Speak Your Mind Unapologetically Podcast

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...

Learn how to use proven frameworks to articulate your value, elevate your influence, and dominate your field. In this episode, Dr. Karen Hills Pruden shares her expertise from 30 years in professional development and leadership training, offering practical tips and real-life examples to help you transform your career. From amplifying your value through quantifiable metrics to building professional...

Ever been stuck in a never-ending conversation and felt trapped? Learn 14 powerful, graceful, and guilt-free ways to end conversations you don't want to be in without burning bridges. Whether it's saying no to invitations, stopping gossip, ending endless email chains, or gracefully exiting networking conversations, this episode covers it all. Hear practical tips for maintaining your boundaries wit...

How can you protect your power, status, and influence in communication? Learn from Amy Carroll, a communication coach and author of 'Ego Tango,' on how to advocate for yourself, manage pressure, and communicate with strength. She explains the cost of Predator and Prey and how to step into Partner to neutralize the invisible power game. She demonstrates 4 different external behaviors to project con...

Ever felt like your ideas are ignored or misunderstood? It's not because your ideas aren't good enough, but rather how you share them at work. Tune in to discover:   ✔️10 bold, practical, and eye-opening ways are discussed to get your ideas heard, supported, and championed without being pushy or over-explaining.   ✔️Actionable tips to lead with your ideas, gain buy-in, and make an impact in your c...

Have you ever stayed awake at night replaying something you did or said, worried about how you came across? Are you the kind of perfectionist that doesn't want to disappoint others?   In this episode, you will discover seven strategies to overcome worry and rumination about mistakes or negative perceptions in professional settings. Perfect for leaders and professionals wanting to speak confidently...

How can you break free from overthinking in your professional life? Overthinking can lead to stress, decision fatigue, and hindered productivity, but there are actionable strategies to combat it. In this episode, you'll discover 15 practical steps to help you stop overthinking, make decisions with confidence, and speak up in the workplace without hesitation. Tune in to gain clarity and move forwar...

Ever faced resistance after asking for something important at work, such as resources, flexibility, or a project opportunity? Discover eight easy steps to lead such conversations without pressure and turn resistance into cooperation without harming relationships. This episode helps you identify forms of pushback and overcome them, so that you can advocate for yourself and your career goals confide...

How can you leverage speaking to become a more impactful servant leader? Discover the strategies to use speaking as a high-level service in this episode featuring Israel Duran, a communication expert. Learn how Duran transformed his challenges into strengths and now teaches others to harness their voice for leadership, impact, and resources. Tune in to explore the importance of identity, purpose,...

Ever felt discouraged when asking for resources, training, and support at work? The more discouraged you are, the more you'll push others away from the yes. Instead, you'll need to lead the conversation with clear communication, being direct about financial needs, and sustaining engagement through asking hard questions. Discover how to articulate value, and handle rejections constructively to achi...

Do your interactions lack the respect and influence you desire? Learn how to harness and project a strong, calm, and confident energy that commands respect and naturally positions you as a leader. Discover strategies to shift your posture, eye contact, tone, and presence to cultivate an undeniable leadership aura. Tune in to this episode to discover: ✔️ Techniques to project inentional leadership...

How can you dream big and excel in your career? Real success starts with a growth mindset and self-advocacy. Discover how Ashwini Balasubramanian, President of the Automotive Women's Alliance Foundation (AWAF) and Head of Motorcycle Development Strategy and Operations at Harley-Davidson Motor Company, navigated her career by embracing assertiveness and humility, and by knowing when to advocate for...

Ever wondered how to take bold, audacious steps to transform your career and life? Find out why these bold moves matter, how to overcome the fear, and learn eight actionable strategies to inspire your own bold decisions. ✔️ Why bold moves are essential for growth and success. ✔️ How to conquer the fear of taking big steps. ✔️ Eight actionable strategies for making bold moves. ✔️ The importance of...

Are you tired of being interrupted in meetings? Learn effective strategies to reclaim your voice and make sure your ideas are heard. This episode addresses the common issue of interruptions, especially for women who are interrupted twice as much as men, and offers practical advice on maintaining professionalism and assertiveness without sounding aggressive. Discover how to navigate these challenge...

Does fear hold you back from speaking up or advocating for yourself at work? It's not your fault. Your brain is hardwired to avoid risks, but staying silent could be costing you opportunities, respect, and career growth. In this episode, we unpack the surprising science behind fear of advocating for yourself at work and reveal how loss aversion might be sabotaging your confidence. You'll discover:...

Are you waiting for your boss to notice your hard work? Frustrated because you've tried speaking up, but nothing seems to change? Or holding off until the perfect moment to ask for what you need? These are some of the most common career traps that silently sabotage your growth. In this episode, we'll explore these traps. You'll learn how to take charge of your career by asking for what you want, f...

Feel guilty about putting yourself first? Discover ways to prioritize your needs without feeling selfish. Explore the common culprit of guilt experienced when prioritizing personal desires over others' demands. Learn about the detrimental impact of guilt on your emotions and productivity, and explore eight actionable strategies to overcome this guilt, boost your confidence, and lead a more fulfill...