"Every time you say 'yes', you're also saying 'no' to rest, to presence, to yourself."

Why is it so hard to say no, especially at work? In this episode of Beyond the Corporate Mask, Emma and Suzanne unpack the hidden costs of always saying 'yes'. From blurred roles and people-pleasing to social pressure and freeze responses, we explore why setting boundaries feels so uncomfortable… and why it matters more than ever.

You’ll hear:

- Why “being nice” can lead to self-abandonment

- What your body knows before your mind catches up

- The STAND framework to help you recognise and honour your boundaries

- How centring practices can help you speak up, even under pressure

Real-life stories of boundary failure, and what we can learn from them

Plus, Suzanne shares a vulnerable personal story that highlights how power dynamics and survival responses can keep us silent, even when everything inside says “no.”

This episode is a powerful reminder that boundaries are not walls: they’re invitations to real connection.

- STAND Framework (Sensation, Thinking Space, Affect, Narrative, Do I have a voice?)

- Centring Practice: Working with length, width, and depth to ground yourself before setting a boundary

- Embodied Leadership Retreat – For leaders ready to pause, reconnect with their bodies, and lead with clarity (details below)

Set one small boundary this week. Notice how it feels in your body before, during, and after.

- Learn more about the Embodied Leadership Retreat

- Follow us on Instagram / LinkedIn for more embodied leadership insights

- Subscribe to Beyond the Corporate Mask on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | other podcasting platforms

Beyond the Corporate Mask is a podcast by Doors Open – Institute for Corporate Sociology.