Original Air Date: 9/8/25

Have you ever bitten your tongue in a meeting, held back a question, or swallowed an idea because you weren’t sure how it would land. If so, you’ve experienced the opposite of psychological safety.

In this episode of This Wasn’t My Plan, we’re unpacking what psychological safety really is and why it’s not just a buzzword that belongs in an HR handbook. It’s the foundation of trust, growth, and performance in your career, your team, and even your personal life.

Here’s what I want you to know: silence might feel safer in the moment, but long-term, it costs you more than the mistake ever will.

Inside this episode, I share:

What psychological safety actually* means (and what it is not).

* A personal story of how admitting “I don’t know” built more trust than pretending ever could.

* Groundbreaking research from Harvard, Google, McKinsey, and Gallup that proves safety, not charisma or talent, drives the highest-performing teams.

* Five practical ways to create more safety at work and at home.

* Four truths you need to remember when it feels easier to shrink back than to speak up.

If you’ve ever stayed quiet out of fear of being judged, this conversation will hit home.

🎧 Press play and let’s talk about why your voice belongs in the room...even if it shakes.

Links + Resources:

Follow me on Instagram: [@rxashleehayes](https://www.instagram.com/rxashleehayes)

Share this episode with a friend or teammate who needs the reminder that silence costs more than mistakes

DM me: Where in your career are you craving more safety to speak up?