Podcast Summary: This Is Woman's Work with Nicole Kalil Episode: Shameless and Strategic: How to Brag About Yourself with Tiffany Houser | 298
Release Date: April 9, 2025
Host: Nicole Kalil
Guest: Tiffany Houser, Executive Coach and Founder of Evolve

Introduction: Navigating the Art of Self-Promotion

In episode 298 of This Is Woman's Work, host Nicole Kalil delves into the often uncomfortable territory of self-promotion and bragging—a skill many women find challenging. Recognizing that both Nicole and her audience struggle with promoting their achievements without feeling awkward or arrogant, she welcomes Tiffany Houser to guide the conversation toward embracing and mastering this essential skill.

Understanding the Struggles with Self-Promotion

Nicole opens the discussion by acknowledging the universal discomfort associated with self-promotion:

Nicole Kalil [00:10]: "We're doing it frickin awkward when we're forced to do it...we end up wishing we could have a do over."

Tiffany concurs, highlighting that societal conditioning often discourages both men and women from self-promotion, albeit women face unique challenges:

Tiffany Houser [02:35]: "We're actually told not to do this to be quite honest."

Reframing the Concept of Bragging

The conversation pivots to the negative connotations of the word "brag." Tiffany advocates for redefining self-promotion by shifting the language used:

Tiffany Houser [02:56]: "If we take that word brag, and then we just slightly reframe it into a new word like acknowledge, recognize..."

This linguistic shift aims to transform the perception of self-promotion from arrogance to a mindful acknowledgment of one's achievements.

The Importance of Self-Promotion

Nicole probes the necessity of overcoming the discomfort associated with self-promotion. Tiffany emphasizes self-worth and the importance of expressing one’s value:

Tiffany Houser [11:46]: "You deserve it. You are special. You inherently are worthy, valuable, you are loved, you are lovable, you are unique."

She explains that self-promotion is not just about external recognition but also about reinforcing internal self-worth, preventing the erosion of confidence and combating imposter syndrome.

Internal Foundations: Building Self-Worth

Shifting focus inward, Tiffany outlines the foundational role of self-worth in effective self-promotion. She introduces exercises to help individuals recognize and affirm their inherent value:

Tiffany Houser [16:14]: "Just writing 50 things that you are worthy of or val or that make you valuable."

This internal work is crucial for sustainable confidence, allowing individuals to authentically express their achievements without reliance on external validation.

External Practices: Receiving Compliments

The dialogue transitions to the external aspect of self-promotion, particularly the art of receiving compliments. Tiffany shares strategies to accept praise gracefully:

Tiffany Houser [23:15]: "Say thank you. I received that."

She advises against deflecting compliments with “but” statements, which diminish the impact of the praise and hinder the accumulation of self-worth.

Practical Tactics for Celebrating Yourself

Nicole and Tiffany exchange actionable strategies to practice self-promotion effectively:

1. Front Row Friends: Nicole introduces the concept of "front row friends"—supportive individuals who celebrate your successes enthusiastically. Tiffany echoes the idea, emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive community.

   Nicole Kalil [31:04]: "Get yourself some front row friends or identify who your front row friends are."

2. Compliment Journaling: Tiffany recommends writing down compliments received and reflecting on them to internalize the praise and understand any discomfort.

   Tiffany Houser [32:38]: "Write down the last three compliments someone gave you and unpack... how you can receive it moving forward."

3. Intentional Receiving: Practicing genuine acceptance of compliments without immediately redirecting focus to others helps build self-worth.

   Tiffany Houser [30:01]: "You're receiving all this love, all this acknowledgment... adding to your worthy bank."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts: Embracing Your Brilliance

As the episode wraps up, Nicole and Tiffany reinforce the importance of self-promotion as a means of honoring one's contributions and fostering collective empowerment among women. Nicole passionately encourages listeners to embrace their value and share their achievements unapologetically:

Nicole Kalil [33:12]: "Unleash your confidence. Get it all over people. Go grab that spotlight and hold onto it... Be your own and each other's best hype person."

Tiffany adds a final note of gratitude and encouragement, leaving listeners inspired to shift their mindset and practice celebrating their accomplishments.

Key Takeaways

• Reframe Self-Promotion: Shift from "bragging" to "acknowledging" or "celebrating" to remove negative connotations.

• Build Internal Self-Worth: Engage in exercises that reinforce your inherent value and worthiness.

• Receive Compliments Gracefully: Practice accepting praise without deflecting to cultivate confidence.

• Surround Yourself with Support: Identify and engage with "front row friends" who celebrate your successes.

• Consistent Practice: Regularly practice self-promotion techniques to make them feel authentic and natural.

Resources Mentioned

• Tiffany Houser's LinkedIn: Tiffany Hauser on LinkedIn
• EvolveEQ Website: evolveeq.com

Embrace the journey of self-promotion with intention and support, and redefine what it means to celebrate your "woman's work."