Audio: How to Build Power and Likability in Leadership - with Kate Mason

Описание: Welcome to another episode of the People Leader Accelerator Podcast.



Our guest today is Kate Mason (  / katemasonphd  ) , executive communications coach and author of the fascinating new book, Powerfully Likable (https://www.katemason.co/thebook) .



Kate’s career has spanned global tech companies and high-stakes startup environments, supporting leaders to communicate with impact. She brings together expertise in communications, coaching, and competitive debate to help professionals navigate the delicate balance of authority and warmth required to lead effectively.



In this episode, we dig into the central question so many HR and people leaders face: Do I need to choose between being powerful or likable to be effective in my role?



Drawing from her book, career experiences, and coaching practice, Kate reveals how we can transcend this false binary, communicate more authentically, and deploy strategic warmth without sacrificing authority.



We discuss:




• Kate’s unique journey from world champion debater and big tech communications leader to executive coach


• The genesis and message of Powerfully Likable: Why “power versus likability” is a false choice for leaders


• How cultural context and company norms shape the way we communicate—including what it means to show warmth, when to use smiles strategically, and ways to ask directly without apologizing


• Practical techniques for HR professionals to deliver decisions, hold authority, and maintain relational currency


• Patterns of deference and the pitfalls of downplaying expertise to seek likability


• The impact of likability in the era of AI, remote work, and polarizing politics


• Leveraging curiosity and calm as powerful tools for navigating difficult conversations and building influence


• How to handle fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses in stressful workplace dynamics


• Scripts, strategies, and mindset shifts for showing up with confidence—especially in environments where power imbalances exist


• Kate’s top recommended resources for learning and honing your communications skills




For those looking to strengthen their leadership presence and maximize impact within their organizations, Kate’s insights are both actionable and thought-provoking.



For show notes and bonus resources, visit www.PeopleLeaderAccelerator.com/podcast (http://www.peopleleaderaccelerator.co...) .

About The People Leader Accelerator Podcast


Our goal with this podcast is simple: to help people leaders navigate the messy, complex, and deeply rewarding work of leading teams and organizations with more clarity, confidence, and community.



Whether you’re the first HR hire at a startup or an experienced executive at a company with scale, you’ll find actionable insights you can use right away.



We can’t wait to share these conversations with you.



Welcome to the journey!



Listen, learn, and connect:



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💡 Find show notes and bonus resources at peopleleaderaccelerator.com/podcast (https://peopleleaderaccelerator.com/p...) .



📬 Share this episode with a colleague who’s ready to level up as a people leader.



🤝 Connect with your hosts:




•


Jessica Yuen: linkedin.com/in/jessicayuen (  / jessicayuen  )  | jessyuen.com (https://www.jessyuen.com/)




•


Andrew Bartlow: linkedin.com/in/bartlow (  / bartlow  )  | peopleleaderaccelerator.com (https://www.peopleleaderaccelerator.com/)