In this refreshingly candid conversation, Henna Pryor—author, keynote speaker, and workplace performance expert—unpacks the surprising power of awkwardness. Drawing from her book Good Awkward: How to Embrace the Embarrassing and Celebrate the Cringe to Become the Bravest You, Henna challenges the myth that awkward moments should be avoided. Instead, she shows how they can be leveraged for credibility, connection, and courage.
From “social muscle atrophy” to the hidden cost of over-polishing our professional personas, this episode is a masterclass in turning discomfort into growth.
Awkwardness is a social emotion, not a reflection of competence. You can be highly skilled and still feel awkward. That’s human.
Overly polished personas may seem professional, but they strip away relatability. Embracing awkwardness restores your “human edge.”
Repetition builds social muscle. Just like physical training, rehearsal and repetition prepare you for awkward moments. Practice makes poised.
Start a “Bad Idea Brainstorm” in meetings. Invite unrealistic or silly ideas first. It lowers the stakes and opens the door to innovation.
Practice micro-risks daily. Speak up in meetings, ask for help, or share an imperfect idea. These small acts build resilience over time.
Track your cringe moments. Keep a journal of awkward experiences and what you learned. Over time, you’ll see patterns of growth and courage.
