Mirroring is sometimes referred to as the Chameleon Effect and it is essentially when we are mimicking or reflecting what our conversation partner is doing back to them.

Multiple research studies have shown that this technique often causes others to like us and trust us more, making for deeper connections and better conversations. So in this episode, I review physical, verbal, and written mirroring techniques and how you can incorporate each into your overall communication strategy.

In case you want direct links to the previous episodes I reference in this show:

• Small talk episode
• Virtual coffee with higher-ups episode

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For a direct link to this episode, visit saharmandi.com/episode46

You can also find and subscribe to Speak Up & Lead on iTunes, Spotify, GooglePodcasts, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, and Pandora.

As we head into February, I am wondering how your New Year resolutions are coming along? If you're like the rest of us, you've likely not kept up with the goals you set for yourself because achieving lasting behavior change is not as simple as merely wanting for it to happen.

In fact, there are 5 different stages of behavior change to go through, which we review in this episode:

1. Contemplation
2. Preparation
3. Action
4. Maintenance
5. Relapse

By understanding what stage we might be stuck in, how to get un-stuck, and what to expect next, we can better set ourselves for success in achieving the changes we want.

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For a direct link to this episode, visit saharmandi.com/episode45

You can also find and subscribe to Speak Up & Lead on iTunes, Spotify, GooglePodcasts, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, and Pandora.

Small talk has such a bad reputation as being boring or inconsequential. But this couldn't be further from the truth!

In this episode, I share two mindset shifts that will make you more open to having small talk, followed by two golden tips to make you better it.

If you'd like to connect with me on this or any other topic, please email me at sahar@saharmandi.com. I always love hearing from you and welcome our own opportunity to make small talk :)

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For a direct link to this episode, visit saharmandi.com/episode44

You can also find and subscribe to Speak Up & Lead on iTunes, Spotify, GooglePodcasts, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, and Pandora.

Having allies — people who know you and are willing to advocate on your behalf when you aren't in the room — is one the most effective ways of achieving career success.

In this episode, I share two specific strategies that will help you raise your professional profile both within your team and also your organization, so you can fast-track your way to the top.

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For a direct link to this episode, visit saharmandi.com/episode43

You can also find and subscribe to Speak Up & Lead on iTunes, Spotify, GooglePodcasts, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, and Pandora.

How often have we let the fear of not already being good at something hold us back from growing or moving in the direction of our dreams?

In this episode, I share the inspiration I took from my dear friend's newborn baby to remind myself  of the simple first step we all need to take in order to become good at anything.

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For a direct link to this episode, visit saharmandi.com/episode42

You can also find and subscribe to Speak Up & Lead on iTunes, Spotify, GooglePodcasts, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, and Pandora.

Coming back from my 2-week hiatus, I am excited to chat with Nashville-based licensed therapist, Jamila Walker, in this episode as we discuss:

• Loneliness and how many minority professionals may be suffering form it without realizing they are
• Microaggression, where it comes from, how to address it, and why it can be so difficult to navigate
• Self-compassion and how it's a crucial component of dealing with both loneliness and microaggressive environments

To connect with Jamila and her team at NEW Counseling, you can:

• Visit their website
• Read their insightful blog
• Find them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn
• Or email them directly at contact@newcounselingpllc.com

For more on loneliness, be sure to join Jamila's December Conscious Conversations event on Instagram Live, happening Wednesday 12/17/20.

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For a direct link to this episode, visit saharmandi.com/episode41

You can also find and subscribe to Speak Up & Lead on iTunes, Spotify, GooglePodcasts, Stitcher, and iHeartRadio.

Although I didn’t move to the U.S. until I was 11, Thanksgiving has become one of my favorite American holidays.

Yes, a big part of that has to do with the great food we get to eat at the thanksgiving table. There’s turkey, stuffing, casseroles, pies… and if you’re an immigrant, probably a bunch of other really delicious dishes from wherever your family is from too.

But there’s also the thankfulness part. The part where we humble ourselves. Acknowledge our privilege. And feel grateful for everything we have, everything our life is blessed with JUST as it is.

In this episode, I explore the many psychological (and by default, physiological) benefits that feeling thankful has on us. I also share 3 practical options on how you can adopt an attitude of gratitude more regularly into your life.

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For a direct link to this episode, visit saharmandi.com/episode40

You can also find and subscribe to Speak Up & Lead on iTunes, Spotify, GooglePodcasts, Stitcher, and iHeartRadio.

If a colleague were to ask you about your weekend or after-work plans, would you open up and share... or do you prefer to keep your personal life separate from your professional one?

This episode explores why sharing more of your personal life at work could be a great strategy to improving your productivity, happiness, and overall job satisfaction.

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For a direct link to this episode, visit saharmandi.com/episode39

You can also find and subscribe to Speak Up & Lead on iTunes, Spotify, GooglePodcasts, Stitcher, and iHeartRadio.