In this episode of the Legend Effect Podcast, host Howie Chan interviews Henna Pryor, a Workplace Performance Expert, a 2x TEDx speaker, a regular expert columnist for Inc. Magazine, and a best-selling author. They delve into what embracing awkwardness really entails, the skills now being lost in the modern era that we need to recreate in the workplace, and what it looks like to make big career pivots.

The discussion emphasizes how feeling awkward is not something to fix but something that can actually be your biggest asset for professional and personal growth. Henna provides tips and insights into how to successfully navigate awkward moments and situations, build deeper connections, get better at selling, and become more confident.

Episode Breakdown:

02:21 The Helen story: navigating extreme awkwardness at work for the first time

05:41 Making a choice between two risks

08:25 A real-life awkward moment

09:52 A crazy travel schedule

11:10 Taking aligned action over avoiding discomfort

13:32 Awkward confidence

14:53 How to get good at navigating awkward moments

21:09 Practical tips to help you face awkward situations

25:38 The cultural shift toward being less perfect

27:47 Awkwardness and vulnerability

30:12 The decision to leave an explosive 14-year career in staffing

33:54 An exercise for high achievers to overcome the fear of career change

35:41 Telling Henna’s South Asian parents about her career pivots

36:54 The blessing of starting from scratch during the Pandemic

38:25 How difficult it was for Henna to pivot throughout her career

40:31 A hard-earned but transformational lesson

42:08 A tactical sales hack

45:02 How awkwardness became Henna’s banner

47:32 The value of placing a small bet

51:13 Awkward conversations are what will help heal humanity

53:50 A letter to Henna’s younger self

55:28 Henna’s current definition of success

From Our Guest:

Get the book, Good Awkward.

Watch Henna’s 2 TEDxTalks Want to get ahead at work? Risk the awkward moments and The new way to brag in the modern world - and feel good doing it.

Want 75 hacks to become more charismatic?

Get your FREE copy of my Charisma Tactical Toolkit.

Legendary Quotes:

“The truth is the most confident people do not get to avoid awkwardness. They just have a very fast comeback rate.” – Henna Pryor

“ Awkwardness grows in the dark and shrinks in the light.” – Howie Chan

“ We have to be willing to withstand our awkwardness to be in service of the people that we serve.” – Henna Pryor

It’s time to turn up the volume on life, make your mark, and live your legend. 🤘🏽

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