246. Why Career Success Doesn’t Translate at the Cocktail Hour

Social Skills Mastery

Content provided by Susan Callender. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Susan Callender or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

1M ago 13:33

MP3•Episode home

On paper, you look like the total package — successful, capable, and impressive. But the moment you walk into a networking event or business reception, your chest tightens and your mind races. You know you belong there, yet you feel awkward and ill at ease.

In this episode, I unpack two powerful cognitive biases: the Halo Effect and Confirmation Bias, and show how they team up to keep high-achieving professionals stuck in silence, overthinking, and self-doubt. You’ll hear real client stories, practical coaching tools, and simple conversation plays you can use at your very next event.

By the end, you’ll understand why your brain has been tricking you, how to rewrite the loop, and what it takes to finally show up as confidently in the room as you do on paper.

If you’re tired of paying the invisible tax on your reputation, this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

Why the Halo Effect creates unrealistic pressure to “already” be socially confident.
How Confirmation Bias rigs your brain to collect only “proof” that you’re awkward.
Simple thought upgrades and conversation openers you can use immediately.

Don’t even know where to begin in improving your interpersonal skills?

Are you ready to leave social stress behind and go from where you are to where you want to be?

Book a Social Strategy Session HERE

7 Biggest Social Mistakes Fast-Track Professionals Make

Have a question that needs an answer. Email me at [email protected]

Instagram

TikTok

167 episodes