This is indeed a problem in our industry, where there are too few women and too many events. But I rarely run into situations that feel like casual-sex vibes. Here are a few things I do that might help: > A firm handshake, a simple and direct self-introduction. I make sure people see right away that I’m not someone to mess with. I usually keep a serious expression, very much in “work mode,” so everyone understands I’m here for business, not anything else. I leave zero room for imagination. > And walk away quickly when needed. The only time I didn’t follow my usual approach and was too friendly, someone who didn’t know who I was started flirting. They claimed they were male models (obviously they were founders of some asset-management firm), then started saying sleazy things and asked if I was a model too. I told them I was a CEO, wished them good luck finding a model here, and immediately walked off without giving them a single extra second.