Speak Your Mind Unapologetically Podcast

When you're in a high-stakes meeting, job interview, panel, or senior leadership presentation, everything can be going perfectly, until someone throws a loaded question at you. Suddenly, confidence can turn into defensiveness. Preparation can turn into rambling. Months of hard work can collapse in 10 seconds if you sound insecure, reactive, or unsure. This episode of the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically Podcast reveals exactly how the top 1% of executives, leaders, and media-trained spokespeople stay calm, credible, and in control even when they're challenged publicly, and even when they don't have the answer. You'll learn how to: Stay in command of the conversation when someone tests you Pivot without sounding evasive Respond without rambling, over-explaining, or defending yourself Sound confident even when you're caught off guard Protect your credibility under pressure We'll cover 15 powerful media-training tactics used by CEOs, world-class communicators, and top-tier interview candidates to make sure tough questions never derail their image, confidence, or opportunities. Whether you're navigating executive meetings, stakeholder presentations, performance reviews, client discussions, or interviews for bigger roles, this episode will teach you how to turn hard questions into opportunities for influence and respect. If you want to feel unshakeable when someone challenges you, this episode is for you. Press play and learn to communicate like someone who deserves to be heard. ✅ Schedule a Complimentary Call To Plan Your One Conversation: https://calendly.com/assertiveway/30min 🎁 Free Resource: Download the 30 Power Shifts Guide — a free, practical cheat sheet with real-life "weak vs. powerful" word swaps for meetings, presentations, and everyday conversations. Replace soft, hesitant phrases with powerful, natural ones. Speak with clarity, conviction, and calm authority. Be heard without apology. 👉 Get your free guide here: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/30power ✅ Free Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter/ ✅ Take the Quiz 'Do You Speak Like a High-Impact Leader?': https://myassertiveway.outgrow.us/highimpactleader ✅ Listen on the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically podcast on Apple Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915 ✅ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6L1myPkiJXYf5SGrublYz2 ✅ Order our book, 'Unapologetic Voice: 101 Real-World Strategies for Brave Self Advocacy & Bold Leadership' where each strategy is also a real story: https://www.amazon.com/Unapologetic-Voice-Real-World-Strategies-Leadership-ebook/dp/B0CW2X4WWL/ ✅ Follow the show host, Ivna Curi, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/ ✅ Request A Customized Workshop For Your Team And Company: http://assertiveway.com/workshops Contact me: info@assertiveway.com or ivnacuri@assertiveway.com Contact me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2

Most people don't struggle with speaking up in general. They struggle with one specific conversation that feels risky — a conversation with career, relationship, or emotional consequences. Whether it's a performance review, a promotion request, a conflict, a micromanaging boss, a workload pushback, a boundary conversation, or a situation where you feel overlooked or disrespected… avoiding the conversation always feels safe in the moment, but it silently costs you confidence, influence, visibility, and self-respect. In this episode, you'll discover: Why certain conversations feel so intimidating What's really driving the fear of conflict, backlash, or judgment The hidden psychological and career consequences of staying silent What changes when you approach these conversations strategically rather than reactively How to communicate with clarity, respect, and strength — without aggression or over-explaining If you've been overthinking a conversation at work or losing sleep about what to say, this episode will give you the roadmap to finally move forward. ✅ Schedule a Complimentary Call To Plan Your One Conversation: https://calendly.com/assertiveway/30min 🎁 Free Resource: Download the 30 Power Shifts Guide — a free, practical cheat sheet with real-life "weak vs. powerful" word swaps for meetings, presentations, and everyday conversations. Replace soft, hesitant phrases with powerful, natural ones. Speak with clarity, conviction, and calm authority. Be heard without apology. 👉 Get your free guide here: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/30power ✅ Free Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter/ ✅ Take the Quiz 'Do You Speak Like a High-Impact Leader?': https://myassertiveway.outgrow.us/highimpactleader ✅ Listen on the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically podcast on Apple Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915 ✅ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6L1myPkiJXYf5SGrublYz2 ✅ Order our book, 'Unapologetic Voice: 101 Real-World Strategies for Brave Self Advocacy & Bold Leadership' where each strategy is also a real story: https://www.amazon.com/Unapologetic-Voice-Real-World-Strategies-Leadership-ebook/dp/B0CW2X4WWL/ ✅ Follow the show host, Ivna Curi, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/ ✅ Request A Customized Workshop For Your Team And Company: http://assertiveway.com/workshops Contact me: info@assertiveway.com or ivnacuri@assertiveway.com Contact me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2

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 Leaders They share how to express your true essence and the art of joyful communication. You'll discover: The 3 Es Framework (Essence, Expression, Environment) that transforms the way you communicate. What Prince William taught me about communication in 3 minutes. How to listen to what's not being said, and create trust through attunement. How to pitch, present, and persuade with storytelling that enchants. The secret confidence technique of powerful speakers. What every great pitch needs to land, that most people avoid. Amy Ewbank and Lily Lapenna are Co-CEO's at Verve Leaders Lily Lapenna, MBE, is a communication geek working with professional to help them get heard and be remembered. She works in academic institutions Like Harvard and Oxford university on business and communication. She is a passionate coach and facilitator around all things communication. She was honored by Queen Elizabeth with an MBE for her social impact work. Connect with Lily: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilylapenna/ Amy Ewbank is a leadership coach, communication strategist, and expert in voice. She began her career as a professional actor, performing in repertory theatre, BBC Radio, and Channel 4 amongst others. She also has experience working as Head of HR at a UK national charity, she has been featured on Sky News, Channel 5 and The Guardian for her work on the stage and beyond. Connect with Amy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-ewbank-45158a231/ Elevate your communication skills with Verve: https://www.verveleaders.com/ ✅ Free Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter/ ✅ Take the Quiz 'Do You Speak Like a High-Impact Leader?': https://myassertiveway.outgrow.us/highimpactleader ✅ Listen on the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically podcast on Apple Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915 ✅ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6L1myPkiJXYf5SGrublYz2 ✅ Order our book, 'Unapologetic Voice: 101 Real-World Strategies for Brave Self Advocacy & Bold Leadership' where each strategy is also a real story: https://www.amazon.com/Unapologetic-Voice-Real-World-Strategies-Leadership-ebook/dp/B0CW2X4WWL/ ✅ Follow the show host, Ivna Curi, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/

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), what to do when credit goes missing, how to set boundaries and still be seen as a team player, how to advocate when you're not senior, and how to bounce back after a "no." You'll leave with practical scripts, mindset shifts, and a repeatable approach to turn hard conversations into "liquid sunshine." Listen if you want to: Be heard and understood, without damaging relationships Turn self-advocacy into a daily habit Get recognition, resources, and flexibility credibly 🎁 Free Resource: Download the 30 Power Shifts Guide — a free, practical cheat sheet with real-life "weak vs. powerful" word swaps for meetings, presentations, and everyday conversations. Replace soft, hesitant phrases with powerful, natural ones. Speak with clarity, conviction, and calm authority. Be heard without apology. 👉 Get your free guide here: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/30power ✅ Free Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter/ ✅ Take the Quiz 'Do You Speak Like a High-Impact Leader?': https://myassertiveway.outgrow.us/highimpactleader ✅ Listen on the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically podcast on Apple Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915 ✅ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6L1myPkiJXYf5SGrublYz2 ✅ Order our book, 'Unapologetic Voice: 101 Real-World Strategies for Brave Self Advocacy & Bold Leadership' where each strategy is also a real story: https://www.amazon.com/Unapologetic-Voice-Real-World-Strategies-Leadership-ebook/dp/B0CW2X4WWL/ ✅ Follow the show host, Ivna Curi, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/ ✅ Request A Customized Workshop For Your Team And Company: http://assertiveway.com/workshops Contact me: info@assertiveway.com or ivnacuri@assertiveway.com Contact me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2

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. What you'll discover in this episode: Why silence is not an option. Why self-doubt, replaying worst-case scenarios, and "what-if" loops quietly steal your voice—and how that affects your career, your leadership and your impact. How to break the fear script. The three essential voices every professional needs. Why action = confidence, not the other way around—how one simple step leads to the next, builds momentum, and eventually changes your career trajectory. A call to stop choosing comfort over progress; because silence may feel safe, but it kills your future. Who this episode is for: You're a mid-to-senior professional, an emerging leader or an experienced leader who's ready to move from being unheard to being influential. You want to speak up smarter and navigate tough conversations without damaging relationships, and have the tools to advocate for yourself, your team and your future. Tune in if you're ready to Stop letting fear write your story. Rewrite your script. Own your voice, your goals and your future. If this episode resonated, please share it with a colleague, friend or ally who's ready to speak up—and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode from Speak Your Mind Unapologetically. Let's lead out loud together. 🎁 Free Resource: Download the 30 Power Shifts Guide — a free, practical cheat sheet with real-life "weak vs. powerful" word swaps for meetings, presentations, and everyday conversations. Replace soft, hesitant phrases with powerful, natural ones. Speak with clarity, conviction, and calm authority. Be heard without apology. 👉 Get your free guide here: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/30power ✅ Free Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter/ ✅ Take the Quiz 'Do You Speak Like a High-Impact Leader?': https://myassertiveway.outgrow.us/highimpactleader ✅ Listen on the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically podcast on Apple Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915 ✅ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6L1myPkiJXYf5SGrublYz2 ✅ Order our book, 'Unapologetic Voice: 101 Real-World Strategies for Brave Self Advocacy & Bold Leadership' where each strategy is also a real story: https://www.amazon.com/Unapologetic-Voice-Real-World-Strategies-Leadership-ebook/dp/B0CW2X4WWL/ ✅ Follow the show host, Ivna Curi, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/ ✅ Request A Customized Workshop For Your Team And Company: http://assertiveway.com/workshops Contact me: info@assertiveway.com or ivnacuri@assertiveway.com Contact me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2

Andrea Wojnicki, host of the Talk About Talk podcast and communication coach, joins to unravel the art of speaking boldly and unapologetically at work. They discuss the fine line between assertiveness and aggression, emphasizing respect and influence. Learn about the DEZO/DESC framework for tackling difficult conversations and how to encourage quieter team members. Ivna shares her journey from people-pleaser to empowered communicator, highlighting the importance of intentional language and embracing practice.

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 becoming fearless. Listen now to discover: 20 science-backed strategies to find your courage to speak up and be more assertive Mindset, cognitive, emotional, and social techniques to overcome fear How to boldly speak your mind and transform your career, leadership, and life 🎁 Free Resource: Download the 30 Power Shifts Guide — a free, practical cheat sheet with real-life "weak vs. powerful" word swaps for meetings, presentations, and everyday conversations. Replace soft, hesitant phrases with powerful, natural ones. Speak with clarity, conviction, and calm authority. Be heard without apology. 👉 Get your free guide here: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/30power ✅ Free Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter/ ✅ Take the Quiz 'Do You Speak Like a High-Impact Leader?': https://myassertiveway.outgrow.us/highimpactleader ✅ Listen on the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically podcast on Apple Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915 ✅ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6L1myPkiJXYf5SGrublYz2 ✅ Order our book, 'Unapologetic Voice: 101 Real-World Strategies for Brave Self Advocacy & Bold Leadership' where each strategy is also a real story: https://www.amazon.com/Unapologetic-Voice-Real-World-Strategies-Leadership-ebook/dp/B0CW2X4WWL/ ✅ Follow the show host, Ivna Curi, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/ ✅ Request A Customized Workshop For Your Team And Company: http://assertiveway.com/workshops Contact me: info@assertiveway.com or ivnacuri@assertiveway.com Contact me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2

Tired of sounding like a pleaser? Discover how asking for permission undermines your credibility at work. Learn 30 powerful language shifts to express authority and confidence. Swap phrases like 'Can I share?' for direct statements that add value. Get practical tips on asserting your ideas, offering feedback, and discussing promotions with clarity. Embrace your successes and propose changes without hesitation. With these insights, you’ll enhance your professional presence and be heard without apology!

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 colleagues who undermine your credibility without damaging relationships. The right way to disagree with your boss, and avoid backlash while building respect. Mindset shifts to stop overthinking in meetings and finally share your ideas with confidence. How to recognize bias early and decide when to walk away from unhealthy environments. Simple strategies leaders can use to help their teams speak up with courage. If you've ever held back your voice in a meeting, struggled with self-promotion, or wanted to advocate for your team with more confidence, this episode will give you the tools and inspiration to do it. Listen now and start building the courage to lead boldly, speak with conviction, and create impact in your career. ✅ Connect with Saadia Khilji: linkedin.com/in/saadia-khilji-techexec ✅ Free Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter/ ✅ Take the Quiz 'Do You Speak Like a High-Impact Leader?': https://myassertiveway.outgrow.us/highimpactleader ✅ Listen on the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically podcast on Apple Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915 ✅ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6L1myPkiJXYf5SGrublYz2 ✅ Order our book, 'Unapologetic Voice: 101 Real-World Strategies for Brave Self Advocacy & Bold Leadership' where each strategy is also a real story: https://www.amazon.com/Unapologetic-Voice-Real-World-Strategies-Leadership-ebook/dp/B0CW2X4WWL/ ✅ Follow the show host, Ivna Curi, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/ ✅ Request A Customized Workshop For Your Team And Company: http://assertiveway.com/workshops Contact me: info@assertiveway.com or ivnacuri@assertiveway.com Contact me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2

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 breathe" or "use positive affirmations" advice. 🎧 Tune in now and unlock the courage to make your voice matter at work. You'll find out: ✔️The untold truth about confidence at work: what nobody teaches you ✔️The ultimate confidence blueprint to speak up, advocate, and get heard ✔️14 Non-obvious confidence hacks every professional needs ✅ Free Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter/ ✅ Take the Quiz 'Do You Speak Like a High-Impact Leader?': https://myassertiveway.outgrow.us/highimpactleader ✅ Listen on the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically podcast on Apple Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915 ✅ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6L1myPkiJXYf5SGrublYz2 ✅ Order our book, 'Unapologetic Voice: 101 Real-World Strategies for Brave Self Advocacy & Bold Leadership' where each strategy is also a real story: https://www.amazon.com/Unapologetic-Voice-Real-World-Strategies-Leadership-ebook/dp/B0CW2X4WWL/ ✅ Follow the show host, Ivna Curi, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/ ✅ Request A Customized Workshop For Your Team And Company: http://assertiveway.com/workshops Contact me: info@assertiveway.com or ivnacuri@assertiveway.com Contact me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2 Chapters: 00:00 Does The Lack Of Confidence Shrinks Your Voice? 02:55 Tip 1: Borrow Someone Else's Confidence 05:23 Tip 2: Train in Discomfort 08:21 Tip 3: Speak for Something Greater Than Your Fear 10:34 Tip 4: Ask Yourself Better Questions 12:48 Tip 5: Use Questions to Reduce Risk 15:18 Tip 6: Train With Micro Courage 19:41 Tip 7: Realize It's Not About You 22:26 Tip 8: Overwhelm the Fear with Action 25:04 Tip 9: Speak Early, Speak Often, Consistently 26:43 Tip 10: Make More Intentional Decisions to Speak 27:36 Tip 11: Build Mastery To Beat Nerves 30:19 Tip 12: Increase Certainty With Evidence 31:23 Tip 13: Find and Speak From Conviction 32:30 Tip 14: Practice Communication 34:25 Conclusion: Take Action to Build Confidence