

Social Skills Mastery
Susan Callender
The Social Skills Mastery Podcast is where High-Performance Social Confidence Coach and Corporate Trainer, Susan Callender helps professionals, business owners, and entrepreneurs stand out in competitive and often high-stakes situations, by raising social capital and using the power of polished people skills to make an impact. Weekly content encompasses what to do, what to say, how to maneuver tricky situations and get it right the first time.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 16, 2025 • 16min
214. Misperceived at Work: Why You're Misread as Standoffish
Why do top performers often get mislabeled as unfriendly? In this episode, you'll learn the science-backed fixes that won't compromise your detailed, analytical nature, based on research with 1000+ technical leaders. We break down how naturally reserved professionals can show warmth authentically, without having to transform into extroverts. Learn practical strategies for translating your internal care into external signals that others can readily understand. Key Concepts Covered: The Expressiveness Gap Understanding the disconnect between internal feelings and external perception Why analytical people often get misread The science behind social signaling The Warmth Toolkit ** Don't even know where to begin in improving your people skills? Are you ready to leave social stress behind and go from where you are to where you want to be? Book a Social Strategy Session HERE Free Guide: The Social Skills Playbook Have a question that needs an answer. Email me at Hello@SocialConfidencePro.com LinkedIn Instagram TikTok

Jan 10, 2025 • 20min
213. Transform Your Social Presence: The Language Patterns of Charismatic People
Special Offer: Join The School of Social Mastery as a VIP Founding Member at SocialConfidencePro.com/VIP. In episode 213, we discuss how your words – both internal and external – are literally creating your reality. Learn the science behind self-talk, discover practical techniques for transforming limiting language patterns, and master advanced strategies for using words to engineer the social presence you desire. Key Points Covered: The Science of Self-Talk Your brain processes 70,000 thoughts per day (48 per minute) 80% of thoughts tend to be negative 95% of thoughts are repeated from previous days How neural pathways are strengthened through repetition The subconscious mind's response to language Practical Tools & Exercises: Morning Protocol 1. Three power statements 2. Present-tense goal review 3. Future memory creation Daily Implementation Pattern interruption techniques Bridge statement practice Language tracking system Evening Review Process Success celebration Situation reframing Next-day intention setting VIP Founders Program Details: Closing Date: Sunday, January 12th Program Components: Weekly live coaching Private community access Subconscious Language Reprogramming Lifetime access ** Don't even know where to begin in improving your people skills? Are you ready to leave social stress behind and go from where you are to where you want to be? Book a Social Strategy Session HERE Free Guide: The Social Skills Playbook Have a question that needs an answer. Email me at Hello@SocialConfidencePro.com LinkedIn Instagram TikTok

Jan 3, 2025 • 21min
212. Beyond Technical Brilliance: How Top Performers Are Investing in Social Skills (And Getting Their Employers to Pay for It)
Featured Resource: Download your free "Coaching Investment Proposal Template" at SocialConfidencePro.com/Ask Special Offer: Join The School of Social Mastery as a VIP Founding Member at SocialConfidencePro.com/VIP. In this value-packed episode, Susan breaks down everything you need to know about transforming your professional presence through executive coaching. Whether you're a technical expert looking to move into leadership or a high achiever wanting to maximize your impact, this episode is your complete guide to choosing and leveraging the right coaching approach for your goals. What You'll Learn: Why 2025 is the critical year to invest in your social confidence The crucial differences between private and group coaching (and how to choose) How to get your employer to fund your professional development Real transformation stories from technical experts who've made the leap The surprising ROI of social skills training in today's business landscape Connect With Us: Instagram: @susancallendersocialcoach Website: socialconfidencepro.om Email: clientcare@socialconfidencepro.com Share your takeaways on Instagram using #SocialConfidence2025 Looking to Take Action? 1. Download the free template at SocialConfidencePro.com/Ask 2. Assess which coaching model best fits your needs 3. Schedule a social strategy session to explore your options Don't even know where to begin in improving your people skills? Are you ready to leave social stress behind and go from where you are to where you want to be? Book a Social Strategy Session HERE Free Guide: The Social Skills Playbook Have a question that needs an answer. Email me at Hello@SocialConfidencePro.com LinkedIn Instagram TikTok

Dec 26, 2024 • 30min
211. Secrets of the 15%: Why Most Social Resolutions Fail (And How to Make Yours Stick)
Join the School of Social Mastery as a VIP Founding member. Use promo code: VIPFOMOPROMO to save an additional 10% when you join before midnight Tuesday, December 31st. The School of Social Mastery info page. In this transformative episode, we dive deep into how to make 2025 the year you finally develop unshakeable social confidence. Unlike typical New Year's resolutions that fade by February, we explore the proven strategies used by the 15% who successfully transform their social lives. Key Highlights: Why being a "shy adult" is a self-limiting label and how to break free The power of micro-actions in building social confidence Understanding the difference between hope and certainty in social transformation How past experiences shape our current social behaviors and what to do about it Practical steps to take today to begin your social confidence journey Action Steps Covered: Creating immediate momentum through small, manageable social actions Building the "social confidence muscle" through consistent practice Transforming limiting beliefs into empowering social mindsets Taking responsibility for your own social growth Special Offer: Join The School of Social Mastery as a VIP Founding Member at SocialConfidencePro.com/VIP. Use code "VIPFOMOPROMO" before December 31st, 2024, to save an additional 10%. Next Steps: Choose one small social action to complete today before your head hits the pillow. Remember, your future is determined by the actions you take right now. ** Don't even know where to begin in improving your people skills? Are you ready to leave social stress behind and go from where you are to where you want to be? Book a Social Strategy Session HERE Free Guide: The Social Skills Playbook Have a question that needs an answer. Email me at Hello@SocialConfidencePro.com LinkedIn Instagram TikTok

Dec 21, 2024 • 22min
210. Still Cringing About That Thing You Said Last Week? Why Your Brain Won't Let You Move On
The School of Social Mastery is Open at a reduced investment for a limited time for VIP action-takers. Are you tired of lying awake at night replaying social interactions? In this value-packed episode, we dive deep into the science and solutions behind post-social rumination. Learn why your brain gets stuck in the replay loop and discover proven strategies to break free. Key Topics Covered: The Science Behind Social Overthinking Real costs: physical, emotional, and professional impacts Why alcohol makes social anxiety worse 7 practical strategies to stop the mental replay How to reclaim the 182.5 hours per year spent ruminating Featured Strategies: ✓ The 24-Hour Rule ✓ The Reality Check Protocol ✓ The Rumination Circuit Breaker ✓ The Future Self Framework Memorable Quotes: "Every moment you spend overthinking past interactions is a moment you're not fully present in your current life." "That moment you're obsessing over? Everyone else has already forgotten it." ** Don't even know where to begin in improving your people skills? Are you ready to leave social stress behind and go from where you are to where you want to be? Book a Social Strategy Session HERE Free Guide: The Social Skills Playbook Have a question that needs an answer. Email me at Hello@SocialConfidencePro.com LinkedIn Instagram TikTok

Dec 12, 2024 • 16min
209. Nervous as Hell at Holiday Parties? Good. Here's Why That's Your Superpower
In this eye-opening episode of Social Skills Mastery, I challenge everything you thought you knew about social anxiety and professional networking. Perfect timing for the holiday season! Key Topics Covered: The surprising neuroscience behind why social anxiety can enhance your networking abilities Why the holiday season's social demands are your greatest opportunity for growth The Authenticity Advantage: How being real about your anxiety can create stronger professional connections Three practical strategies for transforming anxiety into networking power Key Takeaways: Social anxiety can be used as an internal compass for creating authentic connections Heightened awareness from anxiety can make you a better listener and more attuned to social cues The holiday season isn't a gauntlet to run through - it's your accelerated growth period. Use it to your advantage. ** Don't even know where to begin in improving your people skills? Are you ready to leave social stress behind and go from where you are to where you want to be? Book a Social Strategy Session HERE Free Guide: The Social Skills Playbook Have a question that needs an answer. Email me at Hello@SocialConfidencePro.com LinkedIn Instagram TikTok

Dec 5, 2024 • 15min
208. Transform Your Holiday Season Social Experiences with Three-Conversation Rules
In this episode, we break down why holiday networking events trigger anxiety and provide a practical, neuroscience-based framework for turning these opportunities into enjoyable, productive experiences. Drawing from real client success stories and years of coaching experience, Susan introduces three powerful guidelines that can transform how you approach professional social situations. Key Concepts Covered: Understanding the evolutionary basis of networking anxiety The Protocol for managing pre-event thoughts The Framework for authentic conversations The System for managing networking goals ** Don't even know where to begin in improving your people skills? Are you ready to leave social stress behind and go from where you are to where you want to be? Book a Social Strategy Session HERE Free Guide: The Social Skills Playbook Have a question that needs an answer. Email me at Hello@SocialConfidencePro.com LinkedIn Instagram TikTok

Nov 28, 2024 • 12min
207. From Invisible to Influential: How to Create a Persona That Gets You Noticed
In today's episode of Social Skills Mastery, we're diving into what it takes to cultivate a dynamic and expressive persona that exudes authenticity—especially in professional settings where making an impact matters most. If you've ever felt invisible in meetings, struggled to connect with colleagues, or wondered how to showcase your unique strengths without feeling awkward, this episode is for you. What You'll Learn: Why authenticity is the secret ingredient to career success and leadership presence. The 5 steps to develop a dynamic persona that reflects your true self while commanding respect and attention. How to overcome fears of judgment and embrace your individuality at work. Practical strategies for navigating real-world business scenarios with confidence and charisma. Episode Highlights: 1. Define Your Core Values: Learn how identifying what matters most to you can shape your authentic professional persona. 2. Master Emotional Self-Awareness: Discover why understanding your emotions is critical for genuine and impactful interactions. 3. Adopt a Growth-Oriented Mindset: See how small, consistent actions can build the confidence to show up as your best self. 4. Embrace Real-World Feedback: Tips for turning constructive criticism into opportunities for transformation in your career. 5. Cultivate Consistency in Action: How showing up authentically every day builds trust, influence, and credibility over time. Ready to Transform Your Persona? Tune in now to learn how to stop hiding, start shining, and show up in your business or career with unmatched authenticity and presence. ** Don't even know where to begin in improving your people skills? Are you ready to leave social stress behind and go from where you are to where you want to be? Book a Social Strategy Session HERE Free Guide: The Social Skills Playbook Have a question that needs an answer. Email me at Hello@SocialConfidencePro.com LinkedIn Instagram TikTok

Nov 22, 2024 • 10min
Bonus: Social Skills That Make Competitors Sweat - The School of Social Mastery
In this heartfelt episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes of my personal journey—from a shy, introverted child to a corporate employee who avoided the spotlight, to an entrepreneur who finally broke free from fear and stepped into confidence. If you've ever felt held back by social anxiety, nervousness, or overthinking, this episode is for you. I'm sharing how my struggles shaped The School of Social Mastery, a brand-new program designed to help founders, business owners, and rising professionals overcome social challenges and step into their natural confidence. You'll also hear all about the exciting opportunity to join as a founding member, with exclusive perks you won't want to miss! What You'll Learn in This Episode: My story of shyness and introversion and how it impacted my corporate and entrepreneurial life. Why social confidence is the key to unlocking your full potential in business and life. What makes The School of Social Mastery a game-changer for professionals like you. How to join as a founding member and take advantage of early access and special pricing. Ready to start your transformation? Get on the priority list today to be the first notified when the doors open to a limited number of founding members! ** Don't even know where to begin in improving your people skills? Are you ready to leave social stress behind and go from where you are to where you want to be? Book a Social Strategy Session HERE Free Guide: The Social Skills Playbook Have a question that needs an answer. Email me at Hello@SocialConfidencePro.com LinkedIn Instagram TikTok

Nov 14, 2024 • 13min
206. From Fearful to Fierce: How to Build Unshakable Self-Belief
In today's episode we tackle the habit of seeking approval. We all know the relief and reassurance that come with a pat on the back from a boss, client, or friend. But when we rely on that approval to feel confident and capable, we're setting ourselves up for dependence, self-doubt, and stalled growth. True confidence is built from within, not handed out by others. Through this episode, you'll discover: Why seeking external validation keeps you stuck and prevents real growth. Inspiring stories from my clients who shifted from approval-seeking to fierce self-belief—and the profound impact it had on their careers. Practical strategies to stop depending on others' opinions and start trusting yourself, including learning to set boundaries with feedback and redefining failure as growth. The 5 transformative steps to self-confidence that will help you reclaim your power, make quicker decisions, and show up unapologetically in any room. If you're ready to stop letting the need for approval control your choices, this episode is a must-listen! Resources to further your learning: 1. The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman – A fantastic read on building self-confidence and understanding how validation impacts us, especially in professional environments. 2. Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach – This book explores the importance of self-approval and letting go of the need for external validation. 3. Dare to Lead by Brené Brown – Brown's insights on vulnerability and confidence provide powerful tools for building self-trust and resilience. ** Don't even know where to begin in improving your people skills? Are you ready to leave social stress behind and go from where you are to where you want to be? Book a Social Strategy Session HERE Free Guide: The Social Skills Playbook Have a question that needs an answer. Email me at Hello@SocialConfidencePro.com LinkedIn Instagram TikTok


