So many amazing takeaways from this episode! I loved all the tactical tips that I can start implementing today!!! - HSR Angel
Body language expert Vanessa Van Edwards, bestselling author and founder of Science of People, joins Maggie Sellers Reum on Hot Smart Rich to reveal how to own any room, make unforgettable first impressions, master body language, and become instantly more confident in business and life.
Vanessa shares how to prepare for intimidating rooms, spot the subtle signs someone is nervous, build trust through body language, and why the first six seconds of any interaction can change everything.
She also explains what your appearance communicates before you speak, how to recover from a bad first impression, the fastest ways to create genuine connection, give more memorable answers, and perfect your personal introduction so people never forget you.
Whether you're networking, interviewing, pitching, or building your career, this conversation will change how you communicate forever.
Conversation by Vanessa Van Edwards is a science-backed guide that teaches you how to master small talk, build instant rapport, and communicate with authentic confidence in any social situation which you can pre-order now.
Vanessa’s Top 10
her favourite products to live a hot, smart, rich life
01. The greatest investment I've ever made is having a partner I genuinely love building life and business with. He helps me feel hot, makes me smarter every day, and has been a huge part of my success.
02. My everyday makeup shortcut. It gives me healthy, glowy skin while sneaking SPF into my routine. I bring the travel set everywhere.
03. The travel upgrade that's completely changed how I work on the road. More productive, less stressful, and worth every penny.
04. Heavy lifting three times a week has made me stronger, sharper, and more confident in every part of my life.
05. I'm so proud of this project. It shares nine questions that can completely transform the way you connect with people.
06. My favorite place to unplug, sweat, think, and recharge. Sometimes the best ideas come when I stop trying to find them.
07. I've turned getting great sleep into a game, and I'm absolutely obsessed with improving my score.
08. These completely changed my life. If you ever see me offstage, there's a very good chance I'm wearing them.
09. One of the few supplements I've actually felt a real difference from. I started for strength but stayed for the mood boost and recovery.
10. My favorite underrated luxury is making everything smell like home, even while I'm traveling. Spray your suitcase before every trip and thank me later.
Hot, Smart, Rich Tips
Hot Hack: I think the chic-est, hottest thing you can do is say "no" more often so you can say "yes" to the things that truly fill your cup. As an ambivert, I'm constantly assessing what fuels me versus what exhausts me. Making time for the people I love will always be the hottest hack in my eyes.
Smart Hack: My work and passion is social skills. How can we be smarter about the way we approach social situations so that we feel more competent, at ease, and in flow no matter the setting? My favorite "smart" hack is understanding your unique social battery. When you know how you recharge and connect best, you can stop forcing yourself into situations that don't fit and start leaning into your zone of genius. Folks can take our Charisma Quiz to discover theirs.
Rich Hack: Share your money stories. Everyone has a money narrative - the story you tell yourself about money. Start with uncovering yours AND talk about this with your partner and the important people in your life.
Creating a Life That's Rich in More Than Work
To me, the richest life is a life well lived. As important as work is, I try to make sure every area of my life grows. Sometimes that means taking an afternoon off to take my girls to Disneyland. Sometimes it means bringing my husband to a keynote so we can sneak in a date night afterward. Those moments are the reason for all the work. I've found that the more socially connected, grounded, and fulfilled you are, the richer every part of life becomes.
About The Guest
Vanessa Van Edwards - Behavioral Researcher, Bestselling Author & Founder of Science of People
Vanessa Van Edwards is a bestselling author, behavioral researcher, and internationally recognized expert on body language, communication, and human behavior. She is the founder of Science of People, a research-based organization dedicated to helping individuals improve their interpersonal skills through evidence backed strategies.
Vanessa is the author of the bestselling books Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People and Cues: Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication. Her work combines insights from psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral science to help people build confidence, strengthen relationships, and communicate with greater impact.
A sought-after keynote speaker, Vanessa has shared her expertise with organizations such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Harvard Business School. Her research and practical communication techniques have also been featured in leading media outlets, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, and Fast Company.
Through her writing, speaking, and online education, Vanessa has helped millions of people around the world develop the skills to connect authentically, lead effectively, and create lasting personal and professional success.
About The Host
Maggie Sellers Reum - Entrepreneur, Investor & Podcast Host
Maggie Sellers Reum is a cult-followed entrepreneur, investor, and media founder redefining how women build wealth, power, and ownership. She is the CEO co-founder of Hot Smart Rich (HSR), alongside Katie Sellers. HSR is a modern media platform at the intersection of business, culture, and money.
At the centre of HSR is its breakout podcast, one of the fastest-growing business shows in the U.S., surpassing 3 million downloads. In a category where only 7% of business podcasts are hosted by women, HSR has emerged as a cultural force reshaping conversations around money, investing, relationships, and modern female ownership, powered by a highly engaged global community known as 'HSR Angels.'
Beyond media, Maggie is also an active investor through HSR Ventures, backing companies driving better outcomes for women, including Bird&Be, Allara Health, and Locker. By pairing capital with storytelling and distribution, she helps founders unlock visibility, strategic partnerships, and investor demand.
In 2025, HSR secured a landmark seven-figure investment from FlightStory, the global media and investment company co-founded by Steven Bartlett, accelerating its mission to become the defining female ambition brand of the next decade.
