How often do you say "yes" when you really want to say "no"? If you've ever felt that way, you're not alone! Today, we're diving into what happens when you stand up to someone in all areas of life—work, relationships, even healthcare.

My guest is the incredible Dr. Sunita Sah, an award-winning professor at Cornell and author of Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes. Dr. Sah's research focuses on why so many of us feel pressured to go along with things we don't believe in and how we can cultivate the courage to say "no" when it matters most.

In this episode, you'll learn how social norms and "insinuation anxiety" hold us back from standing up for our true selves. You’ll walk away with the confidence to take small, powerful steps toward defiance in a way that feels authentic and empowering.

Timestamps

00:22 - Meet Dr. Sunita Sah: Her Story of Transformation

00:47 - The Psychology of Compliance and Defiance

01:31 - Defying Social Pressures: Real-Life Stories

02:07 - Why Compliance in the Workplace Hurts Us All

07:37 - A Fresh Take on Defiance: It’s Not What You Think

10:11 - The Social Roots of Compliance

17:51 - Facing the Inner Blocks to Standing Up for Yourself

25:32 - Practical Steps to Strengthen Your Defiance Muscle

33:23 - Living Authentically: The Real Benefits of Saying No

45:02 - Wrapping Up: Your Takeaways and Resources

Having low self esteem can make it hard to stand up for yourself. Is this true for you? Find out by taking my free Self Esteem Quiz! You’ll find out where your self esteem thrives and discover new areas for growth. Take it here.

And, join me for a live Q&A this Thursday at 12 pm MT on YouTube, where we'll be talking all about self-advocacy. Want to submit a question anonymously? Use this link

PS: Think of someone who could use a boost in self-advocacy? Share this episode with them, and let’s help each other live authentically! ❤️