Issue #23 - The secret science behind likability

Forget awkward small talk or robotic icebreakers. Vanessa Van Edwards makes the case that charisma isn’t just natural charm, it’s a science. Using behavioral research and real world experiments, she unpacks exactly how to win people over, build trust, and make memorable impressions.

One standout idea? People decide whether they like and trust you in the first few seconds. Most of that decision happens nonverbally. Your facial expressions, posture, and even your tone matter more than your words.

Another gem: Instead of networking with a wide net, go for depth. Ask questions that invite vulnerability, and you’ll leave a stronger impression than any elevator pitch ever could.

"I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." — Michael Jordan

What is one long-term shift you could make today that would pay off for years to come?