Episodios

  • Don't Let One Question Destroy Your Credibility — Learn the Top 1% Response Strategy

    Don't Let One Question Destroy Your Credibility — Learn the Top 1% Response Strategy
    Nov 26 2025
    When you're in a high-stakes meeting, job interview, panel, or senior leadership presentation, everything can be going perfectly, until someone throws a loaded question at you. Suddenly, confidence can turn into defensiveness. Preparation can turn into rambling. Months of hard work can collapse in 10 seconds if you sound insecure, reactive, or unsure. This episode of the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically Podcast reveals exactly how the top 1% of executives, leaders, and media-trained spokespeople stay calm, credible, and in control even when they're challenged publicly, and even when they don't have the answer. You'll learn how to: Stay in command of the conversation when someone tests youPivot without sounding evasiveRespond without rambling, over-explaining, or defending yourselfSound confident even when you're caught off guardProtect your credibility under pressure We'll cover 15 powerful media-training tactics used by CEOs, world-class communicators, and top-tier interview candidates to make sure tough questions never derail their image, confidence, or opportunities. Whether you're navigating executive meetings, stakeholder presentations, performance reviews, client discussions, or interviews for bigger roles, this episode will teach you how to turn hard questions into opportunities for influence and respect. If you want to feel unshakeable when someone challenges you, this episode is for you. Press play and learn to communicate like someone who deserves to be heard. ✅ Schedule a Complimentary Call To Plan Your One Conversation: https://calendly.com/assertiveway/30min 🎁 Free Resource: Download the 30 Power Shifts Guide — a free, practical cheat sheet with real-life "weak vs. powerful" word swaps for meetings, presentations, and everyday conversations. Replace soft, hesitant phrases with powerful, natural ones. Speak with clarity, conviction, and calm authority. Be heard without apology. 👉 Get your free guide here: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/30power ✅ Free Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter/ ✅ Take the Quiz 'Do You Speak Like a High-Impact Leader?': https://myassertiveway.outgrow.us/highimpactleader ✅ Listen on the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically podcast on Apple Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915 ✅ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6L1myPkiJXYf5SGrublYz2 ✅ Order our book, 'Unapologetic Voice: 101 Real-World Strategies for Brave Self Advocacy & Bold Leadership' where each strategy is also a real story: https://www.amazon.com/Unapologetic-Voice-Real-World-Strategies-Leadership-ebook/dp/B0CW2X4WWL/ ✅ Follow the show host, Ivna Curi, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/ ✅ Request A Customized Workshop For Your Team And Company: http://assertiveway.com/workshops Contact me: info@assertiveway.com or ivnacuri@assertiveway.com Contact me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2
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    27 m
  • The One Conversation at Work You're Afraid to Have — And How to Finally Do It Right

    The One Conversation at Work You're Afraid to Have — And How to Finally Do It Right
    Nov 20 2025

    Most people don't struggle with speaking up in general.
    They struggle with one specific conversation that feels risky — a conversation with career, relationship, or emotional consequences.

    Whether it's a performance review, a promotion request, a conflict, a micromanaging boss, a workload pushback, a boundary conversation, or a situation where you feel overlooked or disrespected… avoiding the conversation always feels safe in the moment, but it silently costs you confidence, influence, visibility, and self-respect.

    In this episode, you'll discover:

    • Why certain conversations feel so intimidating
    • What's really driving the fear of conflict, backlash, or judgment
    • The hidden psychological and career consequences of staying silent
    • What changes when you approach these conversations strategically rather than reactively
    • How to communicate with clarity, respect, and strength — without aggression or over-explaining

    If you've been overthinking a conversation at work or losing sleep about what to say, this episode will give you the roadmap to finally move forward.

    ✅ Schedule a Complimentary Call To Plan Your One Conversation: https://calendly.com/assertiveway/30min

    🎁 Free Resource:
    Download the 30 Power Shifts Guide — a free, practical cheat sheet with real-life "weak vs. powerful" word swaps for meetings, presentations, and everyday conversations.

    • Replace soft, hesitant phrases with powerful, natural ones.

    • Speak with clarity, conviction, and calm authority.

    • Be heard without apology.

    👉 Get your free guide here: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/30power

    ✅ Free Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter/

    ✅ Take the Quiz 'Do You Speak Like a High-Impact Leader?': https://myassertiveway.outgrow.us/highimpactleader

    ✅ Listen on the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically podcast on Apple Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915

    ✅ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6L1myPkiJXYf5SGrublYz2

    ✅ Order our book, 'Unapologetic Voice: 101 Real-World Strategies for Brave Self Advocacy & Bold Leadership' where each strategy is also a real story:

    https://www.amazon.com/Unapologetic-Voice-Real-World-Strategies-Leadership-ebook/dp/B0CW2X4WWL/

    ✅ Follow the show host, Ivna Curi, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/

    ✅ Request A Customized Workshop For Your Team And Company: http://assertiveway.com/workshops

    Contact me: info@assertiveway.com or ivnacuri@assertiveway.com

    Contact me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2
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    32 m
  • Why Every Leadership Problem Is Really a Communication Problem (with Lily Lapenna, MBE and Amy Ewbank)

    Why Every Leadership Problem Is Really a Communication Problem (with Lily Lapenna, MBE and Amy Ewbank)
    Nov 10 2025

    Your voice is the bridge between who you are and how you lead. So how can you be heard and be remembered, even in toxic workplaces? In this episode we are joined by Lily Lapenna, MBE, communication coach and facilitator, honored by Queen Elizabeth for her impact work, and Amy Ewbank, expert in voice and former professional actor and Head of HR. Amy Ewbank and Lily Lapenna are Co-CEO's at Verve Leaders They share how to express your true essence and the art of joyful communication.

    You'll discover:

    • The 3 Es Framework (Essence, Expression, Environment) that transforms the way you communicate.
    • What Prince William taught me about communication in 3 minutes.
    • How to listen to what's not being said, and create trust through attunement.
    • How to pitch, present, and persuade with storytelling that enchants.
    • The secret confidence technique of powerful speakers.
    • What every great pitch needs to land, that most people avoid.

    Amy Ewbank and Lily Lapenna are Co-CEO's at Verve Leaders

    Lily Lapenna, MBE, is a communication geek working with professional to help them get heard and be remembered. She works in academic institutions Like Harvard and Oxford university on business and communication. She is a passionate coach and facilitator around all things communication. She was honored by Queen Elizabeth with an MBE for her social impact work.

    Connect with Lily: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilylapenna/

    Amy Ewbank is a leadership coach, communication strategist, and expert in voice. She began her career as a professional actor, performing in repertory theatre, BBC Radio, and Channel 4 amongst others. She also has experience working as Head of HR at a UK national charity, she has been featured on Sky News, Channel 5 and The Guardian for her work on the stage and beyond.

    Connect with Amy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-ewbank-45158a231/

    Elevate your communication skills with Verve: https://www.verveleaders.com/

    ✅ Free Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter/

    ✅ Take the Quiz 'Do You Speak Like a High-Impact Leader?': https://myassertiveway.outgrow.us/highimpactleader

    ✅ Listen on the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically podcast on Apple Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915

    ✅ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6L1myPkiJXYf5SGrublYz2

    ✅ Order our book, 'Unapologetic Voice: 101 Real-World Strategies for Brave Self Advocacy & Bold Leadership' where each strategy is also a real story:

    https://www.amazon.com/Unapologetic-Voice-Real-World-Strategies-Leadership-ebook/dp/B0CW2X4WWL/

    ✅ Follow the show host, Ivna Curi, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/

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    39 m
  • Everything You're Afraid to Ask About Self-Advocacy at Work Without Backlash — Answered Rapid-Fire

    Everything You're Afraid to Ask About Self-Advocacy at Work Without Backlash — Answered Rapid-Fire
    Nov 4 2025

    Get clear, practical answers to the toughest speaking-up questions: recognition, raises, boundaries, timing, and more—so you're heard and respected at work.

    You asked. I answered, fast. In this rapid-fire Q&A, we tackle the most common (and most avoided) questions about speaking up without backlash: how to advocate without seeming pushy, what you can reasonably ask for (and how to build a case), what to do when credit goes missing, how to set boundaries and still be seen as a team player, how to advocate when you're not senior, and how to bounce back after a "no."

    You'll leave with practical scripts, mindset shifts, and a repeatable approach to turn hard conversations into "liquid sunshine."

    Listen if you want to:

    • Be heard and understood, without damaging relationships
    • Turn self-advocacy into a daily habit
    • Get recognition, resources, and flexibility credibly

    🎁 Free Resource:
    Download the 30 Power Shifts Guide — a free, practical cheat sheet with real-life "weak vs. powerful" word swaps for meetings, presentations, and everyday conversations.

    • Replace soft, hesitant phrases with powerful, natural ones.

    • Speak with clarity, conviction, and calm authority.

    • Be heard without apology.

    👉 Get your free guide here: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/30power

    ✅ Free Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter/

    ✅ Take the Quiz 'Do You Speak Like a High-Impact Leader?': https://myassertiveway.outgrow.us/highimpactleader

    ✅ Listen on the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically podcast on Apple Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915

    ✅ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6L1myPkiJXYf5SGrublYz2

    ✅ Order our book, 'Unapologetic Voice: 101 Real-World Strategies for Brave Self Advocacy & Bold Leadership' where each strategy is also a real story:

    https://www.amazon.com/Unapologetic-Voice-Real-World-Strategies-Leadership-ebook/dp/B0CW2X4WWL/

    ✅ Follow the show host, Ivna Curi, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/

    ✅ Request A Customized Workshop For Your Team And Company: http://assertiveway.com/workshops

    Contact me: info@assertiveway.com or ivnacuri@assertiveway.com

    Contact me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2
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    30 m
  • When Silence Is No Longer Safe: Conquer Fear, Speak Up, and Advance Your Career

    When Silence Is No Longer Safe: Conquer Fear, Speak Up, and Advance Your Career
    Nov 3 2025
    Silence feels safe, but it kills your future. Unleash your authentic voice and stop letting the voice in your head keep you silent. In this episode of the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically Podcast, you'll regain control over the emotional cycle of fear and confidence, so that your nervous system stops hijacking your presence in meetings, and you can reclaim your voice and your influence at work. What you'll discover in this episode: Why silence is not an option. Why self-doubt, replaying worst-case scenarios, and "what-if" loops quietly steal your voice—and how that affects your career, your leadership and your impact. How to break the fear script. The three essential voices every professional needs. Why action = confidence, not the other way around—how one simple step leads to the next, builds momentum, and eventually changes your career trajectory. A call to stop choosing comfort over progress; because silence may feel safe, but it kills your future. Who this episode is for: You're a mid-to-senior professional, an emerging leader or an experienced leader who's ready to move from being unheard to being influential. You want to speak up smarter and navigate tough conversations without damaging relationships, and have the tools to advocate for yourself, your team and your future. Tune in if you're ready to Stop letting fear write your story. Rewrite your script. Own your voice, your goals and your future. If this episode resonated, please share it with a colleague, friend or ally who's ready to speak up—and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode from Speak Your Mind Unapologetically. Let's lead out loud together. 🎁 Free Resource: Download the 30 Power Shifts Guide — a free, practical cheat sheet with real-life "weak vs. powerful" word swaps for meetings, presentations, and everyday conversations. Replace soft, hesitant phrases with powerful, natural ones. Speak with clarity, conviction, and calm authority. Be heard without apology. 👉 Get your free guide here: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/30power ✅ Free Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter/ ✅ Take the Quiz 'Do You Speak Like a High-Impact Leader?': https://myassertiveway.outgrow.us/highimpactleader ✅ Listen on the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically podcast on Apple Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915 ✅ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6L1myPkiJXYf5SGrublYz2 ✅ Order our book, 'Unapologetic Voice: 101 Real-World Strategies for Brave Self Advocacy & Bold Leadership' where each strategy is also a real story: https://www.amazon.com/Unapologetic-Voice-Real-World-Strategies-Leadership-ebook/dp/B0CW2X4WWL/ ✅ Follow the show host, Ivna Curi, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/ ✅ Request A Customized Workshop For Your Team And Company: http://assertiveway.com/workshops Contact me: info@assertiveway.com or ivnacuri@assertiveway.com Contact me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2
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    14 m
  • How to Speak Your Truth Without Sounding Harsh or Arrogant

    How to Speak Your Truth Without Sounding Harsh or Arrogant
    Oct 27 2025

    Everyone says, "Be bold. Be unapologetic."
    But what does that really mean at work?

    Boldness easily gets mistaken for arrogance or aggression. Then, when you speak up, people shut down.

    In this episode of the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically podcast, Andrea Wojnicki, host of the Talk About Talk show, interviews Ivna Curi on how to speak up with confidence, strength, and respect, so you can be bold and build connection.

    You'll discover:
    ✔️ What "being bold and unapologetic" actually means in the workplace
    ✔️ How to assert yourself without damaging relationships
    ✔️ A simple, proven formula for bold, clear, and respected communication

    Tune in to discover how to be heard, respected, and influential, without ever being seen as "too much."

    🎁 Free Resource:
    Download the 30 Power Shifts Guide — a free, practical cheat sheet with real-life "weak vs. powerful" word swaps for meetings, presentations, and everyday conversations.

    • Replace soft, hesitant phrases with powerful, natural ones.

    • Speak with clarity, conviction, and calm authority.

    • Be heard without apology.

    👉 Get your free guide here: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/30power

    ✅ Tune into the Talk About Talk podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-about-talk-communication-skills-training/id1447267503

    ✅ Free Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter/

    ✅ Take the Quiz 'Do You Speak Like a High-Impact Leader?': https://myassertiveway.outgrow.us/highimpactleader

    ✅ Listen on the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically podcast on Apple Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915

    ✅ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6L1myPkiJXYf5SGrublYz2

    ✅ Order our book, 'Unapologetic Voice: 101 Real-World Strategies for Brave Self Advocacy & Bold Leadership' where each strategy is also a real story:

    https://www.amazon.com/Unapologetic-Voice-Real-World-Strategies-Leadership-ebook/dp/B0CW2X4WWL/

    ✅ Follow the show host, Ivna Curi, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/

    ✅ Request A Customized Workshop For Your Team And Company: http://assertiveway.com/workshops

    Contact me: info@assertiveway.com or ivnacuri@assertiveway.com

    Contact me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2

    #Leadership #Communication #Assertiveness #CareerGrowth #SpeakUp #WomenInLeadership #WorkplaceConfidence #ProfessionalDevelopment
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    34 m
  • Never Let Fear Stop You From Speaking Your Mind Ever Again

    Never Let Fear Stop You From Speaking Your Mind Ever Again
    Oct 21 2025

    Does fear ever get in the way of advocating for yourself? Everyone has fear. Everyone has courage. The difference is which one you give energy to. In this episode of Speak Your Mind Unapologetically, we explore science-backed ways to be more courageous and build confidence in speaking up. From mindset shifts to emotional regulation and social strategies, this episode is your go-to guide for becoming fearless. Listen now to discover:

    • 20 science-backed strategies to find your courage to speak up and be more assertive
    • Mindset, cognitive, emotional, and social techniques to overcome fear
    • How to boldly speak your mind and transform your career, leadership, and life

    🎁 Free Resource:
    Download the 30 Power Shifts Guide — a free, practical cheat sheet with real-life "weak vs. powerful" word swaps for meetings, presentations, and everyday conversations.

    • Replace soft, hesitant phrases with powerful, natural ones.

    • Speak with clarity, conviction, and calm authority.

    • Be heard without apology.

    👉 Get your free guide here: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/30power

    ✅ Free Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter/

    ✅ Take the Quiz 'Do You Speak Like a High-Impact Leader?': https://myassertiveway.outgrow.us/highimpactleader

    ✅ Listen on the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically podcast on Apple Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915

    ✅ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6L1myPkiJXYf5SGrublYz2

    ✅ Order our book, 'Unapologetic Voice: 101 Real-World Strategies for Brave Self Advocacy & Bold Leadership' where each strategy is also a real story:

    https://www.amazon.com/Unapologetic-Voice-Real-World-Strategies-Leadership-ebook/dp/B0CW2X4WWL/

    ✅ Follow the show host, Ivna Curi, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/

    ✅ Request A Customized Workshop For Your Team And Company: http://assertiveway.com/workshops

    Contact me: info@assertiveway.com or ivnacuri@assertiveway.com

    Contact me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2
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    24 m
  • Stop Asking For Permission: 30 Power Phrases to Start Owning Your Voice

    Stop Asking For Permission: 30 Power Phrases to Start Owning Your Voice
    Oct 13 2025

    Do you sound like a leader, or a pleaser? Asking for permission to speak up and using apologetic language can cost you promotions, recognition, and influence. Discover 30 subtle language shifts that transforms how people see your authority.

    In this episode of the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically podcast, host Ivna Curi shares easy language shifts to speak with power at work, that will instantly project and make you feel more confident. You'll get practical tips on how to rephrase common workplace requests, updates, and disagreements to sound more assertive and influential. You'll also get a free guide below with 30 powerful language shifts to help you implement these changes and enhance your professional presence.

    What You'll Learn

    • How "permission language" quietly undermines your credibility

    • Simple, powerful word swaps that make you sound confident and clear

    • How to speak up without sounding aggressive — and be heard every time

    🎁 Free Resource:
    Download the 30 Power Shifts Guide — a free, practical cheat sheet with real-life "weak vs. powerful" word swaps for meetings, presentations, and everyday conversations.

    • Replace soft, hesitant phrases with powerful, natural ones.

    • Speak with clarity, conviction, and calm authority.

    • Be heard without apology.

    👉 Get your free guide here: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/30power

    ✅ Free Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter/

    ✅ Take the Quiz 'Do You Speak Like a High-Impact Leader?': https://myassertiveway.outgrow.us/highimpactleader

    ✅ Listen on the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically podcast on Apple Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915

    ✅ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6L1myPkiJXYf5SGrublYz2

    ✅ Order our book, 'Unapologetic Voice: 101 Real-World Strategies for Brave Self Advocacy & Bold Leadership' where each strategy is also a real story:

    https://www.amazon.com/Unapologetic-Voice-Real-World-Strategies-Leadership-ebook/dp/B0CW2X4WWL/

    ✅ Follow the show host, Ivna Curi, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/

    ✅ Request A Customized Workshop For Your Team And Company: http://assertiveway.com/workshops

    Contact me: info@assertiveway.com or ivnacuri@assertiveway.com

    Contact me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2

    ✅ Chapters

    00:00 Introduction: The Cost of Asking for Permission

    01:03 The Power of Language: Shifting Perceptions

    02:18 Practical Tips for Confident Communication

    04:44 Real-Life Examples: Transforming Your Speech

    07:01 Powerful Phrases for Professional Situations

    11:50 Owning Your Voice: Assertiveness in Action

    28:55 Conclusion: Embrace Your Unapologetic Voice
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    33 m