.one/links-and-events-diary/ for more details.
🎤 This Month’s Speaker: Chris Beale – Chartered Psychologist & Workplace Mental Health Specialist
We’re delighted to welcome Chris Beale, a chartered psychologist, coach, and workplace mental health specialist in private practice. Chris supports individuals through therapy and coaching, and helps organisations foster psychologically safer workplaces through consultation and workshops.
🧠 Talk Title: “Why Networking Feels Hard”
“Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” – George Addair
Let’s rethink networking—not as a performance, but as an opportunity for curiosity, connection, and shared growth.
Most people find networking daunting. It can feel awkward, intimidating, or just plain exhausting. But does it have to be this way? In this short, insightful talk, Chris will explore:
- The psychological barriers that make networking difficult
- Why so many of us struggle with it
- Practical strategies to make networking feel more natural and rewarding
Whether you're a seasoned connector or just dipping your toes in, this session will offer fresh perspectives and actionable advice.
🔗 Connect with Chris:
🕰️ Event Schedule (Approximate)
- 6:30 PM – Arrival, drinks & nibbles (purchase from the bar downstairs and bring to the room)
- 7:00 PM – Brief introductions (1–2 minutes per guest)
- 7:30 PM – Talk & Q&A
- 8:00 PM – Optional dinner (order and pay at the bar; please book in advance so we can reserve tables)
- 9:30 PM – Carriages
💬 Who Attends?
Expect a vibrant mix of professionals including:
- Directors, Freelancers, Sole Traders
- Doctors, Lawyers, Bankers, Hedge Fund Owners
- Property Developers, CEOs, Diplomats
- Actors, Entrepreneurs, Singers, Models
- Students and career-changers
- People in entertainment, communication, and more
All very nice people in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
🌍 Diversity & Inclusion
“We celebrate diversity in race, ethnicity, age, disability, skin colour, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, and beyond. Though our community is currently 80% gay cisgender men, we warmly welcome everyone.”
🎟️ Tickets
- Members: Free
- Non-Members & Guests: £15
- Early Bird: £10
- At the Door: £20
Membership starts at £60/year (recurring) or £100 one-off.
👉 Join GPN
📣 Spread the Word
Please share this event with friends and colleagues via Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, or any platform you prefer.
Invite others to join us at www.gpn.one—the more, the merrier!
💌 From Jean-François
“Conviviality au rendez-vous! I look forward to seeing you soon.”
Jean-François Dor
Founder, Gay Professional Network
📧 jf@gpn.one
🌐 www.gpn.one
🎟️ Support GPN via Rainbow Lottery
🔖 Hashtags
#Networking #Community #Talk #DiversityAndInclusion #TogetherWeAreStronger #Culture #Fashion #Business #Hiring #Health #Inspiration #Success #Startups #Education
https://www.rainbowlottery.co.uk/support/gay-professional-network
