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: [email protected] or [email protected]

Contact me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2

 

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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: [email protected] or [email protected]

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

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: [email protected] or [email protected]

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

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: [email protected] or [email protected]

Contact me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2

 

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

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: [email protected] or [email protected]

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

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: [email protected] or [email protected]

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

"With all due respect..." "I understand how you feel." "That's an interesting idea" "Noted." Sometimes the nicest words can feel dismissive and silence people. Find out small changes you can make for people to feel heard and encouraged to speak up.

00:00 Introduction: Polite Phrases That Destroy Trust 05:11 Phrase 1: 'I Understand How You Feel' 07:39 Phrase 2: 'I'll Take That Into Consideration' 09:56 Phrase 3: 'With All Due Respect' 11:21 Phrase 4: 'Devil's Advocate' 12:59 Phrase 5: 'Noted' 14:16 Phrase 6: 'Thanks for Your Input' 15:36 Phrase 7: 'That's an Interesting Idea' 17:12 Phrase 8: 'Let's Agree to Disagree' 18:40 Phrase 9: 'Let's Circle Back on This' 19:26 Phrase 10: 'This is Company Policy' 20:42 Phrase 11 and 12: 'No Offense, But' 'I don't want to be Difficult, But' 23:37 Addressing Common Concerns and Questions 34:32 Conclusion: Choose Better Words to Build Trust

 

✅ 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: [email protected] or [email protected]

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

Sometimes it doesn't feel safe to bring our full, authentic self to work. In this episode, our guest Amy Ewbank, co-CEO of Verve The Voice Advisory Service, shares what's holding you back and the three key elements you need to find and express your true voice in a professional setting.   01:38 Understanding the Barriers to Authentic Voice 02:27 The Three E's Framework: Essence, Expression, Environment 02:45 Essence: Aligning Values and Voice 03:46 Expression: The Art of Speaking and Storytelling 04:35 Environment: Creating Safe Spaces for Voice 13:03 The Importance of Finding Your Voice 17:18 The Power of Community in Voice Development 22:06 Practical Tips for Self-Awareness and Voice Improvement   ✅ Connect with Amy Ewbank:  Verve Company  website Verve Voice Diagnostic / Quiz Amy LinkedIn Lily LinkedIn  Verve LinkedIn  Instagram Handle  Amy Ewbank - @amyewbs Instagram Handle Lily - @lily_lapenna Company Instagram Handle - @verveleaders   Email: To Learn more about joining the Verve Global Voice community email Amy on [email protected] to arrange a free discovery call so she can share more about the programme and how Verve can support you in finding and honing your authentic voice.   

About Amy: Amy Ewbank is a leadership coach, communication strategist, and expert in voice identity, drawing from her dual background as a LAMDA trained actor and CIPD qualified HR / L&D professional. With a career spanning the creative industries and corporate leadership, Amy has worked at the intersection of performance, psychology, and workplace communication, helping individuals and organisations harness the power of voice for influence, presence, and impact.

Amy began her career as a professional actor, performing in repertory theatre, BBC Radio, and Channel 4. She later transitioned into leadership and learning, becoming Head of HR at a UK national charity, where she specialized in talent development and executive communication. She has been featured on Sky News, Channel 5 and The Guardian.   About Verve: Verve is The Voice Advisory Service for courageous professionals ready to master the why, when and how of using your voice. We offer coaching, masterclasses, and community—shaped by our 3 E’s Voice Methodology™ - Essence, Expression, and Environment—to help you speak with clarity, lead with presence, and communicate with Verve.  

✅ 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: [email protected] or [email protected]

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

Do you ideas ever go unnoticed? Are your ideas ignored? Sharing your ideas is not enough. Discover strategies to influence your higher-ups to take your ideas seriously.    00:00 Introduction: Getting Your Ideas Heard 02:15 Understanding the Power of Influence 04:37 Identifying the Decision Maker 07:10 Building Belief in Your Idea 09:35 Handling Rejection and Concerns 12:33 The Importance of Showing Your idea, Not Just Saying It 15:38 Creating Urgency for Your Ideas 17:35 Persistence and Personal Responsibility  

✅ 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: [email protected] or [email protected]

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

Are you perceived as assertive or as aggressive? What's the difference? stressing the difference between assertive and aggressive communication. Gain actionable tips on asserting yourself confidently in various settings, particularly when dealing with authority figures or intimidating situations. Practical advice includes speaking early and often in meetings, using 'I' statements, and preparing key points in advance to effectively communicate under pressure.   00:41 Understanding Assertiveness vs. Aggressiveness 04:00 Tips for Being Assertive 08:00 Handling Authority and Intimidation 13:26 Dealing with Interruptions in Meetings 17:21 Staying in Partner Mode Under Pressure 21:04 Conclusion   

✅ 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: [email protected] or [email protected]

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