Why Smart Women Still Struggle to Be Taken Seriously
Tue Feb 03 2026
What if the key to being heard isn’t changing who you are but learning how to be powerfully likeable without apology?
Kate Mason sits down with another Kate Mason—executive communications coach, world champion debater, and author of Powerfully Likeable, to unpack the invisible dynamics of communication, particularly for women navigating work, parenting, and presence.
Together, they explore why women often feel the need to adjust their tone, word choice, and emotions in ways their male peers don’t… and how we can break out of that conditioning.
From debating rooms to boardrooms, and from childhood conditioning to parenting strategies, this episode offers tools, warm wisdom, and a few “that explains a lot” moments. Whether you're a parent, professional, or simply curious about how language shapes power, this one’s worth a listen.
Listen For
3:33 How did a world champion debater end up coaching top tech leaders?
10:14 What does “powerfully likeable” actually mean—and why is it so hard for women to balance both?
13:45 Why do women feel forced to choose between being liked and being respected?
16:49 How does society react when women communicate with authority?
25:23 How can we raise kids to communicate with confidence in a changing world?
Leave a rating/review for this podcast with one click
Connect with guest: Kate Mason, Communications Coach | Author, Powerfully Likeable | World-champion Debater
Website | LinkedIn | Instagram| Linktree | Substack
Contact Kate:
Email | Website | Kate’s Book on Amazon | LinkedIn | Facebook | X
More
What if the key to being heard isn’t changing who you are but learning how to be powerfully likeable without apology? Kate Mason sits down with another Kate Mason—executive communications coach, world champion debater, and author of Powerfully Likeable, to unpack the invisible dynamics of communication, particularly for women navigating work, parenting, and presence. Together, they explore why women often feel the need to adjust their tone, word choice, and emotions in ways their male peers don’t… and how we can break out of that conditioning. From debating rooms to boardrooms, and from childhood conditioning to parenting strategies, this episode offers tools, warm wisdom, and a few “that explains a lot” moments. Whether you're a parent, professional, or simply curious about how language shapes power, this one’s worth a listen. Listen For 3:33 How did a world champion debater end up coaching top tech leaders? 10:14 What does “powerfully likeable” actually mean—and why is it so hard for women to balance both? 13:45 Why do women feel forced to choose between being liked and being respected? 16:49 How does society react when women communicate with authority? 25:23 How can we raise kids to communicate with confidence in a changing world? Leave a rating/review for this podcast with one click Connect with guest: Kate Mason, Communications Coach | Author, Powerfully Likeable | World-champion Debater Website | LinkedIn | Instagram| Linktree | Substack Contact Kate: Email | Website | Kate’s Book on Amazon | LinkedIn | Facebook | X