What does it actually take to build a community where people feel safe enough to show up as themselves?

In this episode of The Awkward Handshake, we sit down with Polly Bilchuk and Oliver Dinero, the founders of Unlock Collective, to talk about how they’ve built one of Portland’s most trusted queer networking spaces.

This isn’t just about hosting events. It’s about designing a room with intention—who it’s for, how it feels, and what people are allowed to bring with them when they walk through the door.

We talk about how Unlock Collective came to life, why their quarterly format works, and what it really takes to create a space where connection isn’t forced… but it does happen.

If you’ve ever walked into a networking event and thought, “this isn’t for me…”
This episode shows what it looks like when it finally is.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How Unlock Collective got started and why it fills a real gap in Portland
• What makes a queer-centered networking space feel different
• Why intentional design matters more than just “getting people in a room”
• The power of hosting quarterly events instead of constant meetups
• How to create a space that feels safe, welcoming, and real
• Why community-building requires boundaries—not just openness
• What it means to build trust over time (and why that’s the real goal)

Meet the Guests

Polly Bilchuk + Oliver Dinero

Co-founders of Unlock Collective, bringing vision, structure, and thoughtful design to community experiences.

About Unlock Collective

Unlock Collective is a Portland-based queer networking community focused on creating intentional, welcoming spaces for connection.

Their events are designed to feel different (less transactional, more human) with a focus on trust, safety, and real conversation.

• Website
• Instagram

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What if networking isn’t something you turn on when you need a job…
but something you build for the rest of your life?

In this episode of The Awkward Handshake, we sit down with Dinesh Mathew, a business operations executive turned consultant, to talk about what actually makes someone a great networker and why it matters more now than ever.

This conversation goes beyond surface-level advice. We get into the realities of today’s job market, how networking has changed, and why the people who succeed aren’t always the loudest in the room… they’re the ones paying attention.

Dinesh shares how his background in market research shaped his approach to networking, why listening is an underrated superpower, and how thinking about your relationships like a portfolio can completely change how you show up.

If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll network when I need to…”
This episode might change your mind.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why networking is a forever skill, not a short-term tactic
• What’s really happening in today’s job market (and why it feels harder)
• The concept of a “warm network” — and why you can’t let it go cold
• How listening (not talking) makes you a better networker
• Why asking better questions changes everything
• What a “portfolio approach” to networking actually looks like
• The difference between online, local, and travel-based networking
• Why relationships (not resumes) are driving opportunities right now

Meet the Guest

Dinesh Mathew

Business operations executive, consultant, and expert facilitator with a background in market research, focus groups, and organizational strategy.

Dinesh specializes in helping companies improve operations, align leadership, and build systems that actually support growth—while bringing a deeply human approach to networking and relationship-building.

Connect with Dinesh:

• Website
• LinkedIn

Favorite Takeaway

You don’t build a network when you need it.
You build it so it’s there when life inevitably shifts.

Because in today’s world…
your network isn’t optional.

It’s infrastructure.

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What does it take to build a thriving community people actually want to show up for?

In this episode, we sit down with the co-founders of AI Portland, a fast-growing community that has brought together thousands of people around one of the biggest shifts in modern work and business: artificial intelligence.

But this conversation isn’t just about AI.

It’s about curiosity, community-building, networking, and what happens when two thoughtful people decide to start the thing instead of waiting until they feel “expert enough.”

We talk about how AI Portland got off the ground, what they’ve learned from organizing events at scale, how they source speakers, why diverse rooms matter, and what they’ve discovered about what people are really hungry for right now.

If you’ve ever thought, “Could I build something like that?” … this episode is for you.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How AI Portland got started from a simple conversation over wine
• Why you do not need to be an expert to start a community
• What makes an event feel welcoming, thoughtful, and worth coming back to
• How AI Portland grew into a 2,800+ person community
• Why people are craving in-person connection again
• How they choose event topics and source standout speakers
• What they’ve learned about building rooms with more diversity and intention
• Why having a “yes friend” can completely change your trajectory
• The importance of trying things before you overthink them into the grave

Meet the Guests

Megan Notarte

Technology team leader and co-founder of AI Portland, a community focused on demystifying generative AI and its real-world business applications.

Connect with Megan on LinkedIn

Nicole Mors

Product design leader, co-founder of AI Portland, and co-host of the podcast Supercharged by AI.

Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn

About AI Portland

AI Portland is a growing Portland-based community focused on helping people understand and explore artificial intelligence in practical, human, and accessible ways.

They host events, conversations, and gatherings for people across industries — whether you’re deep in tech, AI-curious, or just trying to figure out what the hell any of this means.

Check out upcoming AI Portland events:
https://www.aipdx.info/

Keep in touch!

Follow Megan Eckman

• Fat Cap Design
• PDX Spellbound

Follow Mary Williams

• Sasquatch Media Grounds
• Sensible Woo