# Intro and welcome to Angela Foster

- **Episode:** [149](https://agents.truthliesandwork.com/episodes/149.md) (2024-11-28)
- **Type:** intro
- **Tags:** podcast, intro, angela foster
- **Time:** 0:33–5:42 (start 33s)
- **Listen:** [https://truthliesandwork.com/149?t=33](https://truthliesandwork.com/149?t=33)

---

[0:33] Angela Foster: Nice
[0:37] Leanne Elliott: Hello and welcome to Truth, Lies and Work, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. The audio destination for business professionals. My name is Leanne, I'm a chartered psychologist
[0:57] Al Elliott: My name's Al, I'm a business owner
[0:58] Leanne Elliott: And we are here to help you simplify the science of work and create amazing workplace cultures
[1:02] Al Elliott: Welcome, welcome. Hello to you, especially if you're brand new here
[1:05] Angela Foster: You
[1:06] Al Elliott: Yes, you we're talking to. Get a cup of tea, um, Yorkshire Tea if you're in the UK, it's the only type of tea, and a Jaffa Cake and take a load off. And if you've listened before, then welcome back. You know the score, but just give me 8 seconds to explain to the newbies How this pod works, right? Every Tuesday we bring you a weekly fix of workplace news, spicy takes from our expert panel, and our famous workplace surgery where I put your questions to the lovely Leanne. And every Thursday, like today, we sit down with someone who's an expert in the workplace and ask them the questions that most podcasters are afraid to
[1:37] Leanne Elliott: And, and today we do have said guests, and that I did ask some questions that others might be afraid to. Um, today we are thrilled to welcome Angela Foster. Foster, a true expert in the fashion and beauty industry with over 2 decades of executive experience. Angela is on a mission to empower high-achieving petite women to exude confidence through wardrobes that reflect their unique style, body shape, and professional goals. Now, before we dive into our conversation, let's address why this topic is important. You might be thinking, Leanna, this is a business podcast, what are we talking about? Let me explain. Research from Virginia Commonwealth University shows that dress for success isn't just a cliché, it is backed by science. Studies reveal that how we dress at work influences how colleagues perceive our competence and warmth, which directly impacts their evaluation of our performance and their willingness to support us. Clothing choices affect workplace dynamics much more than we realize. Learning to navigate these dynamics can help us present ourselves in ways that align with our goals and avoid unfair stereotypes. Additionally, first impressions count. Within the first 7 seconds, apparently, of a meeting somebody new, we have given them already a solid impression of who we are. And some research suggests it's actually only a 10th of a second to start determining traits like trustworthiness. Attire will play a role in influencing these first impressions. You might also be thinking, Leanne, what I worry is about me. Not anyone else, thank you very much. Well, you're right, um, it is very much. And this is a concept called enclosed cognition and suggests that dressing in formal attire can enhance your cognitive function and productivity. So whether it's adapting to remote work norms, balancing industry expectations, or breaking down gender biases in clothing, the choices we make every day can have profound professional and personal impacts. Angela's SPARK method has transformed how her clients, from keynote speakers to boardroom leaders, approach their personal and professional wardrobes. Whether it's aligning personal style with business branding, creating a closet that works seamlessly for both casual and formal settings, or crafting a signature look that projects authority and confidence, Angela's approach goes beyond fashion. It's about showing up as your best self
[3:57] Al Elliott: Talking of showing up as your best self, Angela, if you're watching this on YouTube, I've put a jacket on. I never wear a jacket. I put it on for you because I thought I better dress up right. At the end of this episode, you're going to have the answer to these 3 key questions. Number 1, do people at work judge us on what we wear, and should we actually care? Well, I think we already know the answer to that is slightly yes, and also possibly yes. Number 2, should employers define a dress code, and if so, how do we do it properly? And number 3, how do I remain stylish but stand out from the crowd so people remember us?
[4:27] Leanne Elliott: We'll also be asking that million-pound question, what is dressy cash?
[4:31] Al Elliott: I've never heard that term in my entire life. Anyway, without any further ado, let's join Leanne and Angela as they start by discussing the definition of petiteism. and why clothes influence how we feel at work
[4:44] Angela Foster: Well, first of all, thank you so much for having me. I can't imagine you are looking forward to this any more than I am, 'cause I'm a huge fan. Um, I'm Angela Foster. I am a style coach for petite executives, C-suites, and entrepreneurial women
[4:59] Leanne Elliott: Can I ask, what is the definition of petite?
[5:02] Angela Foster: Um, depending upon who you ask, it's either 5'4 or 5'3 and under, which is 44% of the world population. While it's easy for us to feel Like we're a small segment that designers and brands don't pay attention to. We're a pretty mighty bunch
[5:19] Leanne Elliott: I'm 5'3 and 3/4, so I can push 5'4 if I want to, I guess. But, but I'll, I'll take, take some little, like, light mick out of me all the time for being so small. I need a step to reach the cupboards and things like that. But there's 44%. We should gather, create some kind of movement
[5:35] Angela Foster: Yes, that's exactly right. I'm— all of my new people, I'm like, welcome to the revolution. We're going to change the world