Creating Confidence with Heather Monahan Episode: Confidence Classic: How To Decode Behavior And Instantly Understand People with Intelligence Behavior Expert Chase Hughes Release Date: April 29, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Creating Confidence with Heather Monahan, host Heather sits down with Chase Hughes, an intelligence behavior expert renowned for his groundbreaking work in behavior profiling, persuasion, and influence. Chase, a retired military intelligence officer, has transitioned into a best-selling author and professional speaker, sharing his expertise on building confidence and understanding human behavior. This discussion delves deep into the roots of confidence, the science behind behavior decoding, and practical strategies to enhance interpersonal interactions.

Chase Hughes' Journey and Background

Chase Hughes embarks on a candid conversation about his transition from a 20-year career in the US military to becoming a sought-after expert in behavior profiling. He shares his initial struggles with social anxiety and how his quest to understand human behavior stemmed from personal challenges.

Chase Hughes [05:39]: "I got addicted to behavior profiling because I could see people's insecurities, their fears. I started realizing that everybody else is screwed up, too. It made people more human and injected empathy into me."

Chase explains how his military experience, particularly in intelligence operations and interrogations, provided a fertile ground for developing his 6MX system—a method now considered the gold standard in behavior profiling.

Understanding Confidence

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the nature of confidence. Chase challenges the conventional notion of "fake it till you make it," proposing instead to "give yourself permission to be confident."

Chase Hughes [00:00]: "The title fake it till you make it automatically carries some negative connotation. I think we should maybe replace that with just give yourself permission to do it."

He discusses how confidence is often misunderstood as a trait, whereas he views it as a manufacturable skill that can be developed through habit and internal permission. This perspective shifts the focus from merely projecting confidence to genuinely cultivating it from within.

The Evolutionary Basis of Fear and Confidence

Chase delves into the evolutionary aspects of fear and confidence, explaining how our ancestors' instincts influence modern behaviors.

Chase Hughes [07:47]: "Our brain is thinking, there's a little animal in there that's afraid of tigers standing with you in Starbucks. It's telling you, the tiger is going to get you if you ask for a discount on your coffee."

He elucidates how the limbic system, responsible for our fear responses, often hinders confidence by equating everyday challenges with primal threats. Understanding this evolutionary holdover empowers individuals to overcome irrational fears and act confidently in social situations.

The 6MX System and Behavior Profiling

Chase introduces his 6MX system, a method developed over two decades to decode behavior swiftly and accurately. Originally designed for military intelligence, the system enables practitioners to profile individuals within six minutes of interaction.

Chase Hughes [34:38]: "6 Minute X-ray is a new book that I spent 20 years developing this system because everybody says I trained the military with a six-week course."

He highlights the system's versatility, noting its applications beyond military and intelligence fields, including law firms, police departments, and everyday civilian interactions. The 6MX system focuses on identifying social needs and underlying fears to understand and influence behavior effectively.

Confidence as a Transferable Skill

A pivotal theme of the episode is the concept of confidence not just as a personal asset but as a tool that can be transferred to others. Chase emphasizes that true confidence elevates those around you, fostering positive interactions and relationships.

Chase Hughes [16:59]: "The true essence of confidence is the final stage here... the true power of confidence is in your ability to transfer it to someone else and not just possess it."

He contrasts this with individuals who misuse confidence to dominate or undermine others, illustrating the difference between healthy confidence and toxic behavior.

Practical Strategies for Building Confidence

Chase shares actionable strategies for listeners to develop and enhance their confidence:

1. Internal Permission: Grant yourself the autonomy to act confidently without seeking external validation.

   Chase Hughes [24:54]: "The moment you give yourself permission, no one else cares."

2. Habit Formation: Replace discipline with habitual actions that reinforce confident behavior.

   Chase Hughes [03:30]: "It's just a little bit to get it started off."

3. Understanding Masks: Recognize that everyone wears a mask, and learning to see beyond them can improve interpersonal interactions.

   Chase Hughes [38:18]: "Everyone has a mask that they present."

4. Profiling Techniques: Utilize behavior profiling to decode and respond to others' social needs, enhancing communication and influence.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Heather and Chase discuss Chase's personal experience with imposter syndrome during his early civilian career. Despite his extensive knowledge and expertise, Chase faced internal doubts about his qualifications.

Chase Hughes [26:11]: "I had a major imposter syndrome for that. I looked for evidence and proof that I wasn't qualified instead of just ignoring that."

He advises listeners to acknowledge these feelings without letting them impede progress, emphasizing self-awareness and rational thinking to counteract irrational fears.

Ethical Considerations in Behavior Profiling

The conversation touches upon the ethical implications of behavior profiling. Chase acknowledges the potential misuse of his techniques but emphasizes the importance of intention and ethical application.

Chase Hughes [37:14]: "I'm an arms dealer. I guess 99% of the people are going to use it for good stuff."

He underscores the responsibility of practitioners to utilize these skills for positive outcomes, such as enhancing communication, building trust, and fostering empathy.

Resources and Further Learning

Chase directs listeners to his website and YouTube channel for more insights and educational content on behavior profiling and confidence building.

Chase Hughes [42:11]: "You can go to chasehughughese.com... check out our YouTube channel where we dissect true crime interviews."

Conclusion

This episode offers a profound exploration of confidence and human behavior through Chase Hughes' unique perspective. By blending military intelligence techniques with everyday applications, Chase provides listeners with practical tools to decode behavior, build genuine confidence, and foster meaningful connections. Heather Monahan expertly guides the conversation, ensuring that the insights shared are both actionable and deeply engaging.

Notable Quotes:

• Chase Hughes [00:00]: "The title fake it till you make it automatically carries some negative connotation. I think we should maybe replace that with just give yourself permission to do it."

• Chase Hughes [05:39]: "I got addicted to behavior profiling because I could see people's insecurities, their fears. I started realizing that everybody else is screwed up, too. It made people more human and injected empathy into me."

• Chase Hughes [07:47]: "Our brain is thinking, there's a little animal in there that's afraid of tigers standing with you in Starbucks. It's telling you, the tiger is going to get you if you ask for a discount on your coffee."

• Chase Hughes [16:59]: "The true essence of confidence is the final stage here... the true power of confidence is in your ability to transfer it to someone else and not just possess it."

• Chase Hughes [24:54]: "The moment you give yourself permission, no one else cares."

• Chase Hughes [37:14]: "I'm an arms dealer. I guess 99% of the people are going to use it for good stuff."

This summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, highlighting Chase Hughes' expertise and the invaluable insights shared on building and understanding confidence. Whether you're looking to enhance your personal growth or improve your interpersonal skills, this episode offers practical strategies grounded in real-world experience.