Hannah and Tara dig into the real work of presence and visibility—the often-invisible ways women learn to take up space, stop shrinking, and show up with the grounded confidence their roles demand. Through candid stories (including early-career cringe like stiff handshakes and being nicknamed “Cornbread”), they unpack how social conditioning, workplace dynamics, and internal narratives shape how women are perceived long before they ever speak.

Blending psychology with lived experience, they explore identity theory, embodied cognition, and the subtle behavioral shifts that quietly transform how you carry yourself—and how others respond. From learning to hold eye contact and keep your seat at the table, to accepting compliments without deflecting, to sharing wins without feeling the ick, the episode offers a roadmap for women who want to be seen, heard, and taken seriously without abandoning who they are.

Expect honesty, humor, and a refreshingly real look at what it takes to build visibility and authority as a woman in male-dominated spaces—without conforming, contorting, or becoming a watered-down version of yourself.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00–1:02 — Why Presence and Visibility Matter

Presence isn’t cosmetic—it shapes how women are heard, valued, and included in spaces never designed with them in mind.

1:02–4:06 — Authenticity vs. the Performed Professional

The pressure to adopt a “work persona” and the instinct to mimic dominant leadership cues rather than trust your own.

4:06–6:00 — When Authenticity Looks Effortless

Reflecting on women whose confidence seemed innate—and why it often isn’t.

6:00–7:29 — Losing Yourself to Fit In

A lighthearted but telling story (“Cornbread”) reveals the cost of over-assimilating.

7:29–9:27 — Micro-Behaviors That Build Presence

How small, intentional habits shape identity. “Dress for the job” becomes “behave for the job.”

9:27–12:16 — Quiet Power: First-Impression Psychology

Calm pacing, intentional movement, and stillness as forms of authority.

12:16–14:59 — Nonverbal Authority: Seating, Posture, Eye Contact

Tiny choices can dramatically shift perceived competence.

14:59–17:20 — Presence as Practice, Not Performance

Confidence develops through repeated, progressive behavior—not through persona-building.

17:20–20:27 — Embodied Cognition & Taking Up Space

How everyday physical habits train your mind to show up with confidence at work.

20:27–23:33 — Unlearning the “Sorry” Reflex

Why over-apologizing undermines authority—and how to stop shrinking.

23:33–26:26 — Visibility Without the Ick

Accepting compliments, owning your contributions, and communicating impact without self-doubt.

26:26–29:27 — The Weight of Bad Advice

How to discern whose feedback to internalize—and whose to let go.

29:27–33:12 — Strategic Communication for Self-Advocacy

Practical, non-cringe ways to ensure your work is seen and understood.

33:12–37:34 — Elevating Others While Elevating Yourself

Recognition as both leadership and visibility—done with clarity and intention.

37:34–41:12 — Relationship Visibility

The role of networks, floor walks, and informal touchpoints in expanding influence.

41:12–46:23 — Building Social Confidence Through Exposure

Small talk, vulnerability, and pushing past discomfort to grow presence.

46:23–47:55 — Visibility That Aligns With Your Values

Visibility isn’t bragging—it’s accurate representation of your work.

47:55–End — Closing Reflections + Season Preview

A reminder that elevating your presence is your responsibility—and your power.