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Perception Beats Perfection | Laura Huang
Why do some people stand out and get ahead—even when they’re not the most qualified? In this episode, AJ and Johnny sit down with Harvard professor and author Laura Huang to unpack the hidden force she calls “edge”—and how anyone can create it.
Laura shares how to turn bias into opportunity, why adversity can actually be an advantage, and what successful people do differently when it comes to perception and presence. With insights from years of research and personal experience, she reveals how to sharpen your signals, own your story, and make others believe in your value before you even speak.
If you’ve ever felt overlooked or underestimated, this episode gives you the roadmap to flip the script.
What to Listen For
[00:00:00] What is “edge” and why it matters more than credentials
[00:02:45] How Laura’s own story shaped her research
[00:05:29] The real difference between hustle and strategic effort
[00:08:17] Why perceptions matter more than you think
[00:11:06] How to reframe bias as a tool, not a limitation
[00:14:22] Turning stereotypes into signals of strength
[00:17:38] What successful people do to make others believe in them
[00:21:05] The four components of creating your edge
[00:24:46] Laura’s advice for standing out in competitive environments
[00:27:12] How to own your narrative and signal confidence
A Word From Our Sponsors
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Ready to turn your business idea into reality? Shopify makes it easy to start, scale, and succeed—whether you're launching a side hustle or building the next big brand. Sign up for your $1/month trial at shopify.com/charm.
Need to hire top talent—fast? Skip the waiting game and get more qualified applicants with Indeed. Claim your $75 Sponsored Job Credit now at Indeed.com/charm.
This year, skip breaking a sweat AND breaking the bank. Get your summer savings and shop premium wireless plans at mintmobile.com/charm
Stop needlessly overpaying for car insurance. Before you renew your policy, do yourself a favor—download the Jerry app or head to JERRY.com/charm
Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at www.rula.com/charm
Curious about your influence level?
Get your Influence Index Score today!
Take this 60-second quiz to find out how your influence stacks up against top performers at theartofcharm.com/influence.
Episode resources:
Laura Huang's Website
EDGE
Check in with AJ and Johnny!
AJ on LinkedIn
Johnny on LinkedIn
AJ on Instagram
Johnny on Instagram
The Art of Charm on Instagram
The Art of Charm on YouTube
The Art of Charm on TikTok
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
View all episodes
By The Art of Charm
4.7
1046510,465 ratings
Why do some people stand out and get ahead—even when they’re not the most qualified? In this episode, AJ and Johnny sit down with Harvard professor and author Laura Huang to unpack the hidden force she calls “edge”—and how anyone can create it.
Laura shares how to turn bias into opportunity, why adversity can actually be an advantage, and what successful people do differently when it comes to perception and presence. With insights from years of research and personal experience, she reveals how to sharpen your signals, own your story, and make others believe in your value before you even speak.
If you’ve ever felt overlooked or underestimated, this episode gives you the roadmap to flip the script.
What to Listen For
[00:00:00] What is “edge” and why it matters more than credentials
[00:02:45] How Laura’s own story shaped her research
[00:05:29] The real difference between hustle and strategic effort
[00:08:17] Why perceptions matter more than you think
[00:11:06] How to reframe bias as a tool, not a limitation
[00:14:22] Turning stereotypes into signals of strength
[00:17:38] What successful people do to make others believe in them
[00:21:05] The four components of creating your edge
[00:24:46] Laura’s advice for standing out in competitive environments
[00:27:12] How to own your narrative and signal confidence
A Word From Our Sponsors
Tired of awkward handshakes and collecting business cards without building real connections? Dive into our Free Social Capital Networking Masterclass. Learn practical strategies to make your interactions meaningful and boost your confidence in any social situation. Sign up for free at theartofcharm.com/sc and elevate your networking from awkward to awesome. Don’t miss out on a network of opportunities!
Unleash the power of covert networking to infiltrate high-value circles and build a 7-figure network in just 90 days. Ready to start? Check out our CIA-proven guide to networking like a spy!
Indulge in affordable luxury with Quince—where high-end essentials meet unbeatable prices. Upgrade your wardrobe today at quince.com/charm for free shipping and hassle-free returns.
Ready to turn your business idea into reality? Shopify makes it easy to start, scale, and succeed—whether you're launching a side hustle or building the next big brand. Sign up for your $1/month trial at shopify.com/charm.
Need to hire top talent—fast? Skip the waiting game and get more qualified applicants with Indeed. Claim your $75 Sponsored Job Credit now at Indeed.com/charm.
This year, skip breaking a sweat AND breaking the bank. Get your summer savings and shop premium wireless plans at mintmobile.com/charm
Stop needlessly overpaying for car insurance. Before you renew your policy, do yourself a favor—download the Jerry app or head to JERRY.com/charm
Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at www.rula.com/charm
Curious about your influence level?
Get your Influence Index Score today!
Take this 60-second quiz to find out how your influence stacks up against top performers at theartofcharm.com/influence.
Episode resources:
Laura Huang's Website
EDGE
Check in with AJ and Johnny!
AJ on LinkedIn
Johnny on LinkedIn
AJ on Instagram
Johnny on Instagram
The Art of Charm on Instagram
The Art of Charm on YouTube
The Art of Charm on TikTok
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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