In this episode of Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam discusses the intricacies of social perception and influence with Alison Fragale. They explore how perceptions from others affect our success in personal and professional realms. Fragale shares her experiences with teaching awards and the complexities of self-promotion, emphasizing the balance between assertiveness and warmth. The conversation highlights that one's status significantly impacts relationships and that both innate human tendencies and communication strategies play crucial roles in being well-regarded. The episode provides practical insights into fostering genuine interpersonal connections and overcoming social barriers.