Deborah GruenfeldEvery podcast appearance, updated as new ones drop

In the modern workplace, hierarchy and power differences are often viewed as problems to solve. But Deborah Gruenfeld has a different perspective: hierarchy is not only essential to organizations, but we actually crave it in our relationships and communities. Deborah is a professor at Stanford University and a social and organizational psychologist who studies power and powerlessness. In this episode, she joins Anne and Frances to demystify how power actually works at work, why people underestimate their own power, and how to use the power you already have more skillfully. She also offers practical tips for playing your own power up or down, and shares what she has learned studying power dynamics in marriages and long-term relationships. Anne and Frances put their own marriage to the test, exploring whether their partnership truly is—or even should be—equal. Featured guest Follow Deborah Gruenfeld on LinkedIn Buy Deborah's book, Acting with Power Connect with the team Follow Anne on Instagram and LinkedIn Follow Frances on Instagram and LinkedIn Watch Fixable videos on youtube.com/@TEDPods Visit Anne and Frances’ website Have a question you want Anne and Frances to solve? Email the team at fixable@ted.com or leave a voicemail at 234-349-2253 Follow TED on X , Instagram , Facebook , LinkedIn , and TikTok For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As leaders rise and hierarchies shift, Stanford GSB organizational behavior professor Deborah Gruenfeld , guest in season one of If/Then , reminds us that power is not just about authority—it’s about presence. In this special feed drop from Pfeffer on Power , Gruenfeld, author of Acting With Power , revisits topics featured in her If/Then episode, exploring how body language and mindset can shape perceptions of influence. “We’re all playing roles,” she explains, whether as CEOs, professors, or professionals navigating high-stakes environments. The key, she says, lies in mastering both "inside-out" techniques—such as reframing internal narratives—and "outside-in" strategies, like commanding physical space to exude confidence. Host Jeffrey Pfeffer , professor of organizational behavior at the GSB, and Gruenfeld discuss how power dynamics transcend culture and context, offering universal lessons for anyone looking to lead with impact. “Don’t leave power to the bad guys,” Gruenfeld advises, urging listeners to embrace their own potential for influence. This episode provides actionable insights to help you show up powerfully in any room, especially when the stakes are high. As the conversation unfolds, Pfeffer and Gruenfeld challenge us to think differently about power—not as a privilege, but as a responsibility to shape better outcomes for ourselves and others. Jeffrey Pfeffer will be a guest on the second season of If/Then . Pfeffer on Power is Produced by University FM. For a full transcript of this episode, visit the Pfeffer on Power’s website. More Resources: Deborah Gruenfeld, faculty profile Deborah’s Book: Acting with Power Pfeffer on Power Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Host Jeffrey Pfeffer introduces guest Professor Deborah Gruenfeld from Stanford GSB. (00:01:45) First Impressions and Body Language How people make snap judgments based on appearance and nonverbal cues. (00:03:25) Change How You Show Up The possibility of reframing behavior to project more confidence and authority. (00:06:33) Showing Up with Power Two approaches for appearing more authoritative and powerful. (00:08:53) Inside-Out Power Reframing internal narratives to project power, even in moments of insecurity. (00:11:32) Outside-In Power Techniques for using body language to command authority. (00:14:00) Physical and Social Dynamics How occupying space communicates dominance and influence. (00:17:06) Unconscious Reactions to Power Whether power dynamics are consistent across cultures and time. (00:20:32) Ambivalence Toward Power Why some individuals are reluctant to embrace power. (00:24:47) Ethical Leaders in Power

A special live edition from the Me2We event at Stanford, where strategic communications expert and podcast host Matt Abrahams joins four distinguished faculty members from Stanford Graduate School of Business: Michelle Gelfand explores the dynamics of cross-cultural organizational behavior. Brian Lowery discusses the societal implications of racial perceptions. Deborah Gruenfeld reveals insights into power dynamics and personal presence. Zakary Tormala delves into the nuances of persuasive language. Episode Reference Links: Michelle Gelfand’s Book: Rule Makers, Rule Breakers: How Tight and Loose Cultures Wire Our World Michelle Gelfand's Tight-Loose Quiz Brian Lowery’s Book: Selfless: The Social Creation of "You" Deborah Gruenfeld’s Book: Acting With Power: Why We Are More Powerful Than We Believe Ep.67 What is Normal? How Culture Affects Communication Styles Ep.84 Quick Thinks: How Others Define Us Ep.11 The Science of Influence: How to Persuade Others and Hold Their Attention Ep.12 It’s Not What You Say It’s How You Say It: How to Communicate Power Connect: Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn , Instagram , YouTube Matt

In this episode of the 'Pfeffer on Power' podcast, host Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, is joined by Deborah Gruenfeld, professor at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business and author of the book Acting with Power: Why We Are More Powerful Than We Believe . Deborah emphasizes the impact of physical body language and personal presence on the perception of power. The discussion further delves into the utilization of 'outside-in' and 'inside-out' techniques for asserting power and the notion of differentiating between status and power. Deborah argues that possessing power comes with responsibilities that may not appeal to all while striving for status is universal. From the width of your stance to the tempo of your speech, the nuances of body language speak volumes about your place in the social hierarchy. Deborah and Jeff examine the choreography of power—how to enter a room, how to take up space, and how to pace your movements to nonverbally assert dominance. For those who've ever felt overlooked or underestimated, this episode is a toolbox for crafting the presence you deserve. 00:00 Introduction 00:53 Understanding Power and Body Language 01:42 The Evolution of the 'Acting with Power' Class and Book 02:20 The Impact of Visuals and Nonverbal Cues on Power 03:22 The Role of Personal Growth in Power 08:50 The Power of Imagination in Power Dynamics 11:46 The Importance of Taking Up Space 22:31 The Role of Status and Power in Hierarchies 23:53 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Power 27:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Pfeffer on Power is produced by University FM. Episode Quotes: A technique on how to show up more powerful 06:31: One set of tactics or techniques is what I call outside-in techniques, and they have to do with just changing how you carry yourself: your physical body, how you stand, how you use your arms, how you use your eyes, and how you sit. The other set of tactics that I really think is equally important, maybe even more important in some cases, is what I call inside-out tactics. The inside-out tactics have to do with having ways to reframe situations and our role in those situations that are empowering. One of the things I like to say in my classes is that there are a lot of things about power and social life that are not under our control. We can't, for example, control directly how people perceive us, but we can always control, once we know how, where our attention goes. How do you act powerful? 12:26: Being open in some ways feels very vulnerable, and it is. But when you have a lot of power, you can afford to be vulnerable. This is why the alpha gorillas sit with everything exposed because nobody's coming for them. It's the lower-down-ranking animals that have to protect their bodies. So having an open chest, in particular, conveys a lot of authority and power. That's an especially important technique for people who are smaller in stature. People always ask me if I can't carry myself like a tall person and I can't dominate someone physically with my height, what options do I have? I often tell them that the most important thing is that you carry yourself with an open chest because what you're communicating when your arms are capable of moving away from your body is that you are ready to fight for whatever you want, regardless of how big you are. On being comfortable with power 23:25: There are people who just feel that it's not who they are to carry themselves in a way that takes ownership of superiority, authority, control, or having interests, experiences, and expertise that are privileged above other people. They're just people who feel like they can't do that. And I think it's one of the b

Power exists in every relationship — whether we like that idea or not — and to be effective in any role, power needs to be understood. In this episode , Matt Abrahams sits down with Professor of Organizational Behavior Deborah Gruenfeld to discuss her new book, Acting with Power: Why We Are More Powerful Than We Believe . Deborah shares how body language can give us power, or take it from us, and advises how we can use power for good. Connect: Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn , Instagram , YouTube Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn ******** Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost. Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.

How are you using the power you have (for good or evil)? Yes, we all have power just through our relationships between colleagues, family, and friends. Thereby, it can be a bit tricky. According to Deborah Gruenfeld, we need to embrace and own our power, even if we are uncomfortable with it. Deb is a social psychologist and the author of Acting with Power . She shares with Kevin that there are levels of power and it is a responsibility that is yours. Often there are negative connotations with power, however, when you look at it in action, force is rarely used. People want to help you, so you will help them. When you have control over another's outcomes you need to think about the interests you are serving; be the person other people hope you will be. This episode is brought to you by... From Manager to Remarkable Leader , Kevin's Flagship workshop based on his proven leadership model. Additional Leadership Resources Book Recommendations: Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators by Ronan Farrow Acting with Power: Why We Are More Powerful Than We Believe by Deborah Gruenfeld Connect with Deborah Gruenfeld: Website | Twitter | LinkedIn Related Podcast Episodes: The Outward Mindset with Jim Farrell . Crucible Leadership with Warwick Fairfax . Partnership is the New Leadership with Ty Bennett . All You Have to Do Is Ask with Wayne Baker .