Austin is the type of city where anyone can fit in, but as technology becomes more entwined with our lives, old-fashioned communication skills don’t always keep up with the pace of progress. Enter Vanessa Van Edwards, a “recovering awkward person” and capital city resident of six years, who has developed a massive following for her tips on body language and how to be more charismatic, make friends, and influence people. Known for her wildly popular TED Talks, Edwards is an A-list podcast guest whose online courses have been taken by half a million people. What does she see as Austinites’ biggest strength? Mixing authenticity with ambition.
What were your impressions when you first visited Austin, and how have those ideas changed since?
I first visited Austin in 2010, and I remember instantly feeling this vibrant, creative buzz. It was quirky, welcoming, and just had this spark that was so different from anywhere else I’d been. Back then, it felt like a hidden gem. Today, Austin’s not so hidden anymore, but it’s kept that creative, entrepreneurial spirit. I’ve fallen even more in love with the people here. There’s a real sense of “come as you are” that makes it a beautiful place to both live and grow. My favorite part of the city is that it seems everyone is doing something interesting…