Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Van Edwards
Hi Vanessa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m a recovering awkward person. Social skills never came naturally to me and I wondered if there were other folks like me wh needed a little interpersonal help.
My journey has been a mix of curiosity, passion, and a deep desire to understand people. I’ve always been fascinated by human behavior—why we do what we do, how we connect, and what makes us tick. Early on, I realized that social skills weren’t something we were explicitly taught, yet they’re so essential to every aspect of life. That realization sparked my mission: to decode the science of people and make it accessible to everyone.
I started by diving into research, studying psychology, body language, and communication. But it wasn’t just about the science—I wanted to make it practical and actionable. I began sharing what I learned through workshops, writing, and eventually my book, Captivate (in 2017). That became a Wall Street Journal bestseller and has been translated into 17 languages.
Next I had Cues in 2022 which also hit the bestseller list. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible individuals and organizations, helping them build stronger relationships, communicate more effectively, and truly thrive.
I specialize in corporate workshops for smart people who need to work on their communication, charisma and sharing their ideas.
What’s been most rewarding is hearing from people who’ve applied these tools and seen real change in their lives. It’s a reminder that we all have the ability to grow and connect in meaningful ways. My journey has been about learning, sharing, and growing alongside others, and I’m so grateful for where it’s taken me so far.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Really it has been a journey of surprises. I had no idea you could even make a career on YouTube! I had no idea there were so many fellow recovering awkward folks.
Struggles have been finding a way to balance motherhood and my demanding book tours and speaking schedule. That is a real challenge.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are a training company that works with companies and individuals to advance their people skills. We specialize in high-achieving professionals and have lead corporate workshops at Microsoft, Intel, Google, Nike and many, many others.
Our goal at Science of People is to provide in-depth, helpful communication education for free to the public each week. We do this through YouTube every single week, blog posts and newsletters. We also have books and courses for those who want to take the next step. We have employees both here in Austin and around the world as we are a hybrid remote team.
We reach 4 million readers each month and have had millions of students go through our courses.
Any big plans?
I am working on my next book, Conversation, due out in 2026. I will be featuring conversation tips from the most interesting people in Austin and around the world.
We also just launched our flagship coaching program, People School which is an advanced course for high-achieving professionals who want to use communication skills to get ahead.
Pricing:
- Most of our content is free public education
- My books range from $12-$25 on audible and in hardcover
- People School is $1995
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.scienceofpeople.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vvanedwards/?hl=en
- Twitter: https://x.com/vvanedwards
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ScienceOfPeople/videos
Image Credits
Maggie Kirkland
