

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

Oct 19, 2022 • 13min
What People Get Wrong About Trust
A lot is said about trust – how to earn trust, build trust, trust employees, why trust is important. But little is said about what trust is not. ✔️ What people get wrong about trust ✔️ What trust actually is ✔️ How to show trust in the healthy way Other Episodes Avoid These 2 Toxic Assumptions That Kill Your Relationships Like Termites: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/avoid-these-2-toxic-assumptions-that-kill-your-relationships-like-termites How To Discover Your Values And Use Them To Set Boundaries At Work (With PhD Laura Eigel): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-discover-your-values-and-use-them-to-set-boundaries-at-work-with-phd-laura-eigel 10 Secrets to Heart-Centered Assertive Communication: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/10-secrets-to-heart-centered-assertive-communication Free Resources: 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 About Assertive Way: Website: https://assertiveway.com Find out about our talks and workshops: https://assertiveway.com/services/ Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915

Oct 17, 2022 • 55min
Why Being Assertive Reduces Your Stress At Work
Meditation, exercise, and mindfulness are all great tools to reduce stress once it happens. But if you want to prevent stress in the first place, then be more assertive. In this episode I talk to Hugo about why stress and wellbeing can be significantly improved with assertive communication. Other episodes 6 Conflict Myths: Lies Teachers Like To Tell About Confrontation: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/029-6-conflict-myths-lies-teachers-like-to-tell-about-confrontation Training How To Be More Assertive (for more confidence and productivity): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/training-how-to-be-more-assertive-for-more-confidence-and-productivity Important Assertiveness Skills You Need At Your Job Level: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/042-assertiveness-skills-you-need-at-your-job-level Free Resources: 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 About Assertive Way: Website: https://assertiveway.com Find out about our talks and workshops: https://assertiveway.com/services/ Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915

Oct 15, 2022 • 17min
The Real Story Of How I Got Promoted
How do people actually get promoted? What's the secret that nobody talks about? In this episode you'll discover how I got two of my most significant promotions. Other episodes: Want To Seem Competent? Show Confidence Even If You're Not: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/want-to-seem-competent-show-confidence-even-if-youre-not 4 Examples On How To Get The Promotion You Want: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/4-examples-on-how-to-get-the-promotion-you-want Free Resources: 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 About Assertive Way: Website: https://assertiveway.com Find out about our talks and workshops: https://assertiveway.com/services/ Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915

Oct 14, 2022 • 40min
How Do You Report Workplace Harassment Being Without Unfairly Punished (with Luz Nunez)
How do you speak up about discrimination, harassment, bullying, unfair treatment, favoritism, hostility in the workplace? Luz Nunez, an expert in DEI and workplace investigations, explains: ✔️ What is considered workplace harassment? ✔️ The one question you need to know the answer to before you report on workplace harassment. ✔️ When should you report workplace harassment? ✔️ How to report workplace harassment? ✔️ What happens when HR gets a complaint? Luz Nunez is a Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). She is pursuing a Doctor of Education – EdD, Organizational Leadership, and previously worked on Investigation of employee allegations and harassment. 👉🏼Links: Episode 5 Better Ways To Say Good Job: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/5-better-ways-to-say-good-job Episode 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 Sign up for 10 Day free Assertive And Liked Challenge: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/beassertiveandliked Find out about our talks and workshops: https://assertiveway.com/services/ Free resources: https://assertiveway.com/free/ Assertiveness free training: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/getahead Assertive Communication Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter/ Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915

Oct 13, 2022 • 19min
16 Assertiveness Lessons From Harmonious Japanese Gardens
What can Japanese and Zen gardens teach us about how to be more assertive? Well, many things. Japanese gardens are designed for natural harmony and balance. And so is assertiveness. In this episode you'll learn 16 assertive communication lessons from Japanese garden elements: walls, stones, water, waterfall, lake or pond, bridge, lantern, pines, cherry blossom, borrowed scenery, winding path, bamboo, water basin, moss, koi fish, lotus flower. More Episodes: The Assertive Script That Will Forever Change Your Hard Conversations: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/the-assertive-script-that-will-forever-change-your-hard-conversations Want To Seem Competent? Show Confidence Even If You're Not: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/want-to-seem-competent-show-confidence-even-if-youre-not How To Boost Your Confidence To Speak Up: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-boost-your-confidence-to-speak-up 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 How To Make Assertiveness Friendly: Use Speaking Up Hygge: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-make-assertiveness-friendly-use-speaking-up-hygge Avoid These 2 Toxic Assumptions That Kill Your Relationships Like Termites: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/avoid-these-2-toxic-assumptions-that-kill-your-relationships-like-termites Free Resources: 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 About Assertive Way: Website: https://assertiveway.com Find out about our talks and workshops: https://assertiveway.com/services/ Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915

Oct 12, 2022 • 16min
What Do You Say When You Are Interrupted
What do you say when someone interrupts you in a meeting, cuts you off mid-sentence, or talks over you? In this episode you'll discover: ✔️ How passive, aggressive, and assertive people handle interruptions ✔️ Why people interrupt ✔️ How to interrupt others politely More Episodes: How To Handle Rude Interruptions In A Polite Way: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-handle-rude-interruptions-in-a-polite-way 6 Big Differences In How Women And Men Speak Up At Work: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/6-big-differences-in-how-women-and-men-speak-up-at-work The Assertive Script That Will Forever Change Your Hard Conversations: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/the-assertive-script-that-will-forever-change-your-hard-conversations Free Resources: 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 About Assertive Way: Website: https://assertiveway.com Find out about our talks and workshops: https://assertiveway.com/services/ Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915

Oct 10, 2022 • 45min
How To Communicate Value To Be Valued At Work (With PhD Nicole Tschierske)
How do you communicate your value and the value of your work? How do you get people to listen to you when you communicate? In this episode, Dr. Nicole Tschierske reveals: ✔️ The 4 most important questions to ask yourself before drafting a communication message. ✔️ The biggest mistake people make when communicating value. ✔️ 2 things to avoid that automatically detract value. ✔️ The secret to balance structure and unpredictability in your communication. ✔️ 5 communication tips to influence change in others. Dr. Nicole Tschierske Dr. Nicole Tschierske helps experts and teams in STEM fields do better work together by re-designing work systems to reduce stress, and improve communication and collaboration. Nicole studied food chemistry and holds a PhD in chemistry. She is also the Host of podcast "Better Work" for Better Work in R&D and Tech. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drnicoletschierske/ Website: https://nicoletschierske.com Better Work Podcast: https://nicoletschierske.com/podcast Other Recommended Episodes How To Get Difficult People To Collaborate With You And Prevent Conflict (with Patrick Aylward): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-get-difficult-people-to-collaborate-with-you-and-prevent-conflict-with-patrick-aylward How To Discover Your Values And Use Them To Set Boundaries At Work (With PhD Laura Eigel): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-discover-your-values-and-use-them-to-set-boundaries-at-work-with-phd-laura-eigel 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 Free Resources: 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 About Assertive Way: Website: https://assertiveway.com Find out about our talks and workshops: https://assertiveway.com/services/ Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915

Oct 8, 2022 • 32min
How To Respond to Bias In The Workplace (With Crystal Sincoff)
How do you speak up against bias without being unreasonable? How do you encourage people to be safe to bring their full self to work when bias and cancel culture are a reality? How do we make our lives our lives at work? Crystal Sincoff, a Culture & Belonging Leader and a Board Member of PDX Women in Tech, shared that "Employees are not just cognitive wheels", "You are the most effective, brilliant human when you are able to say: I need this.". In this episode, Crystal explains: ✔️ A back pocket script to use to break bias and interrupt racism in the workplace. ✔️ What is cancel culture. ✔️ How to build connections and get allies. ✔️ How to encourage your team to bring their full self to work. More Episodes: 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 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 Why Women Are Blamed For Team Failures And Don't Get Credit For Team Successes: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/why-women-are-blamed-for-team-failures-and-dont-get-credit-for-team-successes How Can Women Close The Gender Gap Even If They Suffer Gender Bias: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-can-women-close-the-gender-gap-even-if-they-suffer-gender-bias Free Resources: 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 About Assertive Way: Website: https://assertiveway.com Find out about our talks and workshops: https://assertiveway.com/services/ Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915

Oct 7, 2022 • 11min
The Assertive Script That Will Forever Change Your Hard Conversations
Do you ever struggle to figure out what words to choose when having a hard conversation, like asking for something, giving negative feedback, or dealing with conflict? This easy 4-step process to speak up with confidence will increase your chances of success without creating resentmenet. It is safe, assertive, but not rude. This assertive script will help you prepare in advance for hard conversations or respond in the moment with a step-by-step framework. Especially when you are caught off guard with a challenging and emotional situation. Having this script will prevent you from speaking through anger instead of reason. In this episode, you'll discover: ✔️ An established simple 4-step framework that can help you speak up. ✔️ 3 examples on how to use this scrip in hard conversations. Other Assertiveness Episodes: Employees Desperately Want An Assertive Boss: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/employees-desperately-want-an-assertive-boss Training How To Be More Assertive (for more confidence and productivity): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/training-how-to-be-more-assertive-for-more-confidence-and-productivity 9 Questions To Decide When To Practice Speaking Up Ahead: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/9-questions-to-decide-when-to-practice-speaking-up-ahead Free Resources: 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 About Assertive Way: Website: https://assertiveway.com Find out about our talks and workshops: https://assertiveway.com/services/ Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915

Oct 6, 2022 • 14min
7 Ways To Make Yourself Heard In Meetings
Do you find it challenging to speak your mind in meetings? Do you find it hard to make yourself heard? In this episode you'll discover: ✔️ 7 strategies to speak up with confidence and make yourself heard in meetings. ✔️ How to never go into and leave a meeting completely silent ever again. ✔️ Stop being invisible in meetings. More Episodes On Meetings 9 Questions To Decide When To Practice Speaking Up Ahead: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/9-questions-to-decide-when-to-practice-speaking-up-ahead 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 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 To Disagree Respectfully Without Being Disagreeable: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-disagree-respectfully-without-being-disagreeable Free Resources: 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 About Assertive Way: Website: https://assertiveway.com Find out about our talks and workshops: https://assertiveway.com/services/ Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915


