Struggling to speak up at work without guilt? Download the free Career Clarity Masterclass and start reclaiming your voice → www.careerbloomcoaching.com/masterclass
In this episode of Career Clarity Unlocked, Theresa White, a five-times certified career coach, shares a recent personal experience that highlights the struggles women face in being assertive at work.
Theresa explores why setting boundaries at work feels so hard, and how your nervous system plays a bigger role than you think. If you’ve ever frozen in a meeting, laughed off disrespect, or walked away from a conversation feeling small, this one’s for you.
Theresa emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, grounding techniques, and seeking support while building assertiveness and boundary-setting skills.
This is not about “just being more confident.”
It’s about unlearning survival strategies like fawning, freezing, or people-pleasing, especially if you were taught to stay small, be nice, or avoid conflict. Theresa shares personal stories, research-backed insights, and real steps to help you reclaim your voice without burning out or shutting down.
🎧 You’ll learn:
Why assertiveness often feels unsafe (especially for women)
The link between trauma, people-pleasing, and silence at work
How to reset your nervous system to feel safer speaking up
The emotional toll of staying silent—and how to shift that
A shame-free framework to build boundaries from within
Whether you're recovering from workplace trauma, tired of shrinking yourself, or just ready to stop over-explaining and start owning your space—this episode is a roadmap to healing and power.
⏱ Episode Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Personal Story
01:32 The Realization and Its Impact
03:18 Exploring the Roots of Non-Assertiveness
04:48 Theresa's Corporate Experiences
14:15 Understanding Assertiveness and Work Boundaries
29:38 Practical Steps to Build Assertiveness
43:45 Conclusion and Encouragement
Free resources to support your healing + clarity:
12 Days of Career Goals → www.careerbloomcoaching.com/12-Days-of-Career-Goals
Ultimate Transferable Skills Guide → www.careerbloomcoaching.com/the-ultimate-transferable-skills-guide
Career Clarity Masterclass → www.careerbloomcoaching.com/masterclass
Coaching services:
1:1 Deep Dive Session → www.careerbloomcoaching.com/1-1-deep-dive-coaching-session
Career Clarity Formula → www.careerbloomcoaching.com/career-clarity-formula
Book a free clarity call:
Ready to stop settling and start reclaiming your voice? Book a free career clarity consultation → www.careerbloomcoaching.com/consultation
Connect with Career Coach Theresa White
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-a-white
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/careerbloomcoaching/
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/theresa_careerbloom/
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@careerbloom
- TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@career.bloom
- Website: www.CareerBloomCoaching.com
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