

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

Jul 16, 2022 • 17min
How To Speak Up At Work And Never Have To Fear Of Retribution Again
Are you scared of retaliation when you speak your mind honestly and directly at work? In this episode you'll discover: ✔️ When being assertive backfires ✔️ Example of do's and don'ts saying no to a superior ✔️ How to overcome risk of retribution 👉🏼Links: Episodes with similar stories: Want Unfair Advantage? Show Up With Courage When Others Avoid Rejection https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/want-unfair-advantage-show-up-with-courage-when-others/id1623647915?i=1000569367422 How To Get The Upper Hand When A Jerk Disparages You Publicly https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-get-the-upper-hand-when-a-jerk-disparages-you-publicly/id1623647915?i=1000568548517 Overcoming Failure: My Lowest Low https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/overcoming-failure-my-lowest-low/id1623647915?i=1000567679893 First Day As A Manager: The Day I Discovered I had To Be More Assertive https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-day-as-a-manager-the-day-i-discovered-i-had-to/id1623647915?i=1000566944355 Get a talk on speaking up assertively in your company, team, or women's group: https://assertiveway.com/services 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/ Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915

Jul 15, 2022 • 15min
5 Reasons Why Being More Assertive Actually Makes You Kinder
Many people think that being more assertive makes them selfish and rude jerks. That is so far from reality! Contrary to popular belief, assertiveness does not limit how much kindness, generosity, and compassion you give out. In fact, it enhances it. Assertiveness makes you a better person. Discover: ✔️ 5 reasons why being more assertive actually makes you kinder 👉🏼Links Episode How This Female Lawyer Advocates for Others Without Being "Difficult" or Burning Out: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-this-female-lawyer-advocates-for-others-without-being-difficult-or-burning-out Get a talk on speaking up assertively in your company, team, or women's group: https://assertiveway.com/services 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/ Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915

Jul 14, 2022 • 23min
Avoid These 2 Toxic Assumptions That Kill Your Relationships Like Termites
Are you making relationship killer assumptions? Assumptions are the termites of relationships. Why? Because they slowly but surely destroy good relationships. In this episode, you'll discover: ✔️ What assumptions are ✔️ Why assumptions hurt your relationships ✔️ Making assumptions examples ✔️ 2 major types of assumptions you must avoid ✔️ 11 assumptions you might be inadvertently making 👉🏼Links Get a talk on speaking up assertively in your company, team, or women's group: https://assertiveway.com/services 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/ Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915

Jul 11, 2022 • 50min
Conflict with Courage, Curiosity & Compassion: Making a Difference in Your Life (With Dr. Debra Dupree)
If you think that conflict is not your cup of tea, this episode might change your mind! ✔️ A powerful reframe of conflict to set yourself up for an easier conversation and better outcomes ✔️ A phase that instantly diffuses tension ✔️ Two conflict resolution techniques that are not pop psychology And much, much more! Dr. Debra Dupree is a Psychologist, Mediator, International Trainer and Dispute Resolution Enthusiast. Debra has trained throughout North America, Australia and the Pacific Rim in workplace mediation/negotiation and leadership strategies. She was voted in the top ten of worldwide trainers by SkillPath Corporate Strategies. Debra was influenced early in life by the effects of good bosses vs. bad bosses growing up in a family-owned business, run by her Father and Grandfather. As a result of those early influences, she became fascinated with the dynamics of human behavior and studied the psychology of people ever since. Her dissertation on the "Psychology of Good Bosses versus Bad Bosses" has evolved into a 90-day Leadership Bootcamp for Leading Consciously Now. She embraces the philosophy that MINDSET shapes our behavior and how we show up matters. particularly on the front-line as leaders, facilitators, and mediators going way beyond our intellect. She thrives on helping people have conversations and connections, not confrontations and conflict. Debra keeps her own cool by being an avid tennis player and spectator. When she's not on the court, she's on the water and sails at least once a week as crew on the Iulani in Coronado where she lives. Links: 360 Degree Perspective Video: https://youtu.be/jUfztrqv3xk 3Bs Framework Video: https://youtu.be/F7v5FT4NSYc HALT Framework Video: https://youtu.be/Pv7kDGyFBNI Dr. Debra Dupree Website: https://relationships-at-work.com Book: Your Emotional Potential: How You Show Up Matters https://www.amazon.com/Your-Emotional-Potential-Show-Matters-ebook/dp/B08PPQB6DN Dr. Debra Dupree on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debradupree Dr. Debra Dupree on FB: https://www.facebook.com/dr.d.dupree Dr. Debra Dupree on TW: @DrDebraDupree1 Dr. Debra Dupree on IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.d.dupree/ Dr. Debra Dupree on YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJLPWGoEaaltkhqp70I13ZA Free resources: https://assertiveway.com/free/ Assertiveness free training: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/getahead Communication Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter/ Assertive & Liked 10-Day Challenge: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/10daychallengeoffer Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915

Jul 9, 2022 • 17min
Want Unfair Advantage? Show Up With Courage When Others Avoid Rejection
He got his dream job in his dream city by risking massive rejection more than 10 times in a single day. This is his story of gaining a competitive advantage with courage to show up and speak up, even though he was introverted and shy. Most people shy away from rejection. That's why that's exactly how you get noticed, get and unfair advantage, and stand out from the competition. It's a "fake" big risk with big rewards. 👉🏼Links: 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 How To Get Noticed At Work If You Are A Minority, Underrepresented, or Underprivileged (With ex-J&J executive Samuel Santos): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-get-noticed-at-work-if-you-are-a-minority-underrepresented-or-underprivileged A Breakthrough Career Conversation You Need To Pursue Your Dreams (With Google UX Researcher Ojuolape Junaid): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/find-courage-even-if-you-are-scared-of-embarrassment-with-google-us-researcher-ojuolape-junaid Get a talk on speaking up assertively in your company, team, or women's group: https://assertiveway.com/services 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/ Unfair advantage: Show up where others avoid rejection

Jul 8, 2022 • 5min
Dear Professional Woman, It's Unfair and Unjust
Here's an open letter to all professional women who struggle with inequality, bias, and discrimination at work. 👉🏼Links Episode Top Daily Challenges Women Face At Work: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/top-10-daily-challenges-women-face-at-work Get an talk on speaking up assertively in your company, team, or women's group: https://assertiveway.com/services 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/ Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915 Leave a rating and review guide: https://youtu.be/iN96MGnmFdk

Jul 6, 2022 • 14min
13 Bad Reasons Why You Don't Ask For What You Want
Here are 13 common stories you may be telling yourself to not ask for what you want. Overcome these myths so that you can finally make requests and start getting more of what you want faster. ✔️Discover the top 13 myths preventing you from asking ✔️Debunk your asking myths ✔️Gain more confidence to express your needs and desires Links: 9 episodes to help you find courage to speak your mind: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/048-find-courage-to-speak-your-mind-in-these-9-episodes A Breakthrough Career Conversation You Need To Pursue Your Dreams (With Google UX Researcher Ojuolape Junaid): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/find-courage-even-if-you-are-scared-of-embarrassment-with-google-us-researcher-ojuolape-junaid 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/ Please leave the podcast a rating or review to support it: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915 Leave the podcast a rating or review guide: https://youtu.be/iN96MGnmFdk

Jul 4, 2022 • 41min
Discover How To Make People Listen To You When They Try To Ignore You (With Guest Vishwaa Vaidya)
Discover how to think like an assertive woman who refuses to be put down and owns who she is with Senior Director of Engineering at Visa, Vishwaa Vaidya. In this episode, you'll discover how she: ✔️ Asked to work remotely for some time despite leading a new international project. ✔️ Persuaded a senior man that was ignoring her at a conference to apologize and invite her to meet his team. ✔️ Landed big promotions and opportunities in her career. ✔️ Responded to people telling her and her team are too combative or aggressive. And much, much more! 👉🏼Links: Episode 4 Powerful Ways To Stop Ruminating Now: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/4-powerful-ways-to-stop-ruminating-now Episode: She 3x Her Salary In 5 Years and Conquered Job Given to Other (With Guest Maria Kauffman): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/54-she-3x-her-salary-in-5-years-and-conquered-job-given-to-other-with-guest-maria-kauffman 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 the podcast a rating or review guide: https://youtu.be/iN96MGnmFdk

Jul 2, 2022 • 20min
How To Get The Upper Hand When A Jerk Disparages You Publicly
When someone criticizes you in front of other people, here's what you can say. ✔️ How to respond to overly critical comments. ✔️ When to respond immediately vs. wait. ✔️ How to leverage your anger to speak up. Links: Find Courage To Speak Your Mind In These 9 Episodes: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/048-find-courage-to-speak-your-mind-in-these-9-episodes 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 8 Questions To Find Out If Your Emails Is Angry: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/8-questions-to-find-out-if-your-emails-is-angry 12 Questions To Know When To Ignore Criticism and Judgment: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/12-questions-to-know-when-to-not-take-judgment-seriously 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 5 Steps To Respond To Dismissive Comments: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/5-steps-to-respond-to-are-you-on-your-period-and-mistakes-to-avoid Free resources: https://assertiveway.com/free/ Assertiveness free training: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/getahead Communication Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter/ Assertive & Liked 10-Day Challenge: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/10daychallengeoffer Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915

Jul 1, 2022 • 32min
Obama Shows How to Handle Someone Who Cuts You Off While Talking
What do you say when someone interupts you and cuts you off in conversation? What if after you tell them to stop interrupting they still continue? Here are 4 real life dialogues that will show you exactly what works and what doesn't work in practice. You'll also see how the other person responds in each situation and how they finally reach resolution. 👉🏼 Links Episode Top Daily Challenges Women Face At Work: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/top-10-daily-challenges-women-face-at-work Get an talk on speaking up assertively in your company, team, or women's group: https://assertiveway.com/services 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/ Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915 Leave a rating and review guide: https://youtu.be/iN96MGnmFdk


