HR leaders hold immense responsibility but too often lack the authority and confidence to match.

In this episode, executive communications coach and world-champion debater Kate Mason joins Karina Young to explore how leaders can use everyday conversations to earn trust and build influence. Kate is the author of Powerfully Likable and has coached executives across industries on how to communicate with confidence.

Kate shares practical tools to avoid diminishing language, how to make competence visible through intentional communication, and why signposting creates calm and credibility. She and Karina also discuss the unique challenges women in HR face around power, how to regulate presence in high-pressure moments, and the importance of framing recommendations with conviction in executive settings.

This episode offers actionable ways for HR leaders to strengthen their voice at the table, communicate with authority, and show the true strategic value of the people function.

Join us as we discuss:

(00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Kate Mason

(03:11) Kate Mason’s journey from debate to executive coaching

(05:17) Building trust when HR is brought in too late

(06:44) How to demonstrate competence without downplaying your impact

(11:48) Why many women hesitate to claim power in leadership

(14:15) Practical tools for calming nerves in high-stakes moments

(17:02) Recognizing what powers you up and shuts you down

(23:12) Navigating executive friction and showing up with authority

(29:52) Communicating effectively with CEOs and gaining their trust

(35:38) Breaking habits that diminish your presence at the table

Resources:

For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player.

Hear Karina’s thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/

Download 15Five’s Performance Review Playbook: https://www.15five.com/ebook/review-process-playbook?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=Performance Review Playbook

For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo

Kate Mason’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/katemasonphd/