Speak Your Mind Unapologetically Podcast

Your voice is the bridge between who you are and how you lead. So how can you be heard and be remembered, even in toxic workplaces? In this episode we are joined by Lily Lapenna, MBE, communication coach and facilitator, honored by Queen Elizabeth for her impact work, and Amy Ewbank, expert in voice and former professional actor and Head of HR. Amy Ewbank and Lily Lapenna are Co-CEO's at Verve Lea...

Get clear, practical answers to the toughest speaking-up questions: recognition, raises, boundaries, timing, and more—so you're heard and respected at work. You asked. I answered, fast. In this rapid-fire Q&A, we tackle the most common (and most avoided) questions about speaking up without backlash: how to advocate without seeming pushy, what you can reasonably ask for (and how to build a case), w...

Silence feels safe, but it kills your future. Unleash your authentic voice and stop letting the voice in your head keep you silent. In this episode of the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically Podcast , you'll regain control over the emotional cycle of fear and confidence, so that your nervous system stops hijacking your presence in meetings, and you can reclaim your voice and your influence at work. W...

Everyone says, "Be bold. Be unapologetic." But what does that really mean at work? Boldness easily gets mistaken for arrogance or aggression. Then, when you speak up, people shut down. In this episode of the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically podcast, Andrea Wojnicki, host of the Talk About Talk show, interviews Ivna Curi on how to speak up with confidence, strength, and respect, so you can be bold...

Does fear ever get in the way of advocating for yourself? Everyone has fear. Everyone has courage. The difference is which one you give energy to. In this episode of Speak Your Mind Unapologetically, we explore science-backed ways to be more courageous and build confidence in speaking up. From mindset shifts to emotional regulation and social strategies, this episode is your go-to guide for becomi...

Do you sound like a leader, or a pleaser? Asking for permission to speak up and using apologetic language can cost you promotions, recognition, and influence.   Discover 30 subtle language shifts that transforms how people see your authority. In this episode of the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically podcast, host Ivna Curi shares easy language shifts   to speak with power at work, that will instantl...

Do you ever hesitate to speak up in tough situations at work, worried about backlash, bias, or saying the wrong thing? In this powerful episode of the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically podcast, I sit down with Sadia Khilji, Global Chief Information & Technology Officer at Coverys , to explore how leaders and professionals can find the courage to speak their minds. You'll discover: How to confront c...

Discvoer 14 surprising strategies to finally speak up at work with confidence. These practical tips will help you stop holding back and start owning your seat at the table. In this episode, discover how to find your confident voice to share ideas (even half-baked ones), set boundaries, negotiate with ease, and stop people-pleasing for good.  These are practical, tested tips, not the tired "just br...

What's the right way to self-promote without sounding arrogant? How do you confidently speak about your work (and get credit for it)? How do you talk about your achievements assertively? In this episode, you'll discover: What to do when your boss takes your idea and runs with it How to get credit at work (even if you're overlooked) Why your team gets left out of the thank-yous (and how to fix it)...

How can leaders can bridge cultural divides, welcome diverse team members, and cultivate respectful conversations? How can you be civil with uncivil people? These are some of the questions that Dr. Shaun Carver, Executive Director of International House at UC Berkeley, answers in this episode. He's spent over two decades leading in global education, from China to California, creating spaces where...

 Have you ever walked out of a meeting thinking, I should have said something. They didn't take me seriously. Someone else said what I wanted to say, and then they got credit for it. Most smart, capable people struggle to make themselves heard, to be respected, to be taken seriously, especially when we are naturally thoughtful, humble, or we prioritize people and relationships. So what can you do...

How can we build resilience when facing adversity, and build a growth mindset to push through intimidation to have a voice? In this episode, we welcome Dhwani Trivedi, Program Manager and Business Operations Director at a Global Aerospace and Defense organization. Dhwani shares her experience of managing self-doubt, leveraging feedback, maintaining self-respect, and the importance of assertive com...

Discover the top 10 pieces of career and leadership advice you should ignore. 'Feel-good' advice can hinder career growth and personal expression. These 10 beliefs can sabotage your confidence, boldness, and opportunities. The episode encourages you to critically evaluate the advice you follow and take ownership of your career and life.   00:00 Introduction: The Pitfalls of Feel-Good Advice 02:41 ...

How can you communicate your unique personal branding to advance your career without feeling like a fraud? In this episode, Andrea Wonjnicki, an executive communication coach at Talk about Talk, shares how to develop and communicate your authentic personal brand. You'll learn and easy three-step framework for self-introductions and how to not sound fake or robotic in elevator pitches. Tune in: ✔️...

Are you tired of being talked over, cut off, or interrupted in meetings and not knowing how to respond without sounding rude, emotional, or aggressive? In this episode of Speak Your Mind Unapologetically , you'll learn exactly what to say and how to say it when someone interrupts you at work, whether it's a peer, a manager, a client, or someone you lead. We'll cover: The top mistakes to avoid when...

Are you your own best advocate? In this episode, Laura Colón, VP of Sales and Alliances at Vonage, shares her personal journey of overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome, self-promoting both internally and externally, and building a personal brand to advance her career.  02:07 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome 04:15 Embracing a Growth Mindset 05:48 Building a Personal Brand for Caree...

How can you   be bold without being a bully? If you have ever been told you're "too much" when you speak up, or worried about being seen as rude, pushy, or bossy when you advocate for yourself, this episode is for you.   Assertive communication starts with belief. Let's upgrade yours. Discover the surprising 20 mindset differences between Assertive vs. Aggressive communication so you can speak wit...

What's the worst career advice you've received? Cybersecurity GRC Risk Manager Sandra Dorsey discusses her worst career advice and how she learned the importance of self-promotion, negotiating for oneself, dealing with confusing feedback, and advocating for others in the corporate world. Sandra shares her journey from following advice to 'keep her head down' to realizing the need for visibility an...

In this episode, we delve into the critical role of allyship in the workplace with Wendy O'Neill, Head of Business Development at CDW, who shares her personal experiences and practical strategies for becoming a better ally.  Wendy discusses how to recognize and support colleagues whose voices are often unheard, how to foster allyship within a team, and the powerful impact of situational awareness...

"With all due respect..." "I understand how you feel." "That's an interesting idea" "Noted." Sometimes the nicest words can feel dismissive and silence people. Find out small changes you can make for people to feel heard and encouraged to speak up. 00:00 Introduction: Polite Phrases That Destroy Trust 05:11 Phrase 1: 'I Understand How You Feel' 07:39 Phrase 2: 'I'll Take That Into Consideration' 0...

Sometimes it doesn't feel safe to bring our full, authentic self to work. In this episode, our guest Amy Ewbank, co-CEO of Verve The Voice Advisory Service, shares what's holding you back and the three key elements you need to find and express your true voice in a professional setting.   01:38 Understanding the Barriers to Authentic Voice 02:27 The Three E's Framework: Essence, Expression, Environ...

Do you ideas ever go unnoticed? Are your ideas ignored? Sharing your ideas is not enough. Discover strategies to influence your higher-ups to take your ideas seriously.    00:00 Introduction: Getting Your Ideas Heard 02:15 Understanding the Power of Influence 04:37 Identifying the Decision Maker 07:10 Building Belief in Your Idea 09:35 Handling Rejection and Concerns 12:33 The Importance of Showin...

Are you perceived as assertive or as aggressive? What's the difference? stressing the difference between assertive and aggressive communication. Gain actionable tips on asserting yourself confidently in various settings, particularly when dealing with authority figures or intimidating situations. Practical advice includes speaking early and often in meetings, using 'I' statements, and preparing ke...

Career transitions take a lot of energy. How do you ensure you're putting your energy in the right direction, to avoid regrets later? How can you use your work purpose to amplify your voice? In this episode we speak to certified career and life transitions coach, and host of the Midlife Reinvention podcast, Kavita Ahuja. Kavita shares her journey of finding her Ikigai (reason for being), what it m...

Do you communicate like a high impact leader? Find out if your communication style is earning you the respect, influence, and results of a high impact leader. Tune in to discover: ✔️ How to respond assertively and effectively to criticism about your communication style. ✔️ Optimal ways to handle interruptions and disagreements in meetings.  ✔️ Strategies for owning and communicating mistakes to yo...