From Self-Doubt to Self-Trust: Emily Prinsloo of Rice University on Why Sharing Failures Builds Confidence — Part 1

In this first part of a two-part episode, Rebecca speaks with Emily Prinsloo about the psychology of everyday interactions and how small moments of vulnerability can forge deeper connections. Emily is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at Rice University with a PhD from Harvard Business School and a master's from the University of Cambridge. She studies the psychology of everyday interactions in both personal and consumer settings, focusing on how we build trust, connect with others, and make better decisions in moments we often overlook.

Emily shares fascinating research on how disclosing personal failures, rather than just successes, creates stronger interpersonal bonds and makes us feel less alone. She explains why even the smallest disclosures to strangers can lead to reciprocal sharing and increased closeness. They discuss the art of giving genuine compliments (avoiding backhanded ones) and, more importantly, how to graciously receive compliments as gifts rather than deflecting them.

The conversation also explores how we often misjudge social situations, particularly around dietary restrictions, where people avoid ordering certain foods to be polite but end up creating awkward dynamics.

Timestamps

1. How disclosing personal failures builds stronger connections – 0:00
2. The power of small disclosures with strangers and acquaintances – 3:45
3. Giving genuine compliments vs. backhanded compliments – 8:20
4. Learning to accept compliments as gifts – 11:15
5. Navigating dietary restrictions and social assumptions – 16:30

Connect with Emily Prinsloo 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-prinsloo-50965261/

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Rebecca's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccashaddix/ 

Podcast Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/time-billionaires-pod

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Shout-out to Graham Duncan from East Rock Capital for coining the term "Time Billionaires" which inspired our show name - originally shared on The Tim Ferriss Show.