Negotiators Podcast

Tracy Hooper – best-selling author of The Now Hello and founder of The Confidence Project.


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🌟 Monday Night Live with Derek Arden – Special Guest: Tracy Hooper! 🌟

Welcome to Monday Night Live! I’m Derek Arden, and tonight we had the absolute pleasure of hosting the wonderful Tracy Hooper – best-selling author of The Now Hello and founder of The Confidence Project. Tracy joined us live from Portland, Oregon, sharing travel tales, life lessons, and confidence-boosting tips – all sprinkled with fun, laughter, and inspiration.

✈️ From Portland to the Thames – A Journey Full of Surprises

Tracy began by sharing the excitement of traveling from the U.S. to London with her husband Henry and daughter Margaret. After a delayed flight, she arrived determined to make a great first impression – wrinkle-free outfit, bright lipstick, big smile… because, as Tracy says:

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression!”

Our in-person meet-up? A memorable boat ride on the River Thames, stories over pints in a centuries-old pub, and sightseeing across historic London.

🏰 Tower Bridge, History, and Hilarious Mix-Ups

We laughed about the Americans who thought they bought Tower Bridge but ended up with London Bridge – which now sits in Arizona! Being in person meant spontaneous stories, real laughter, and unforgettable moments.

💼 The Confidence Project – Lessons for Life and Work

Tracy explained how confidence is a skill anyone can learn – whether at work, traveling, or simply chatting with strangers. Some of her key lessons:

  • 🚶‍♀️ Low-Level Labs: Practice conversations in safe, everyday settings – like with cabbies or in queues.
  • 💬 Use magic words to keep conversations flowing: What? How? Tell me more…
  • ✨ Drop weak phrases like I just… or Sorry, but… and speak with purpose.
  • 🎩 Hats, History, and Hyde Park Adventures

    From Hyde Park hat shopping 🏞️ to visiting the Victory Services Club – founded in 1918 for returning soldiers – Tracy shared how travel connects people across generations, especially when sprinkled with courtesy and kindness.

    🏟️ Arsenal Football and Serendipitous Moments

    One highlight? Margaret scoring a last-minute ticket to an Arsenal game thanks to a chance conversation on the boat ride. That’s the magic of meeting people in real life – opportunities appear when you least expect them! ⚽

    🚇 Courtesy Is Contagious – Lessons from London Transport

    On the Tube, signs read “Someone may need this seat more.” And Londoners lived up to it – offering seats with kindness. Tracy reminded us:

    “Confidence is contagious… but so is courtesy.”

    🏰 Castles, Culture, and the Titanic in Ireland

    Tracy’s travels continued to Ireland – weddings in castles 💒, the moving Titanic Museum in Belfast, and even tiny Rathlin Island with just 110 residents! Each stop offered history, heart, and humor.

    🌿 Kew Gardens and Science for the Future

    At Kew Gardens, it wasn’t just about beautiful plants – but also groundbreaking research on climate change and medicine. Travel isn’t only about seeing the past; it’s about learning the future. 🌍

    🗣️ Words to Lose, Words to Use

    Tracy shared her famous “Words to Lose” tips – swapping weak, filler words for strong, confident language. And yes, we Brits say “sorry” far too much! 😅

    🤝 Final Takeaway: Gather in Person!

    Tracy’s #1 tip for 2026 and beyond?

    “Meet people in person whenever you can. Have coffee. Share stories. Connect.”

    Because real conversations create real memories.

    🙏 A Huge Thank You to Tracy Hooper!

    From confidence tips to travel tales, this episode had it all – history, humor, and heart. Thank you, Tracy, for reminding us of the power of connection, kindness, and confidence. 🌟AS COME TO LIFE
    Hosted by Derek Arden | Negotiation Expert | Speaker | Connector

    • https://derekarden.co.uk
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