Dr. Kate Mason unpacks the false dichotomy that suggests women must choose between being liked and being respected, and explains how this mindset leads to self-doubt and diminished confidence. Kate shares practical strategies for overcoming common communication pitfalls women fall into, such as over-apologising and minimising their contributions. This episode is a must-listen for any woman looking to assert herself confidently while still being true to her authentic self.

Takeaways:

• Women often prioritise being liked over being respected because they're conditioned to believe they must choose one or the other.
• The idea that likability and authority are mutually exclusive is a misconception that needs to be challenged.
• Striving for connection and presence is a more effective strategy than trying to be confident.
• Presenting as calm is a great way to demonstrate leadership and executive presence
• Over-preparing can undermine confidence and authenticity; practising a lighter touch approach is often more effective.

Connect with Dr Kate Mason

https://www.katemason.co/

Book: Powerfully Likeable out on 9 September 2025

Beyond Confident is an online, small group coaching program that helps you to overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome and cultivate unshakeable self-confidence.

Register to hear when enrolments open:

www.cassdunn.com/beyond-confident

Want more?

Upgrade to Paid in the Spotify or Apple podcasts App to get immediate access to bonus content, meditations and more!

To get invitations to live calls and chats with Cass, join via Spotify or Substack:

https://cassdunn.substack.com

Contact Crappy to Happy:

Email: hello@crappytohappypod.com

www.crappytohappypod.com

Socials

www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod

www.tiktok.com/@crappytohappypod

Find out how to work with Cass:

www.cassdunn.com

www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo

Subscribe to Cass's "Eternal Optimist" Newsletter

https://cassdunn.substack.com

This year marks 8 whole years since we launched the Crappy to Happy pod! Join me to reflect on where it all began, which was with my friend and co-host, Tiffiny Hall, who is marking her own huge milestone this week.

Moments like this in our lives remind us of the importance of pausing to appreciate how far we've come, both in our lives and in our pursuit of goals. As I reminisce about starting this podcast back in 2017, I invite you to consider your own significant moments and how they have shaped your life narrative.

When we mark important dates or events, we get a chance to review, celebrate, and maybe even reconsider the path forward.

Takeaways:

• Celebrating milestones, like the eight-year mark of this podcast, helps us reflect on our personal journeys and growth.
• It's essential to use significant events in our lives as opportunities for reflection, celebration, and reassessment of our paths.
• Milestones create a narrative for our lives, allowing us to evaluate where we are and where we want to go next.

Beyond Confident is an online, small group coaching program that helps you to overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome and cultivate unshakeable self-confidence.

Register to hear when enrolments open:

www.cassdunn.com/beyond-confident

Want more?

Upgrade to Paid in the Spotify or Apple podcasts App to get immediate access to bonus content, meditations and more!

To get invitations to live calls and chats with Cass, join via Spotify or Substack:

https://cassdunn.substack.com

Contact Crappy to Happy:

Email: hello@crappytohappypod.com

www.crappytohappypod.com

Socials

www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod

www.tiktok.com/@crappytohappypod

Find out how to work with Cass:

www.cassdunn.com

www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo

Subscribe to Cass's "Eternal Optimist" Newsletter

https://cassdunn.substack.com

Your feedback is important!

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Note: Updated link (this is a Google form where your email address is optional).

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*Audio problem now fixed! Pick up from 25min where the audio problem occurred

Jennifer Moss joins me to discuss the profound shifts in the workplace over the last decade and the impact they've had on our wellbeing. She shares compelling evidence that happier employees enhance the bottom line, making it clear that investing in effective wellbeing strategies is not just logical but essential. Jen emphasises the importance of getting the foundational elements right, like psychological safety and fair pay, rather than the typical perks that often miss the mark.

Jen has the lowdown on whether workplace satisfaction varies across generations, what the optimal model is for hybrid working, and strategies that individuals can apply to enhance their workplace happiness. If you're feeling overwhelmed or unfulfilled at work, tune in for actionable steps you can take to regain control and advocate for your own happiness, or to create a thriving workplace for your team.

Takeaways

• Happiness at work depends heavily on foundational needs being met, not perks.
• Generational differences impact attitudes to work and motivational drivers.
• There is an optimal model for hybrid work that enhances employee engagement but most organisations are getting it wrong.
• Leadership plays a crucial role in shaping workplace happiness and culture but individuals can take proactive steps to improve their work satisfaction.
• Relationships at work significantly affect overall well-being and job satisfaction.
• Creating a culture of kindness is key to enhancing employee morale and productivity.

Connect with Jen:

https://www.jennifer-moss.com/

Jen's latest book:

Why Are We Here? Creating a Work Culture Everyone Wants

Unlocking Happiness at Work: 10th Anniversary Edition

The Burnout Epidemic: The Rise of Chronic Stress & How We Can Fix It

Research Mentioned in This Episode

• Social contagion theory
• Positive Gossip Fuels Creativity
• Groups that eat together perform better together
• The optimal model for hybrid work

***********************

Beyond Confident is an online, small group coaching program that helps you to overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome and cultivate unshakeable self-confidence.

Register to hear when enrolments open:

www.cassdunn.com/beyond-confident

Want more?

Upgrade to Paid in the Spotify or Apple podcasts App to get immediate access to bonus content, meditations and more!

To get invitations to live calls and chats with Cass, join via Spotify or Substack:

https://cassdunn.substack.com

Contact Crappy to Happy:

Email: