The pressure to “do it all” can be loud. We invited Dr. Damini Chawla - dentist, keynote speaker, communication coach, and mom of two - to turn down the noise with one skill that changes everything: speaking human. From a whirlwind day that jumps from school crafts to emceeing a stadium crowd, to the quiet inner work that makes it possible, Damini shows how clarity, presence, and vulnerability can steady the juggle.
We dive into her HUMΑN framework - hearing deeply, understanding context, moderating self-talk and responses, authenticity, and needs recognition - and put it to work in the places that matter most. In the dental chair, it means building psychological safety for anxious patients with active listening, clear plans, and genuine care. At home, it becomes validation before correction, calm repair after conflict, and boundaries kids understand. At work, it’s leadership that trades posturing for trust, reduces friction, and turns conflict into growth.
Damini opens up about the pivot from a traditional career path to a communication-focused mission rooted in lived experience across India, Beijing, Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore. We unpack millennial perfectionism and people pleasing, the art of saying no without burning bridges, the role of strong support systems, and why “done is good enough” can be a life-giving mantra. Expect practical scripts, honest reflections about guilt and tradeoffs, and humane strategies for self-care that don’t require a personality transplant - just better boundaries and a clearer purpose.
If you’re ready to soften the inner critic, lead with more empathy, and teach your kids how to repair and reconnect, this conversation is for you. Listen, share with a friend who needs it, and subscribe so you never miss a moment that helps you speak a little more human.
Host: Edit Kerekes, former diplomat, senior strategic advisor, mom of two.
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