On this episode, Dr. Julie Gurner, executive performance coach and author of the Ultra Successful Substack newsletter, to unpack one of the most misunderstood traits in leadership: assertiveness.

Most people equate assertiveness with rudeness — especially when it comes from women. But as Dr. Gurner explains, assertiveness is simply clarity — the opposite of expecting people to read your mind. The two discuss how emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and ownership separate high performers from those who stay stuck in their comfort zones.

• Why being assertive isn’t the same as being abrasive
• How fear of judgment keeps professionals from being direct
• The myth of “micromanagement” and what clarity actually looks like
• How emotional intelligence shapes perception of leadership styles
• Why clarity builds trust faster than politeness ever will
• The danger of surrounding yourself with excuse-makers
• Why growth plateaus are rarely caused by markets — and usually by mindsets

Dr. Gurner also dives into limiting beliefs and the power of an internal locus of control, showing how elite performers take total ownership of outcomes — good or bad. Monique adds her own experiences leading teams across industries, from engineering to beauty and wellness, highlighting the real-world tension between intention, perception, and leadership maturity.

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Follow Dr. Julie Gurner

On Substack: https://substack.com/@drgurner

Website: https://ultrasuccessful.com/

Follow Monique Mills

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com