

Speak Your Mind Unapologetically Podcast
For People Leaders Leading Bold Conversations | Ivna Curi
Speak Your Mind Unapologetically is the leadership communication podcast for people leaders — managers, directors, and VPs — who want to speak up, lead bold conversations, and influence outcomes that matter.
Whether you're addressing conflict, delivering feedback, leading meetings, or navigating difficult conversations, this podcast gives you practical strategies to:
👉🏼 Communicate with clarity, confidence, and conviction=
👉🏼 Influence decisions and build trust across functions
👉🏼 Speak up under pressure — without sounding aggressive or backing down
👉🏼 Encourage your team to share ideas, concerns, and feedback
👉🏼 Tackle conflict, disagreement, and misalignment early and effectively
You'll hear insights, frameworks, and stories from real workplaces — all designed to help you grow your leadership impact through communication.
🎙 With 400+ episodes, the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically Podcast is trusted by people leaders across Fortune 500s, healthcare, tech, startups, and global organizations.
ABOUT THE HOST
Ivna Curi is a Fortune 500 speaker, TEDx speaker, and host of the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically Podcast. She's a Forbes contributor, author of Unapologetic Voice, and founder of the Assertive Way Institute. A former corporate leader with an MBA from INSEAD and over 20,000 leaders trained, Ivna brings global experience and real-world strategies that help leaders drive results through bold communication.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Assertive Way Institute helps organizations empower people leaders to lead bold conversations, influence outcomes, and build courageous speak-up cultures. Our workshops and talks help people leaders become confident, clear communicators — and turn workplace communication into a competitive advantage.
Whether you're addressing conflict, delivering feedback, leading meetings, or navigating difficult conversations, this podcast gives you practical strategies to:
👉🏼 Communicate with clarity, confidence, and conviction=
👉🏼 Influence decisions and build trust across functions
👉🏼 Speak up under pressure — without sounding aggressive or backing down
👉🏼 Encourage your team to share ideas, concerns, and feedback
👉🏼 Tackle conflict, disagreement, and misalignment early and effectively
You'll hear insights, frameworks, and stories from real workplaces — all designed to help you grow your leadership impact through communication.
🎙 With 400+ episodes, the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically Podcast is trusted by people leaders across Fortune 500s, healthcare, tech, startups, and global organizations.
ABOUT THE HOST
Ivna Curi is a Fortune 500 speaker, TEDx speaker, and host of the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically Podcast. She's a Forbes contributor, author of Unapologetic Voice, and founder of the Assertive Way Institute. A former corporate leader with an MBA from INSEAD and over 20,000 leaders trained, Ivna brings global experience and real-world strategies that help leaders drive results through bold communication.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Assertive Way Institute helps organizations empower people leaders to lead bold conversations, influence outcomes, and build courageous speak-up cultures. Our workshops and talks help people leaders become confident, clear communicators — and turn workplace communication into a competitive advantage.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 9, 2023 • 8min
5 Strategies For Making Yourself Heard At Work
Many people feel ignored when they speak their mind at work. Many feel invisible. That makes us be less motivated to speak and share our perspective and needs. Making yourself heard can be especially difficult if you are not that senior, if you're a woman in a male dominated workplace, if you're a minority, or if you work in an aggressive culture. In this episode you'll discover 5 tips for making yourself heard at work. ✔️Know that your voice matters. ✔️Plan what you want to say ahead. ✔️Take up space when speaking. ✔️Act as if what you say matters to you. ✔️Seek allies to amplify your voice. Other Episodes You'll Love: How To Create The Habit Of Speaking Up: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-create-the-habit-of-speaking-up 7 Ways To Make Yourself Heard In Meetings: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/7-ways-to-make-yourself-heard-in-meetings 4 Tips On How To Successfully Share Your Ideas At Work (Compilation): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/4-tips-on-how-to-successfully-share-your-ideas-at-work-compilation How To Disagree Respectfully Without Being Disagreeable: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-disagree-respectfully-without-being-disagreeable Free Resources: Ask me your question for the next episode here: https://www.speakpipe.com/speakyourmindquestion Sign up for 10 Day free Assertive And Liked Challenge: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/beassertiveandliked Free resources: https://assertiveway.com/free/ Assertiveness free training: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/getahead Assertive Communication Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter Talk or Workshop on Speaking Up With Assertive Communication Podcast page: https://assertiveway.com/podcast-speak-your-mind-unapologetically/ Contact me info@assertiveway.com Or via Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/ About Assertive Way: Website: https://assertiveway.com Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915

Jan 4, 2023 • 19min
How To Create The Habit Of Speaking Up
How can you train yourself to speak up for yourself and for others? Speaking up habits help you build confidence to speak up. Habits are often a lot more powerful than goals, because they are the routine building blocks that can help you achieve your goals. They are easy to do, easy to keep track of, and repeatable. In this episode, you'll: ✔️Discover how a habit is different than a goal. ✔️Decide what speaking up habit you want to develop first. ✔️Design your next speaking up habit. ✔️Create an implementation plan for your speaking up habit. Other Episodes You'll Like: Confidently Say No In A Respectful Way (In 7 Easy Steps): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/confidently-say-no-in-a-respectful-way-in-7-easy-steps 7 Ways To Make Yourself Heard In Meetings: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/7-ways-to-make-yourself-heard-in-meetings 5 Myths That Hold You Back From Adding Value and Being Heard In Meetings: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/5-myths-that-hold-you-back-from-adding-value-and-being-heard-in-meetings 7 Tips To Confidently Speak In Large Meetings: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/7-tips-to-confidently-speak-in-large-meetings 6 Ways To Celebrate Your Successes Unapologetically: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/6-ways-to-celebrate-your-successes-unapologetically How To Get Promoted At Work Quicky In 5 Steps: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-get-promoted-at-work-quicky-in-5-steps 4 Things You Can Ask For To Fast-Track Your Career: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/4-things-you-can-ask-for-to-fast-track-your-career 2021 Personal Year In Review Reflection Exercise: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/2021-personal-year-in-review-reflection-exercise Free Resources: Ask me your question for the next episode here: https://www.speakpipe.com/speakyourmindquestion Sign up for 10 Day free Assertive And Liked Challenge: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/beassertiveandliked Free resources: https://assertiveway.com/free/ Assertiveness free training: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/getahead Assertive Communication Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter Talk or Workshop on Speaking Up With Assertive Communication Podcast page: https://assertiveway.com/podcast-speak-your-mind-unapologetically/ Contact me info@assertiveway.com Or via Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/ About Assertive Way: Website: https://assertiveway.com Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915

Dec 28, 2022 • 8min
Commit To Speaking Your Mind Unapologetically
Speaking your mind unapologetically starts with courage and leads to habit. The first step to make it happen for yourself is to commit. In this episode, I'll walk you through your commitment to owning your own voice. Other Episodes You'll Like: How To Find Courage To Speak Up (Compilation): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-find-courage-to-speak-up-4-examples 4 Top Speaking Up Fears Debunked: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/4-top-speaking-up-fears-debunked 8 Ways To Be more Confident With Perspective Taking: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/8-ways-to-be-more-confident-with-perspective-taking Free Resources: Ask me your question for the next episode here: https://www.speakpipe.com/speakyourmindquestion Sign up for 10 Day free Assertive And Liked Challenge: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/beassertiveandliked Free resources: https://assertiveway.com/free/ Assertiveness free training: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/getahead Assertive Communication Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter Talk or Workshop on Speaking Up With Assertive Communication Podcast page: https://assertiveway.com/podcast-speak-your-mind-unapologetically/ Contact me info@assertiveway.com Or via Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/ About Assertive Way: Website: https://assertiveway.com Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915

Dec 26, 2022 • 8min
6 Ways To Celebrate Your Successes Unapologetically
It's important to take the time to celebrate your successes and achievements because it helps you be even more successful. In this episode, you'll discover 6 ways to celebrate your successes unapologetically. Other Episodes You'll Like: 5 Easy Ways To Self-Promote Without Bragging: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/5-easy-ways-to-self-promote-without-bragging 7 Compelling Reasons You Need To Start A Bragging Ritual: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/7-compelling-reasons-you-need-to-start-a-bragging-ritual Personal Year In Review Reflection Exercise: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/2021-personal-year-in-review-reflection-exercise Free Resources: Ask me your question for the next episode here: https://www.speakpipe.com/speakyourmindquestion Sign up for 10 Day free Assertive And Liked Challenge: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/beassertiveandliked Free resources: https://assertiveway.com/free/ Assertiveness free training: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/getahead Assertive Communication Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter Talk or Workshop on Speaking Up With Assertive Communication Podcast page: https://assertiveway.com/podcast-speak-your-mind-unapologetically/ Contact me info@assertiveway.com Or via Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/ About Assertive Way: Website: https://assertiveway.com Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915

Dec 24, 2022 • 10min
17 Free Ways To Bring Joy And Happiness To Others
Want to share joy with people that you care about? Bring joy and happiness to others by speaking your mind. In this episode you'll discover 17 easy and free ways to bring joy and happiness to others (that don't involve gifts). Other Episodes You'll Like: Do You Make These Mistakes When You Praise People At Work?: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/do-you-make-these-mistakes-when-you-praise-people-at-work 5 Better Ways To Say Good Job: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/5-better-ways-to-say-good-job Top 8 Mistakes When Receiving Gifts And How To Receive Gifts The Right Way: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/top-8-mistakes-when-receiving-gifts-and-how-to-receive-gifts-the-right-way How To Have Balanced Conversations: Speaking And Listening: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-have-balanced-conversations-speaking-and-listening 3 Stress Lowering Holiday Conversations You Need To Prepare For: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/3-stress-lowering-holiday-conversations-you-need-to-prepare-for Personal Year In Review Reflection Exercise: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/2021-personal-year-in-review-reflection-exercise Top 8 Mistakes When Receiving Gifts And How To Receive Gifts The Right Way: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/top-8-mistakes-when-receiving-gifts-and-how-to-receive-gifts-the-right-way Free Resources: Ask me your question for the next episode here: https://www.speakpipe.com/speakyourmindquestion Sign up for 10 Day free Assertive And Liked Challenge: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/beassertiveandliked Free resources: https://assertiveway.com/free/ Assertiveness free training: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/getahead Assertive Communication Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter Talk or Workshop on Speaking Up With Assertive Communication Podcast page: https://assertiveway.com/podcast-speak-your-mind-unapologetically/ Contact me info@assertiveway.com Or via Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/ About Assertive Way: Website: https://assertiveway.com Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915

Dec 23, 2022 • 9min
Why You Need To Find Your Polite Way To Speak Your Mind
If you travel by plane or like cookies, you'll appreciate this speaking up tale that illustrates there are many good ways you can speak your mind politely in a situation (as long as you speak up!) Other Episodes You'll Like: You Don't Have To Change Your Personality To Start To Be More Assertive: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/048-you-dont-have-to-change-your-personality-to-start-to-be-more-assertive How To Find Your Own Communication Personality With Experiential Learning: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-find-your-own-communication-personality-with-experiential-learning How To Find Courage To Speak Up (4 Examples): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-find-courage-to-speak-up-4-examples Free Resources: Ask me your question for the next episode here: https://www.speakpipe.com/speakyourmindquestion Sign up for 10 Day free Assertive And Liked Challenge: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/beassertiveandliked Free resources: https://assertiveway.com/free/ Assertiveness free training: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/getahead Assertive Communication Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter Talk or Workshop on Speaking Up With Assertive Communication Podcast page: https://assertiveway.com/podcast-speak-your-mind-unapologetically/ Contact me info@assertiveway.com Or via Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/ About Assertive Way: Website: https://assertiveway.com Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915

Dec 22, 2022 • 6min
The 4 Communication Styles Explained
There are 4 main communication types which are: passive, aggressive, passive-aggressive, and assertive. In this episode you'll discover the key differences between these 4 communication styles and how authority and closeness in your relationships can affect your communication style. Other Episodes You'll Like: What Is Your Most Used Communication Style At Work?: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/what-is-your-most-used-communication-style-at-work 18 Signs That You Are A People Pleaser: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/18-signs-that-you-are-a-people-pleaser 10 Steps To Be Both Assertive And Likable When You Speak Up: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/10-steps-to-be-both-assertive-and-likable-when-you-speak-up Important Assertiveness Skills You Need At Your Job Level: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/042-assertiveness-skills-you-need-at-your-job-level 6 Reasons Why Mellow, Friendly, Joy Sparking Marie Kondo Is Assertive: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/6-reasons-why-mellow-friendly-joy-sparking-marie-kondo-is-assertive Free Resources: Ask me your question for the next episode here: https://www.speakpipe.com/speakyourmindquestion Sign up for 10 Day free Assertive And Liked Challenge: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/beassertiveandliked Free resources: https://assertiveway.com/free/ Assertiveness free training: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/getahead Assertive Communication Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter Talk or Workshop on Speaking Up With Assertive Communication Podcast page: https://assertiveway.com/podcast-speak-your-mind-unapologetically/ Contact me info@assertiveway.com Or via Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/ About Assertive Way: Website: https://assertiveway.com Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915

Dec 21, 2022 • 14min
How To Have Balanced Conversations: Speaking And Listening
Listening skills are very important. However, if you mostly listen in a conversation, you can feel disengaged, disconnected, and limit your contribution. If you mostly speak you can make other people feel disconnected. What's the optimal balance? In this episode, you'll discover: how to: ✔️Recognize the factors that influence how much to speak vs listen. ✔️Identify key communication differences by gender. ✔️Balance likability with power. ✔️Balance speaking with listening. ✔️Handle conversations that derail. Other Episodes You'll Like: Are You A Listening Punching Bag? Then Stop Being A Better Listener: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/are-you-a-listening-punching-bag-then-stop-being-a-better-listener How To Boost Your Confidence To Speak Up: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-boost-your-confidence-to-speak-up How To Speak Up At Work And Never Have To Fear Of Retribution Again: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-speak-up-at-work-and-never-have-to-fear-of-retribution-again 4 Reasons Why It Is Important For Leaders To Speak Up: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/4-reasons-why-it-is-important-for-leaders-to-speak-up Free Resources: Ask me your question for the next episode here: https://www.speakpipe.com/speakyourmindquestion Sign up for 10 Day free Assertive And Liked Challenge: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/beassertiveandliked Free resources: https://assertiveway.com/free/ Assertiveness free training: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/getahead Assertive Communication Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter Talk or Workshop on Speaking Up With Assertive Communication Podcast page: https://assertiveway.com/podcast-speak-your-mind-unapologetically/ Contact me info@assertiveway.com Or via Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/ About Assertive Way: Website: https://assertiveway.com Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915

Dec 20, 2022 • 23min
4 Tips On How To Successfully Share Your Ideas At Work (Compilation)
How can you successfully share your ideas at work? More importantly, how can you make your ideas heard and gut buy in? In this episode, four VP / Director guests share their tips on: ✔️How to sell your ideas at work (with former Senior Executive VP at Johnson & Johnson Samuel Santos). ✔️How to get support for your ideas in meetings (with Director Diana Dreyer). ✔️How to share half-baked ideas in meetings (with VP Sabeen Syed). ✔️How to use data to share your ideas and get buy in (With Director Zahida Sherman). Other Compilations With Guests: 8 Real Life Examples On How To Deal With Difficult Coworkers (Compilation): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/8-examples-on-how-to-deal-with-difficult-coworkers 4 Examples On How To Get The Promotion You Want (Compilation): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/4-examples-on-how-to-get-the-promotion-you-want How To Cope With Stress At Work (Compilation): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-cope-with-stress-at-work-compilation How To Find Courage To Speak Up (Compilation): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-find-courage-to-speak-up-4-examples Full interviews with featured guests in this episode: How To Get Noticed At Work If You Are A Minority, Underrepresented, or Underprivileged (With Samuel Santos): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-get-noticed-at-work-if-you-are-a-minority-underrepresented-or-underprivileged How To Gain Support In Meetings By Building Strategic Relationships (with Diana Dreyer): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-gain-support-in-meetings-by-building-strategic-relationships-with-diana-dreyer How You Can Assemble a Powerful Advisory Team To Support Your Career (with Sabeen Syed): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-you-can-assemble-a-powerful-advisory-team-to-support-your-career-with-sabeen-syed 5 Self-Advocacy Lessons That Will Pay Off And Make You Feel Powerful (With DEI Leader Zahida Sherman): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/5-self-advocacy-lessons-that-will-pay-off-and-make-you-feel-powerful-with-dei-leader-zahida-sherman Other episodes you'll like about sharing your ideas: 18 Tips To Attract Endless Opportunities For Yourself: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/18-tips-to-attract-endless-opportunities-for-yourself How I Finally Got Noticed At Work Doing Only One Thing: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-i-finally-got-noticed-at-work-doing-only-one-thing 7 Ways To Make Yourself Heard In Meetings: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/7-ways-to-make-yourself-heard-in-meetings 5 Myths That Hold You Back From Adding Value and Being Heard In Meetings: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/5-myths-that-hold-you-back-from-adding-value-and-being-heard-in-meetings How To Disagree Respectfully Without Being Disagreeable: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-disagree-respectfully-without-being-disagreeable Free Resources: Ask me your question for the next episode here: https://www.speakpipe.com/speakyourmindquestion Sign up for 10 Day free Assertive And Liked Challenge: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/beassertiveandliked Free resources: https://assertiveway.com/free/ Assertiveness free training: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/getahead Assertive Communication Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter Talk or Workshop on Speaking Up With Assertive Communication Podcast page: https://assertiveway.com/podcast-speak-your-mind-unapologetically/ Contact me info@assertiveway.com Or via Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/ About Assertive Way: Website: https://assertiveway.com Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915

Dec 19, 2022 • 20min
Top 8 Mistakes When Receiving Gifts And How To Receive Gifts The Right Way
How do you gracefully accept bad gifts, gifts that make you feel obligated to give back, or gifts you enjoy? When you don't accept gifts gracefully, you kill the joy the gift giver has in sharing the gift with you and you send the message "don't buy me gifts again." In this episode you'll discover: ✔️Top mistakes people make when receiving gifts that cause gift givers to quit gift giving ✔️How to receive gifts graciously ✔️5 examples of what to say to receive gifts politely (even if you don't like the gift). Other Episodes You'll Like: How To Respond To A Nosy Intrusive Question You Don't Want To Answer: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-respond-to-a-nosy-intrusive-question-you-dont-want-to-answer 3 Stress Lowering Holiday Conversations You Need To Prepare For: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/3-stress-lowering-holiday-conversations-you-need-to-prepare-for Personal Year In Review Reflection Exercise: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/2021-personal-year-in-review-reflection-exercise Free Resources: Ask me your question for the next episode here: https://www.speakpipe.com/speakyourmindquestion Sign up for 10 Day free Assertive And Liked Challenge: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/beassertiveandliked Free resources: https://assertiveway.com/free/ Assertiveness free training: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/getahead Assertive Communication Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter Talk or Workshop on Speaking Up With Assertive Communication Podcast page: https://assertiveway.com/podcast-speak-your-mind-unapologetically/ Contact me info@assertiveway.com Or via Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/ About Assertive Way: Website: https://assertiveway.com Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915


