

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 7, 2022 • 22min
32 Ways To Take Up More Space And Get Noticed At Work
Do you take up space at work? Do leaders notice you or are you invisible to them? Take up more space to get yourself noticed, be seen and heard, get your talent and potential seen, get more visibility and exposure, and get more access to more opportunities. Discover: ✔️ 31 ways to take up more space at work ✔️ 2 examples of how taking up space can get you promoted ✔️ What you can take up space with 👉🏼Links Episode: 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 Episode: Confident And Assertive Non-Verbals To Be Taken Seriously https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/confident-and-assertive-non-verbals-to-be-taken-seriously Episode: 7 Tips To Confidently Speak In Large Meetings https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/7-tips-to-confidently-speak-in-large-meetings Episode: How To Disagree Respectfully Without Being Disagreeable https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-disagree-respectfully-without-being-disagreeable Episode: 5 Easy Ways To Self-Promote Without Bragging https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/5-easy-ways-to-self-promote-without-bragging Episode: Ladies: 10 Credibility Killer Mistakes That Undermine You At Work (And What To Do Instead) https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/ladies-10-credibility-killer-mistakes-that-undermine-you-at-work-and-what-to-do-instead Episode: 5 Better Ways To Say Good Job https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/5-better-ways-to-say-good-job Episode: Important Assertiveness Skills You Need At Your Job Level https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/042-assertiveness-skills-you-need-at-your-job-level Episode: 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 Episode: How To Boost Your Confidence To Speak Up https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-boost-your-confidence-to-speak-up Episode: Do You Feel Invisible At Work? It's Time To Leave Obscurity https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/do-you-feel-invisible-at-work-its-time-to-leave-obscurity Episode interview: How To Get Noticed At Work If You Are A Minority, Underrepresented, or Underprivileged https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-get-noticed-at-work-if-you-are-a-minority-underrepresented-or-underprivileged Episode: 10 Real-life Incredible Examples of How Assertive Communication Can Boost Your Career https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/044-10-real-life-inspiring-examples-of-how-assertive-communication-can-boost-your-career

Sep 5, 2022 • 31min
Speaking Up When You're From A Non-Speaking Up Culture (With Dr. Abby Hamilton)
If you come from a culture that values obedience, compliance, and respect to authority, speaking up can feel incredibly hard. In this episode, you'll discover that you are not alone and how to overcome this challenge. As a second-generation Filipino American that has entered the professional world, Dr. Abby has observed her own journey from a compliant, obedient, submissive employee to a leader who brings value and inspires those around her. She recognized that there are factors related to the bamboo ceiling which involve her own Filipino upbringing. She says it is necessary to notice our cultural makeup and find ways to bridge the gap to develop leadership behaviors. Dr. Abby has a PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, a BA in communication, and master in science / management. She also has 2 TED Talks, a book SPEAK UP ANAK, and a youtube channel on assertiveness. 👉🏼Links: Dr. Abby Hamilton's Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-abby-hamilton-02860721/ Dr. Abby's website: https://drabbyhamilton.com Dr. Abby's Speak Up Anak Youtube videos: https://speakupanak.com Dr. Abby's Speak Up Anak Book: https://www.amazon.com/Speak-Anak-Assertiveness-Strategies-Americans/dp/B0B7QR5BLY 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 3, 2022 • 13min
Do You Make These Mistakes When You Praise People At Work?
Find out how to compliment someone on their work. Discover how to praise someone for their talents or achievements. And get positive feedback examples. Sharing good compliment is an art. There is a difference between a graceful vs. a sleezy compliment. When you give a compliment by saying "good job" or "well done" or "amazing" some people might: Not take your compliment seriously Think you want to take advantage of them Think you are being insincere Think you have favoritism Question the relevance of your compliments Disregard your compliment In this episode you'll discover the secrets to a great compliment. 👉🏼Links: 5 Better Ways To Say Good Job: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/5-better-ways-to-say-good-job What Is Your Appreciation Language At Work?: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/what-is-your-appreciation-language-at-work Responding to Compliments You Hate (as a Woman): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/responding-to-compliments-you-hate-as-a-woman 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 2, 2022 • 12min
Why You Need To Match Your Non Verbals To Your Assertiveness
Non verbals are a key part of speaking up assertively. In this episode, you'll discover why. 👉🏼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

Aug 31, 2022 • 17min
Want To Seem Competent? Show Confidence Even If You're Not
Do you feel like you're not taken seriously at work? That you have to prove your credibility over and over again just to be heard? Well, your challenge may not be with your competence, but your confidence. In this episode, you'll discover: ✔️ Why confident, not competent people get ahead ✔️ How the Dunning-Kruger cognitive bias works ✔️ 3 ways to project more confidence 👉🏼Links: How To Boost Your Confidence To Speak Up: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-boost-your-confidence-to-speak-up Ladies: 10 Credibility Killer Mistakes That Undermine You At Work (And What To Do Instead): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/ladies-10-credibility-killer-mistakes-that-undermine-you-at-work-and-what-to-do-instead Confident And Assertive Non-Verbals To Be Taken Seriously: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/confident-and-assertive-non-verbals-to-be-taken-seriously Nine Questions To Decide When To Practice Speaking Up: https://www.forbes.com/sites/ellevate/2020/08/13/nine-questions-to-decide-when-to-practice-speaking-up/?sh=37584d2f4daf 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

Aug 29, 2022 • 40min
How To Get Difficult People To Collaborate With You And Prevent Conflict (with Patrick Aylward)
Discover a step-by-step approach to handle differences collaboratively with former conflict mediator and author of "The Collaborative Path", Patrick Aylward. In this episode, you'll discover: ✔️ A simple phrase that will improve your odds of successful hard conversations to 95% ✔️ Six steps on what to say for a collaborative approach to a conversation ✔️ Five steps on how to tell your boss that you have too much work on your plate 👉🏼Links: The Collaborative Path Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1525557610 The Collaborative Path Services: https://www.collaborativepath.ca/ Conflict with Courage, Curiosity & Compassion: Making a Difference in Your Life (With Dr. Debra Dupree): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/conflict-with-courage-curiosity-compassion-making-a-difference-in-your-life-with-dr-debra-dupree How To Disagree Respectfully Without Being Disagreeable: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-disagree-respectfully-without-being-disagreeable Assertiveness free resources: https://assertiveway.com/free/ Assertive & Liked 10-Day Challenge: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/10daychallengeoffer Assertiveness free training: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/getahead Assertive Communication Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter/ Leave a rating and review guide: https://youtu.be/iN96MGnmFdk

Aug 27, 2022 • 22min
Are You A Listening Punching Bag? Then Stop Being A Better Listener
Ever heard the advice that you should focus on being a better listener? Are you sick and tired of listening to everyone but not being heard by anyone? Are you considered a good listener? Maybe it's time to ditch listening so much and start talking and speaking your mind more. ✔️ Why listening too much can hurt your relationships ✔️ How to find the balance between speaking and listening ✔️ How to find the joy in speaking about yourself 👉🏼Links: 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 Communication Equity: Balance Listening and Speaking To Connect, Problem-solve, And Build Trust https://www.udemy.com/course/communication-equity/ 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

Aug 26, 2022 • 29min
Women's Great Resignation: How To Avoid Losing Talent
Women are resigning because they feel ambushed if they stay in your company: they either don't speak up, stay miserable, and burn out or they speak up and suffer backlash. To make matters worse, even with the best gender equality leaders, 3 out of 4 women still don't feel like they can talk openly with their manager about challenges around their work-life balance, according to Deloitte study. That leaves talented women with only one choice: to leave. What can you do about it? In this episode, you'll discover: ✔️ Why women are leaving your organization ✔️ Why poor communication is accelerating women's resignation ✔️ What you can do about it 👉🏼Links: Future Of Work Post Pandemic – What You Need To Know Now (Part 1): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/049-future-of-work-post-pandemic-what-you-need-to-know-now-part-1 Future Of Work Post Pandemic – What You Need To Know Now (Part 2): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/future-of-work-post-pandemic-what-you-need-to-know-now-part-2 Employees Desperately Want An Assertive Boss: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/employees-desperately-want-an-assertive-boss 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 Sign up for 10 Day free Assertive And Liked Challenge: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/assertiveandliked 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

Aug 24, 2022 • 10min
5 Easy Ways To Self-Promote Without Bragging
There is a myth that hard work speaks for itself. I hate to break it to you, but it doesn't. You need to make your work visible. How do you do that without being a selfish, egoistical, bragging annoyance? In this episode, you'll discover: ✔️ 5 ways to promote yourself at work without bragging or sounding arrogant ✔️ What to say when you self-promote ✔️ Why it's so important to self-promote 👉🏼Links: 7 Compelling Reasons You Need To Start A Bragging Ritual: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/7-compelling-reasons-you-need-to-start-a-bragging-ritual 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

Aug 22, 2022 • 49min
How To Gain Support In Meetings By Building Strategic Relationships (with Diana Dreyer)
Director Diana Dreyer discusses strategies for managing peers and managing up in a male-dominated workplace. Topics include responding to criticism, gaining support for ideas, regulating emotions, and using empathy to manage teams. The importance of building strategic relationships and developing partnerships is emphasized, along with assertive behaviors and stress coping mechanisms. Bonus: Learn about a personal technique for building confidence through dance before interviews or speeches.


