Being “powerful” and being “likeable” aren’t opposites — they’re a killer combo when we stop contorting ourselves into someone else’s definition. In this episode, we get tactical about communicating with influence and warmth, minus the people-pleasing or performative toughness.
Our guest today, Dr. Kate Mason, PhD, is an executive communications coach and former Silicon Valley operator who helps women leaders at companies like Google, Netflix, Uber, and Microsoft communicate with influence and ease. A world-champion debater, she’s the author of Powerfully Likeable—a smart, funny field guide for navigating credibility, warmth, and authority without playing small or playing a part. Kim Scott (author of Radical Candor) calls it “compelling, compassionate, and funny,” which tracks.
We cover:
Ditching the fake either/or: what “powerfully likeable” looks and feels like (for you), and how to build from what already works in your communication.
Finding your calm, “unruffled” baseline so you can lead the room instead of reacting to it — especially when emotions are high.
The downside of over-preparation (hello, rigidity) and how to use Kate’s lightweight prep approach so we stay flexible and persuasive.
Fight / flight / freeze / fawn at work — how to spot your threat response, interrupt it in real time, and re-engage with credibility.
Practical scripts and moves to de-escalate, ask for what we need without apology, and buy time when our “fight” response wants the mic.
Debate lessons that actually help at work: choose the win you need today, get curious for better data, and frame the shared goal so you’re on the same side of the problem.
“Imposing syndrome” (being afraid to ask) vs. imposter syndrome — and tiny language shifts that stop us from undercutting ourselves.
We also nerd out on authenticity without the buzzword BS and how to integrate our sharpest strengths with our actual personality.
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Connect with Kate:
Website: www.katemason.co
Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/745694/powerfully-likeable-by-kate-mason-phd/
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