What if the moments you try to avoid—awkward conversations, uncertainty, discomfort—are actually the key to stronger leadership, deeper connection, and higher performance?
In this re-release episode of The Live Greatly Podcast, Kristel Bauer sits down with Henna Pryor—workplace performance expert, keynote speaker, and author of Good Awkward—to explore how embracing awkwardness can unlock confidence, strengthen communication, and elevate how you show up at work and in life.
Drawing from behavioral science and real-world experience, Henna shares how to reframe discomfort, take more strategic social risks, and build the "social muscles" that fuel growth, influence, and long-term success.
If you've ever held back in a meeting, avoided a difficult conversation, or felt unsure in high-stakes moments—this conversation offers a powerful shift in perspective.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- How to reframe awkwardness as a catalyst for growth and opportunity
- Strategies to navigate uncomfortable conversations with more confidence
- How to strengthen your "social fitness" to support leadership and performance
- Why leaning into discomfort can accelerate connection, influence, and success
- A look into Henna's book, Good Awkward: How to Embrace the Embarrassing and Celebrate the Cringe to Become The Bravest You
ABOUT HENNA PRYOR
Henna Pryor, CSP is a dynamic Workplace Performance Expert who speaks and writes about performance mindset, interpersonal dynamics, high-impact communication, and embracing bumps in a world that keeps optimizing for smoothness. She's a regular Expert Columnist for Inc. Magazine, 18x award-winning author of Good Awkward, and an in-demand global keynote speaker. Her playful personality and insightful talks blend 2 decades of working with corporate leaders and teams, with a fresh, science-based approach to taking more strategic risks and boosting social and mental fitness for success at work.
Connect with Henna:
Order Good Awkward: How to Embrace the Embarrassing and Celebrate the Cringe to Become The Bravest You
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hennapryor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hennapryor/
Website: https://pryoritygroup.com/
About the Host of the Live Greatly podcast, Kristel Bauer:
To Book Kristel as a speaker for your next event, click here.
Website: www.livegreatly.co
Follow Kristel Bauer on:
Instagram: @livegreatly_co
LinkedIn: Kristel Bauer
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Youtube: Live Greatly, Kristel Bauer
To Watch Kristel Bauer's TEDx talk of Redefining Work/Life Balance in a COVID-19 World click here.
Click HERE to check out Kristel's corporate wellness and leadership blog
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Disclaimer: The contents of this podcast are intended for informational and educational purposes only. Always seek the guidance of your physician for any recommendations specific to you or for any questions regarding your specific health, your sleep patterns changes to diet and exercise, or any medical conditions. Always consult your physician before starting any supplements or new lifestyle programs. All information, views and statements shared on the Live Greatly podcast are purely the opinions of the authors, and are not medical advice or treatment recommendations. They have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. Opinions of guests are their own and Kristel Bauer & this podcast does not endorse or accept responsibility for statements made by guests. Neither Kristel Bauer nor this podcast takes responsibility for possible health consequences of a person or persons following the information in this educational content. Always consult your physician for recommendations specific to you.