346: The New Power Pose-and How to Use It to Win

In today's episode, Heather invites you to rethink everything you've been taught about power poses, confidence, and presence. While the classic "hands-on-hips" stance is often linked to authority, this episode reveals a far more effective and far more compassionate power move: simply sitting down. Drawing from real experiences in leadership, advocacy, and high-stakes conversations, Heather shares how lowering yourself to someone else's level can transform interactions, build trust, and leave a lasting impact. From courtroom moments to everyday leadership lessons, you'll see why compassion, presence, and perspective are the true sources of personal power. Together, we explore why power doesn't require taking up more space, sometimes it is found in offering space to others. In this episode, you'll learn: The Real Power in Sitting Down Why sitting communicates presence, compassion, and connection more effectively than traditional "power poses." Compassion as a Leadership Superpower How compassion strengthens advocacy, relationships, and influence, and why people feel safer when you're willing to sit with them. The Psychology of Being at Eye Level How leveling the physical playing field changes energy, reduces intimidation, and allows genuine dialogue. Lessons from the Courtroom What a malpractice case taught Heather Hansen about human connection, and why a simple act like sitting on a patient's bed moved an entire jury. A Story Heather Hansen Never Forgot The emotional impact of a colleague and how 18 minutes of presence can change a life. Empathy vs. Compassion The difference between feeling what others feel and seeing what they see, and why action is what matters most. Why Slowing Down is the New Power Move In a world obsessed with speed, volume, and "looking powerful," Heather Hansen explains why slowing down, sitting down, and connecting deeply are the traits that build true charisma. In this episode: [00:00] Rethinking the classic power pose [01:10] Why the "stand big" approach isn't always effective [02:20] Compassion research in healthcare [03:17] A malpractice case and the power of sitting at the bedside [04:50] How sitting changes difficult conversations at work [05:39] The psychology of being on the same level [07:30] Joanne's story and the impact of presence [10:14] Compassion as the foundation of advocacy [12:40] Cognitive vs. affective empathy [14:30] Why sitting is the new power pose [15:08] How presence builds confidence and charisma Resources and Links: 🎥 Heather Hansen TEDx Talk on empathy and perspective Connect with Heather: Schedule a call with Heather Follow Heather on Instagram Follow Heather on Facebook Connect with Heather on LinkedIn Website Watch Episodes on Youtube Heather's TikTok ‍ heather@elegantwarrior.com

You can listen to 346: The New Power Pose-and How to Use It to Win online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

346: The New Power Pose-and How to Use It to Win is an episode from Elegant Warrior Podcast with Heather Hansen by Heather Hansen Presents.

This episode is 15:52 long.

This episode was published on Dec 11, 2025.

Yes. Use the heart button on the episode page to add it to your favorite episodes list.

Yes. This page shows related episodes from Elegant Warrior Podcast with Heather Hansen when more episodes are available from the podcast feed.