Speak Your Mind Unapologetically Podcast

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

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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

✅ Support The Podcast

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

Career transitions take a lot of energy. How do you ensure you're putting your energy in the right direction, to avoid regrets later? How can you use your work purpose to amplify your voice? In this episode we speak to certified career and life transitions coach, and host of the Midlife Reinvention podcast, Kavita Ahuja. Kavita shares her journey of finding her Ikigai (reason for being), what it means, and why it matters in transitions. 01:34 Understanding Ikigai and Its Origins 02:38 Finding Her Ikigai 03:41 The Four Elements of Ikigai 04:45 Applying Ikigai in Career Transitions 08:04 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome 12:50 The Importance of Taking Action 27:02 Conclusion ✅ Connect with Kavita Ahuja: Complimentary 45 minute Breakthrough Session - to help uncover your blocks, your visions for yourself, and your Ikigai Career & Life Fulfillment Quiz - takes less than a minute to complete, and will give you a score of your level of fulfillment in your career & life and what that means for you Website: It's My Time Now Coaching LinkedIn Facebook/Instagram Podcast: The Midlife Reinvention

✅ 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

Do you communicate like a high impact leader? Find out if your communication style is earning you the respect, influence, and results of a high impact leader. Tune in to discover: ✔️ How to respond assertively and effectively to criticism about your communication style. ✔️ Optimal ways to handle interruptions and disagreements in meetings. ✔️ Strategies for owning and communicating mistakes to your team. ✔️ Techniques for presenting ideas to senior leadership with confidence. ✔️ Approaches to engaging and influencing others in cross-functional projects. 00:00 Introduction to High Impact Leadership 01:04 Why Speaking Like a High Impact Leader Matters 01:31 Quiz Introduction and Instructions 02:11 Handling Criticism: Optimal Responses 06:09 Dealing with Interruptions in Meetings 08:29 Disagreeing with Superiors Effectively 11:27 Owning and Fixing Mistakes 12:58 Communicating Ideas to Senior Leadership 14:50 Managing Missed Deadlines in Cross-Functional Projects 16:24 Participation in Team Meetings 19:21 Conclusion and Encouragement 20:36 Conclusion and Resources

✅ 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