Episodios

  • Resilient Voices: Overcoming Adversity & Self-Doubt With A Growth Mindset (with Dhwani Trivedi)

    Resilient Voices: Overcoming Adversity & Self-Doubt With A Growth Mindset (with Dhwani Trivedi)
    Aug 11 2025
    How can we build resilience when facing adversity, and build a growth mindset to push through intimidation to have a voice? In this episode, we welcome Dhwani Trivedi, Program Manager and Business Operations Director at a Global Aerospace and Defense organization. Dhwani shares her experience of managing self-doubt, leveraging feedback, maintaining self-respect, and the importance of assertive communication. She also unveils her unique personal system for continuous improvement across various life domains and emphasizes the significance of mentorship, self-promotion, and showing up consistently with purpose and integrity. The episode provides practical insights and inspiring stories to help individuals express their authentic selves and build a supportive network. 00:00 Introduction 01:55 Voice and Personal Branding 03:12 How Self-Doubt Led to Not Speaking Up 07:54 Pushing Through Intimidation To Have a Voice 14:08 What It Means to Be Assertive 21:12 Earning Respect Through Adversity 27:57 Responding To Hard Feedback With A Growth Mindset 32:02 Strategies for Self-Promotion 36:41 How To Find Mentors Organically 39:56 Creating a Personal Routine for Success 45:56 Conclusion ✅ About Dhwani Trivedi Dhwani Trivedi is a distinguished leader in Program and General Management with over 25 years of experience in the defense industry. She currently serves as the Director of Program Management Excellence at L3Harris Technologies, supporting the Airborne Combat Systems sector. Prior to this role, she was the General Manager of L3Harris’ Imaging and Laser Systems Division, where she led strategic initiatives and operational performance across the organization. Since joining L3Harris in 2014 as a Program Manager, Trivedi has risen through the ranks, holding progressively senior positions across multiple divisions, demonstrating exceptional leadership, business expertise, and a commitment to excellence. Before her tenure at L3Harris, Trivedi was a Customer Program Leader at GE Aviation. Prior to that, she spent a decade at Parker Hannifin Corporation, in roles spanning Software Engineering and Program Management. Beyond her professional achievements, Trivedi is deeply committed to giving back to the community. She serves on the board of Orlando Bal Vihar, a nonprofit organization focused on instilling leadership, independence, cultural values, and social responsibility in children. She also leads as the Enterprise Chair of the Asia Pacific Employee Resource Group (ERG) at L3Harris and is an active member of several other ERGs within the company. A passionate advocate for youth development and diversity, she dedicates her time to mentoring and supporting initiatives that inspire the next generation of leaders. Trivedi leads a vibrant and fulfilling life outside of work. She is an accomplished dancer, avid writer, and an enthusiastic vocalist of Indian Classical music. Deeply rooted in her cultural and spiritual heritage, she enjoys reading scriptures and philosophical texts, and is currently learning Sanskrit. A devoted family person, she cherishes spending time with her large extended family and networking with professionals both within and beyond her organization. An immigrant from India, Trivedi moved to the United States at the age of 14. She earned a Master’s degree in Executive MBA from West Virginia University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Applied Mathematics, and Statistics, with a minor in Business, from Stony Brook University. Trivedi's career is a testament to her passion for innovation, people leadership, and making a meaningful impact—both in the workplace and in the broader community. ✅ 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 ✅ Support The Podcast Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915
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    49 m
  • 10 Common Beliefs I Stopped Following in my 30s To Become Bold

    10 Common Beliefs I Stopped Following in my 30s To Become Bold
    Aug 11 2025
    Discover the top 10 pieces of career and leadership advice you should ignore. 'Feel-good' advice can hinder career growth and personal expression. These 10 beliefs can sabotage your confidence, boldness, and opportunities. The episode encourages you to critically evaluate the advice you follow and take ownership of your career and life. 00:00 Introduction: The Pitfalls of Feel-Good Advice 02:41 Bad Advice #1: Don't Be Transactional 09:15 Bad Advice #2: Be a Good Listener 11:55 Bad Advice #3: Become Indispensable at Work 12:59 Bad Advice #4: Work Hard and People Will Notice 15:16 Bad Advice #5: You Are Special 18:09 Bad Advice #6: Be Fearless 19:05 Bad Advice #7: You Can Learn From Everyone 22:42 Bad Advice #8: Always Be Learning 23:48 Bad Advice #9: Be a Yes Person 24:27 Bad Advice #10: Be Patient 25:42 Bad Advice #11: Try To Help At Least One Person 26:38 Conclusion: Unlearning and Moving Forward ✅ 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 ✅ Support The Podcast Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915
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    29 m
  • How to Identify and Communicate Your Personal Brand Authentically - Even If You're Not Sure What Makes You Unique (with Andrea Wojnicki)

    How to Identify and Communicate Your Personal Brand Authentically - Even If You're Not Sure What Makes You Unique (with Andrea Wojnicki)
    Jul 28 2025
    How can you communicate your unique personal branding to advance your career without feeling like a fraud? In this episode, Andrea Wonjnicki, an executive communication coach at Talk about Talk, shares how to develop and communicate your authentic personal brand. You’ll learn and easy three-step framework for self-introductions and how to not sound fake or robotic in elevator pitches. Tune in: ✔️ Understand and manage your personal brand ✔️Develop your personal brand ✔️Build your personal brand without sounding like everyone else ✔️A tool to identify and communicate your personal brand (even if you're not sure what makes you unique) ✔️Examples of unique personal branding to advance your career without feeling like a fraud ✔️How to use ai and ChatGPT to discover your personal brand ✔️A simple 3-step self-introduction technique that is easy to remember (without buzzwords or bragging) ✔️Exiting conversations gracefully without the awkwardness ✔️How to not sound fake, robotic and inauthentic in elevator pitches ✔️3 easy strategies you can implement today to build your unique personal brand ✔️When and how to use ethnicity, gender, race in your personal branding ✔️Examples of building personal brand: leveraging global experience ✅ About Andrea Wojnicki Andrea Wojnicki is an executive communication coach and the founder of Talk About Talk, where she empowers ambitious professionals through 1:1 coaching and corporate workshops. With a focus on executive presence, personal brand, and presentation skills, Andrea helps her clients communicate with clarity and confidence. She’s also the host of the Talk About Talk podcast, where she shares expert insights on how to elevate communication in the workplace. Learn more at TalkAboutTalk.com or connect with Andrea on LinkedIn. ✅ 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 ✅ Support The Podcast Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915
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    57 m
  • What to Say When Someone Cuts You Off in a Meeting (Without Sounding Rude)

    What to Say When Someone Cuts You Off in a Meeting (Without Sounding Rude)
    Jul 21 2025

    Are you tired of being talked over, cut off, or interrupted in meetings and not knowing how to respond without sounding rude, emotional, or aggressive?

    In this episode of Speak Your Mind Unapologetically, you'll learn exactly what to say and how to say it when someone interrupts you at work, whether it's a peer, a manager, a client, or someone you lead.

    We’ll cover:

    • The top mistakes to avoid when you're interrupted (passive, passive-aggressive, and aggressive responses that backfire)
    • 8 proven elements of a confident, respectful, and effective response
    • Word-for-word scripts you can use immediately
    • How to build the courage and confidence to speak up, even if it feels risky

    Whether you’re in a high-stakes meeting or a casual conversation, these strategies will help you stop getting steamrolled and start commanding the room with clarity and calm authority.

    If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I speak up without sounding defensive?”, this episode is for you.

    ✅ 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

    ✅ Support The Podcast

    Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915
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    26 m
  • Becoming Your Own Best Advocate: Strategies To Elevate Yourself (with Laura Colón)

    Becoming Your Own Best Advocate: Strategies To Elevate Yourself (with Laura Colón)
    Jul 14 2025

    Are you your own best advocate? In this episode, Laura Colón, VP of Sales and Alliances at Vonage, shares her personal journey of overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome, self-promoting both internally and externally, and building a personal brand to advance her career.

    02:07 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome

    04:15 Embracing a Growth Mindset

    05:48 Building a Personal Brand for Career Advancement

    11:54 Leverating Mentorship and Sponsorship for Growth

    16:58 Self-Promotion Strategies

    27:04 Career Sacrifices and Defining Moments

    28:35 Communicating Your Value

    31:24 Handling Pushback and Disagreements

    35:20 Encouraging a Speak Up Team Culture

    41:03 Life-changing Skill of Saying No

    46:04 Open to Work: Beyond the Label Podcast

    52:09 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

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

    ✅ Connect with Laura Colón

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralynncolon/

    Open to Work: Beyond the Label podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/open-to-work-beyond-the-label/id1809899342

    ✅ 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

    ✅ Support The Podcast

    Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915
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    56 m
  • Assertive or Aggressive? 20 Mindset Shifts That Change Everything

    Assertive or Aggressive? 20 Mindset Shifts That Change Everything
    Jul 8 2025

    How can you be bold without being a bully? If you have ever been told you’re “too much” when you speak up, or worried about being seen as rude, pushy, or bossy when you advocate for yourself, this episode is for you. Assertive communication starts with belief. Let’s upgrade yours. Discover the surprising 20 mindset differences between Assertive vs. Aggressive communication so you can speak with confidence and be respected.

    You’ll learn:
    ✔️How assertive people think differently
    ✔️Common aggressive beliefs that sabotage your influence
    ✔️Simple mindset shifts to become more respected, persuasive, and heard
    ✔️How to own your voice without overpowering others
    ✔️What makes assertiveness the secret to long-term leadership and career success

    ✅ Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/

    ✅ Contact me: https://assertiveway.com/contact/

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

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

    ✅ 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

    ✅ Support The Podcast

    Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915
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    22 m
  • How to Stop Being the Best-Kept Secret at Work (with Sandra Dorsey)

    How to Stop Being the Best-Kept Secret at Work (with Sandra Dorsey)
    Jun 30 2025
    What’s the worst career advice you’ve received? Cybersecurity GRC Risk Manager Sandra Dorsey discusses her worst career advice and how she learned the importance of self-promotion, negotiating for oneself, dealing with confusing feedback, and advocating for others in the corporate world. Sandra shares her journey from following advice to 'keep her head down' to realizing the need for visibility and networking. She shares how she learned to value vocalizing your achievements, understanding feedback, and evolving your communication style. 01:03 Great Work Doesn’t Speak For Itself 01:40 Heads Down to Visibility and Networking 05:47 Overcoming the Fear of Self-Promotion and Posting on LinkedIn 12:25 Negotiating for Yourself in the Workplace, Even If You Fail 19:09 What to Do When You Receive Confusing Feedback 25:02 Proactively Seeking Constructive Feedback 26:58 Advocating for Others 31:44 Bold Career Moves 39:57 Encouraging Team Communication ✅ Free Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter/ ✅ About Sandra Dorsey Sandra is a Cybersecurity Risk Professional with 15+ years of experience at the intersection of governance, risk, and compliance — protecting what matters, while building teams and trust along the way. From navigating the complexities of third-party risk to leading cross-functional cyber assessments in government contracting environments, she translates security into strategy and compliance into confidence. Sandra is a current Woman of Impact committee member with Girls Inc. of Greater Washington, DC and a board member with The Champs Champ where she supports STEM education for both organizations. Cybersecurity and outreach are very important to Sandra, but what she loves the most is spending time with her teenage and adult children. As a family, they spend time hiking, kayaking, roller skating, and keeping active. linkedin.com/in/sandradorsey ✅ 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 ✅ Support The Podcast Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915
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    48 m
  • Want to Be a Better Ally — And Find Allies Too? Start Here (with Wendi O'Neill)

    Want to Be a Better Ally — And Find Allies Too? Start Here (with Wendi O'Neill)
    Jun 23 2025

    In this episode, we delve into the critical role of allyship in the workplace with Wendy O'Neill, Head of Business Development at CDW, who shares her personal experiences and practical strategies for becoming a better ally.

    Wendy discusses how to recognize and support colleagues whose voices are often unheard, how to foster allyship within a team, and the powerful impact of situational awareness in meetings. She also talks about leading by example, addressing unconscious biases, and building relationships with allies who are different from us. The episode concludes with actionable tips for advocating for oneself and others, creating an inclusive and high-performing team culture.

    01:27 The Power of Allyship in Building Confidence and Careers

    08:43 How to Be A Great Ally (Practical Tips)

    10:52 The Best Way To Support Overlooked Voices In Meetings

    17:49 The Right Way to Ask An Ally For Support in Meetings

    19:49 The Secret to Transform Conflict into Allyship

    25:11 Tips to Encourage Your Team to Speak Up

    27:51 How to Create a Culture of Allyship in Your Team and Company

    37:45 Final Thoughts on Allyship

    ✅ About Wendi O'Neill

    Wendi O’Neill is the Head of Business Development for CDW’s Digital Velocity (DV) division, where she leads high-performing teams focused on helping organizations navigate digital transformation through modern technology practices. Wendi holds a Master’s degree in Leadership and Innovation from the University of Queensland and serves as Vice Chair of CDW’s Women’s Opportunity Network. A champion for mentorship and strong leadership representation, Wendi is committed to fostering the next generation of changemakers in tech.

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

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

    ✅ 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

    ✅ Support The Podcast

    Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915
    Más Menos
    40 m