Amy Cuddy Takes on Workplace Bullying: From Power Poses to Social Bravery

Leading Social Psychologist Addresses New Frontiers

Social psychologist Amy Cuddy, known for her groundbreaking research on social judgments, emotions, and nonverbal behaviors, continues to explore how we perceive and are influenced by others. Her upcoming book, ‘Bullies, Bystanders, and Bravehearts’ (HarperCollins, 2025), promises to tackle the significant psychological, physical, and socio-economic costs of bullying in organizations and societies, while offering innovative solutions for engagement and leadership through social bravery.

From Power Poses to Social Impact

Cuddy’s influence in the field of social psychology is substantial, with her 2012 TED Talk garnering over 74 million views, and her bestseller ‘Presence’ being translated into 35 languages. Her work encompasses presence under stress, power dynamics, prejudice and stereotyping, nonverbal behavior, and the complex balance between projecting trustworthiness and strength.

Academic Excellence and Recognition

After serving as a professor at Harvard Business School (2008-2017) and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management (2006-2008), Cuddy has received prestigious recognitions including the Excellence in Teaching Award from Harvard University (2018) and the Scientific Impact Award from the Society for Experimental Social Psychology (2022).

The Future of Social Psychology

At the core of Cuddy’s work lies the concept of personal power. Her research demonstrates that individuals have more control over their presence than they might think, with body and mindset significantly influencing confidence and others’ perceptions. She argues that even small behavioral changes can impact both personal feelings and social treatment, ultimately benefiting not just the individual but those around them through increased openness, creativity, and social courage.