Throughout centuries, women have been trained to give up their power. With a simple communicational hack, they can reclaim their power when facing gender inequality, no matter the stakes. But the question is, why do women freeze in the first place? In this provocative and insightful talk, Kasia Urbaniak explores the effects of cultural conditioning and the difference between power and gender dynamics, while teaching us to change the way we have conversations as a society, so both women and men can reach their full potential as human beings.

Kasia Urbaniak spent 17 years studying to become a Taoist nun. To foot the bill for her studies, she worked as a high-paid (and extremely successful) dominatrix in dungeons around New York City. What she learned in these two wildly different settings has turned into her life’s work, teaching women about power dynamics and influence to become better leaders. Her mission: to redefine what it means to be a good girl.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx