On How to Speak Up When it Matters | Dr. Sunita Sah

Why is it so hard to speak up even when you know something's wrong? 

This is the question that physician, award-winning organizational psychologist, and tenured Professor at Cornell University, 

Dr. Sunita Sah has been obsessed with for decades. 

In her illuminating book: Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes

She asks us:

"How many times have you wanted to object, disagree, or opt out of something—but ended up swallowing your words, shaking your head, and just going along?" 

And then she invites us:

To imagine the life we want to lead, not the one we’re willing to accept. 

In today's conversation we’ll dive deep into the topic of defiance, 

Why the pressure to comply and ‘go along to get along’ is a corrosive and often invisible force in our society,

And, through an exploration of her revelatory research, 

How we can radically reframe defiance from a misunderstood negative trait into a crucial, positive force for personal and societal change. 

Sunita’s pioneering work couldn’t be more timely. 

In many ways it serves as a lantern for our times - 

Shining a much needed light on the path we can all take 

To stop people pleasing,

To start living our truth, 

and to speak up when it matters most.

For more on Dr. Sah, her book, speaking, and other offerings, please visit sunitasah.com

Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:

• On the Science of Mastering Your Intuition | Laura Huang
• On Saving Ourselves and the World | john a. powell
• On Honoring the Soul (Pt. 1) | Parker J. Palmer

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