

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

Sep 21, 2022 • 13min
How To Receive Feedback Gracefully (And What Not To Do)
Did you know that some people get excited about negative feedback? How do you receive negative feedback with grace and dignity? The secret is not to listen and accept the feedback. In fact, that is the wrong way to go about it. Assertive people know how to receive negative feedback well. In this episode, you'll discover: ✔️ How passive, aggressive, and assertive people receive negative feedback. ✔️ The secret to receiving negative feedback well. 👉🏼Links Explore related episodes: How To Take Criticism Without Getting Defensive (an assertiveness technique with examples): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-take-criticism-without-getting-defensive 12 Questions To Know When To Ignore Criticism and Judgment (and not take it seriously): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/12-questions-to-know-when-to-not-take-judgment-seriously How To Get The Upper Hand When A Jerk Disparages You Publicly (overly critical comments and using your anger in your favor): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-get-the-upper-hand-when-a-jerk-disparages-you-publicly Get These 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 Learn about and support 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

Sep 19, 2022 • 30min
Why You Need To Share Your Personal Stories Professionally (With Anna Ong)
Are you sharing enough about yourself professionally? Personal stories help connect, build trust, engage others, and build your personal brand. Personal storytelling is personal branding! So speak your mind unapologetically about your stories. In this episode, storytelling expert Anna Ong discusses: ✔️ Why you need to share personal, not private stories. ✔️ What type of personal stories you can share at work and with superiors. ✔️ Tips for telling great stories about yourself. 👉🏼 Links: Anna Ong's Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-ong/ Anna Ong's stories: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo1TcSE-kwDmcSdw9rnwyYA 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 Boost Your Confidence To Speak Up: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-boost-your-confidence-to-speak-up 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

Sep 17, 2022 • 32min
Is It Good To Take Career Risks? (With Preeti Karnik)
Taking uncomfortable risks in your career can help you discover new talents that you didn't know you had, find enjoyable work that you didn't know you would like, and land opportunities that you wouldn't otherwise get. That's exactly what director Preeti Karnik discovered early on in her career. In this episode, Preeti shares: ✔️ Career risks that paid off. ✔️ How to take more calculated risks and be more decisive. ✔️ Networking strategies to stay employable even when taking some years off for family. 👉🏼Links: Preeti's Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/preeti-karnik-3816091/ 15 Ways To Groom Yourself For A Promotion When Nobody Else Does: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/15-ways-to-groom-yourself-for-a-promotion-when-nobody-else-does-0 5 Ways To Overcome Impostor Syndrome And Regain Confidence To Speak Up (With Kim Meninger): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/5-ways-to-overcome-impostor-syndrome-and-regain-confidence-to-speak-up Secrets To Thrive In A New Country Or Culture (And Critical Mistakes To Avoid): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/secrets-to-thrive-in-a-new-country-or-culture-and-critical-mistakes-to-avoid 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

Sep 16, 2022 • 18min
5 Myths That Hold You Back From Adding Value and Being Heard In Meetings
Do you struggle to speak in meetings? Do you fear speaking up in meetings? Would you like to speak in meetings with confidence and authority? In this episode, you'll overcome the top fears you may have around speaking up in meetings. Myth 1 - I don't have anything valuable to say. Myth 2 - I'm new and don't feel confident in my knowledge. Myth 3 - I'm more junior and I should always defer to those who have more experience or are older. Myth 4 - It's not humble or modest. Myth 5 - I might say something stupid and they will judge me. ✔️ Overcome the 5 myths that hold you back from speaking up in meetings. ✔️ Make the mindset shifts to reduce your fears in meetings. ✔️ Overcome the number 1 challenge when it comes to speak up in meetings. 👉🏼Links: 7 Tips To Confidently Speak In Large Meetings: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/7-tips-to-confidently-speak-in-large-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 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

Sep 15, 2022 • 18min
How To Take Criticism Without Getting Defensive
How do you take unreasonable or harsh criticism, negative comments, or bad feedback that you don't even agree with or understand? In this episode, you'll discover a masterful assertiveness technique to help you listen to criticism without being defensive. ✔️ How to take criticism without getting defensive ✔️ Examples on best way to handle criticism 👉🏼Links: How To Get The Upper Hand When A Jerk Disparages You Publicly: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-get-the-upper-hand-when-a-jerk-disparages-you-publicly 12 Questions To Know When To Ignore Criticism and Judgment: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/12-questions-to-know-when-to-not-take-judgment-seriously 4 Powerful Ways To Stop Ruminating Now: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/4-powerful-ways-to-stop-ruminating-now 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

Sep 14, 2022 • 38min
5 Ways To Overcome Impostor Syndrome And Regain Confidence To Speak Up (With Kim Meninger)
Have you ever chosen to not speak up because you thought your idea, your question, or your contribution was not good enough? Maybe you even convinced yourself that it wasn't the right time or that you needed more experience or preparation? Impostor syndrome can take a toll on your wellness, your career, your impact, but also on your team and their success. In this episode, Kim Meninger, the host of the 'Impostor Syndrome Files' Podcast, shares: ✔️ Who experiences impostor syndrome the most ✔️ What if feels like to have impostor syndrome ✔️ How women and men cope with impostor syndrome ✔️ 5 best practices to help you overcome impostor syndrome 👉🏼Links: Kim Meninger: Free training: www.yourcareersuccess.com Tedx talk: How to Bring Your Diverse Voice to the Workplace https://www.ted.com/talks/kim_meninger_how_to_bring_your_diverse_voice_to_the_workplace Podcast "Impostor Syndrome files: https://impostorsyndromefiles.com Related episodes: 7 Tips To Confidently Speak In Large Meetings: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/7-tips-to-confidently-speak-in-large-meetings How To Boost Your Confidence To Speak Up: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-boost-your-confidence-to-speak-up 8 Ways To Be more Confident With Perspective Taking: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/8-ways-to-be-more-confident-with-perspective-taking Other links: 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

Sep 12, 2022 • 14min
15 Ways To Groom Yourself For A Promotion When Nobody Else Does
It's great to be groomed for a promotion. But if you aren't, you can get yourself most of the opportunities that someone who is being groomed gets, by taking initiative. ✔️ Discover 15 ways to groom yourself for a promotion 👉🏼Links: Episode 13 Bad Reasons Why You Don't Ask For What You Want: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/13-bad-reasons-why-you-dont-ask-for-what-you-want Episode How To Boost Your Confidence to Speak Up: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-boost-your-confidence-to-speak-up Episode Want To Seem Competent? Show Confidence Even If You're Not: (coming soon) Episode 5 Better Ways To Say Good Job: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/5-better-ways-to-say-good-job Episode 5 Easy Ways To Self-Promote Without Bragging: (coming soon) Episode 18 Tips To Attract Endless Opportunities For Yourself: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/18-tips-to-attract-endless-opportunities-for-yourself Episode The Secret Sauce To Creating Opportunities For Yourself: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/the-secret-sauce-to-creating-opportunities-for-yourself Episode Gina (coming soon) 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

Sep 10, 2022 • 20min
Why Holding Yourself To Lower Standards Helps You Take More Risks (With Liya Aizenberg)
How do you take more risks to speak up and to try something new that could lead to failure? In this episode, Engineering Director Liya Aizenberg shares her stories: ✔️ How holding yourself to lower standards can help you take risks ✔️ Why asking for help can actually make other people happy and can lead to great relationships ✔️ How to use a mitigation plan to find the courage to take more risks 👉🏼Links: 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 Get The Job When You Don't Meet The Requirements (With Director Jess Sahagian): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-get-the-job-when-you-dont-meet-the-requirements-with-director-jess-sahagian 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 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/id162364791

Sep 9, 2022 • 10min
How To Increase Connection To Help You Speak Up With Ease
Speaking up is easier when you have a connection with the person you are speaking to. In this episode, you'll discover how to develop that connection. 👉🏼Links: 10 Secrets to Heart-Centered Assertive Communication: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/10-secrets-to-heart-centered-assertive-communication 5 Reasons Why Being More Assertive Actually Makes You Kinder: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/5-reasons-why-being-more-assertive-actually-makes-you-kinder 10 Practical Examples Of Empathetic Assertiveness At Work: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/10-practical-examples-of-empathetic-assertiveness-at-work 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

Sep 8, 2022 • 15min
The Number One Quality To Look For When You Recruit Your Boss
Who was your favorite boss? Mine was Mario, and this is what made him so special. 👉🏼Links: 20 Reasons Why Successful Leaders Have Assertive Teams: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/20-reasons-why-successful-leaders-have-assertive-teams Employees Desperately Want An Assertive Boss: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/employees-desperately-want-an-assertive-boss 15 Ways To Show You Care About Your Team To Build Resilience For Hard Conversations: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/15-ways-to-show-you-care-about-your-team-to-build-resilience-for-hard-conversations 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


