Squiggly Careers Podcast Summary

Episode: The Psychology of Seats: How To Boost Your Impact & Influence At Work
Hosts: Sarah Ellis & Helen Tupper
Date: October 28, 2025

Overview

This episode delves into the surprising power of where you sit—whether at events, meetings, or virtual calls—and how intentional seating can impact your influence, engagement, and connection at work. Using curiosity, humor, and real examples, Helen and Sarah explore the "psychology of seats," offering practical insights for boosting your presence and fostering inclusion in different work scenarios. The tone is light, relatable, and inquisitive, aiming to turn a seemingly random topic into practical career advice.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why Seating Even Matters (03:00–06:30)

• Seating as a Signal: Where people choose to sit often reflects how they want to participate—either as leaders, collaborators, or observers.
• Intentional vs. Accidental Choice: Being deliberate about your seat choice can shape how you feel and how others perceive you.

Notable Quote:

“How do you want to come across in whatever situation you’re in?... Choose your seating with that intention in mind.” —Helen (00:18)

2. The Psychology of Seats at Large Events (07:30–13:40)

• Seating for Safety: Many participants instinctively find a seat early to manage anxiety or avoid mingling.
  • Example: Choosing to sit in a corner to observe or at the front to engage.
• Being Self-Aware: Recognizing if you’re using your seat as a form of self-protection versus seizing networking opportunities.
• Group Dynamics: People tend to sit in known "packs," which can unintentionally make newcomers feel isolated.
• Strategic Empathy: Approaching someone sitting alone can help them feel more comfortable.

Notable Moments:

• Sarah's relief at escaping noisy networking for the safety of sitting down.

  “The relief I felt once I could sit down—I was like ‘Oh God, that’s better.’” —Sarah (10:03)

• Tip: If you notice someone sitting alone, try to engage them to break down barriers.
• For Organizers: Consider splitting up duos/packs or intentionally mixing up seating.

3. Seating and Power in Face-to-Face Meetings (13:41–20:58)

• Rectangular Tables: The "head of the table" is the "power seat," especially when backed by a wall.
  • Arriving early gives you more choice and potential influence.
• Round Tables: Remove hierarchy; foster equality and more collaborative discussions.

  “If you want to have a really collaborative conversation...choose a room with a round table.” —Helen (15:36)

• Sitting in the Middle: Good for collaborators or mediators, offering visibility and participation.
• Flanker Seats: Sitting next to the leader can grant proximity influence; you "borrow" their authority.
• Physical Seat Height: A lower or higher chair can shift perceived authority and engagement.
• Standing Meetings: Tend to be shorter, more energetic, and encourage creativity.

4. Virtual Meetings—Your "Seat" on the Screen (22:02–25:26)

• Camera Positioning: How you frame yourself changes how others read your engagement and credibility.
  • Ideally, the camera should show your full face, shoulders, and chest for openness.
  • Too high = intimidating; too low = less confident.
• Adjust Before Joining: Take a moment to “join slowly,” check your frame, and be intentional about your virtual presence.
• Observing Others: Watching how teammates appear on screen (body language, engagement) can yield insights but be mindful—don’t judge prematurely.

Notable Quote:

“All it takes is maybe 10 seconds...sort your setup out, particularly with virtual meetings.” —Helen (25:13)

5. Key Tips for Impactful, Inclusive Seating (27:26–29:13)

Three Core Actions:

1. Be Intentional:
   Reflect on the impact you want (leader, collaborator, observer); choose your physical/virtual seat to match.
2. Optimize Virtual Setup:
   Take time to position yourself well on camera and join meetings thoughtfully.
3. Observe with Empathy:
   Notice where others choose to sit and consider what that signals—leverage it to support inclusion.

• Inclusion Watch-out: Not everyone can (or wants to) have their camera on. Some seats/seatings reinforce confidence-related behaviors.

• Disrupting Power Dynamics: Move people around or invite less confident voices to key seats.

  “I would never want someone to feel like they couldn’t take the space they need as part of their work.” —Sarah (30:05)

• Avoid Defaulting: Don’t always sit in the same place—change it up to shift perspective and engagement.

  “Don’t always sit in the same place...That might sort of predetermine how you’re going to engage.” —Helen (32:09)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On collaborating and leadership:

  “If you want to be a collaborator in a conversation...you want to sit in the middle of that table.” —Helen (16:25)

• Re: Safety Seats at Events:

  “Maybe it’s a seat signal, or you can have some seat sympathy when you see someone who’s done that.” —Helen (11:16)

• Challenging habits:

  “Try and challenge yourself not to default today to what you would normally do...What does that look like for you?” —Sarah (32:24)

• On experimenting for growth:

  “You can just try some stuff out here and have a bit of fun.” —Helen (32:09)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:18 – 06:30: Introduction to seat psychology; intention in seating.
• 07:30 – 13:40: Event seating—safety, networking, empathy for singles.
• 13:41 – 20:58: In-person meetings—power seats, round tables, seat height, standing.
• 22:02 – 25:26: Virtual meetings—camera placement, presence, observation.
• 27:26 – 29:13: Summing up three actionable insights.
• 29:13 – end: Inclusion, confidence, breaking habits.

Tone and Style

The episode is friendly, thoughtful, reflective, and practical, with the hosts modeling curiosity and self-awareness. Their conversation weaves humor, personal stories, and actionable advice, inviting listeners to experiment with small changes for big impact.

Final Thoughts and Listener Invitation

Helen and Sarah invite listeners to share their feedback on seat psychology and reflect on their own habits—hoping this small topic might spark curiosity and positive change in everyday work life.

Contact: helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com
Resources & Podsheet: amazingif.com