Your body is talking to your brain constantly, telling it either ‘I’m safe’ or ‘I’m not safe.’ The posture you default to when no one’s watching might be the thing keeping you stuck.
Amy Cuddy, the social psychologist behind one of the most-watched TED Talks ever, sat down to unpack what actually builds confidence when the world feels unstable. She talks about the difference between faking it and becoming it, why imposter syndrome hits 75-85% of people, and why the bullies who came after her post-TED fame taught her more about personal power than the research ever did.
You’ll hear about the exact breathing pattern she uses before high-stakes moments, the simple writing exercise that beats any pep talk, and why she thinks reframing anxiety as excitement changes everything. There’s also a story about a nurse named Alex Wubbels who got thrown against a wall for doing the right thing, and what that taught Amy about the kind of bravery that has no glory attached to it.
This conversation will make you rethink every time you’ve shrunk yourself to avoid being noticed. Sit up straight, not for anyone else, but because you deserve the respect you keep giving away.
Bullied: The Culture of Cruelty and the Surprising Power of Social Bravery
Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest ChallengesAmy’s website
