Speak Your Mind Unapologetically Podcast
Episodes
How to Handle Pushback and Difficult Conversations at Work Without Getting Defensive
06 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Find out the real reason difficult conversations feel so hard at work, and how our mindset hurts our conversations and relationships. This episode giv...
Speaking Up With Intention: A Smarter Way to Set Your Goals
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A new year doesn't require a long list of aspirational, feel-good goals. It requires the right specific goals — especially when it comes to speaking...
Boundaries During Holidays: How to Say No Without Guilt or Drama
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As we navigate the holiday season, setting boundaries can be challenging. Find out how to respond confidently to intrusive questions and requests with...
Accountablity: How to Stop Carrying the Team (Without Becoming "the Difficult One")
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever felt like you're the one holding everything together at work — following up, reminding, double-checking, fixing last-minute mistakes,...
When People Steal Your Idea in Meetings (and Get the Credit Instead)
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever shared an idea in a meeting… and nothing happened? No reaction. No acknowledgement. People move on. Then minutes later — or even nex...
Don't Let One Question Destroy Your Credibility — Learn the Top 1% Response Strategy
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When you're in a high-stakes meeting, job interview, panel, or senior leadership presentation, everything can be going perfectly, until someone throws...
The One Conversation at Work You're Afraid to Have — And How to Finally Do It Right
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Most people don't struggle with speaking up in general. They struggle with one specific conversation that feels risky — a conversation with career, ...
Why Every Leadership Problem Is Really a Communication Problem (with Lily Lapenna, MBE and Amy Ewbank)
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Your voice is the bridge between who you are and how you lead. So how can you be heard and be remembered, even in toxic workplaces? In this episode we...
Everything You're Afraid to Ask About Self-Advocacy at Work Without Backlash — Answered Rapid-Fire
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Get clear, practical answers to the toughest speaking-up questions: recognition, raises, boundaries, timing, and more—so you're heard and respected...
When Silence Is No Longer Safe: Conquer Fear, Speak Up, and Advance Your Career
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Silence feels safe, but it kills your future. Unleash your authentic voice and stop letting the voice in your head keep you silent. In this episode of...
How to Speak Your Truth Without Sounding Harsh or Arrogant
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone says, "Be bold. Be unapologetic." But what does that really mean at work? Boldness easily gets mistaken for arrogance or aggression. Then, wh...
Never Let Fear Stop You From Speaking Your Mind Ever Again
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Does fear ever get in the way of advocating for yourself? Everyone has fear. Everyone has courage. The difference is which one you give energy to. In ...
Stop Asking For Permission: 30 Power Phrases to Start Owning Your Voice
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you sound like a leader, or a pleaser? Asking for permission to speak up and using apologetic language can cost you promotions, recognition, and in...
Courage at Work: Stop Staying Silent & Start Leading Boldly (with Saadia Khilji)
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you ever hesitate to speak up in tough situations at work, worried about backlash, bias, or saying the wrong thing? In this powerful episode of the...
Why ‘Just Be Confident’ Is Terrible Advice — And What Actually Works
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Discvoer 14 surprising strategies to finally speak up at work with confidence. These practical tips will help you stop holding back and start owning ...
Practical Self-Promotion Tips That Actually Work in Meetings and in Networking (Brag-Free)
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What’s the right way to self-promote without sounding arrogant? How do you confidently speak about your work (and get credit for it)? How do you tal...
How To Bridge Cultural Divides And Cultivate Respectful Conversations? (with Dr. Shaun Carver)
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How can leaders can bridge cultural divides, welcome diverse team members, and cultivate respectful conversations? How can you be civil with uncivil p...
20 Power Moves for High Impact Leaders: Elevating Your Leadership Voice
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever walked out of a meeting thinking, I should have said something. They didn't take me seriously. Someone else said what I wanted to say...
Resilient Voices: Overcoming Adversity & Self-Doubt With A Growth Mindset (with Dhwani Trivedi)
11 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How can we build resilience when facing adversity, and build a growth mindset to push through intimidation to have a voice? In this episode, we welcom...
10 Common Beliefs I Stopped Following in my 30s To Become Bold
11 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Discover the top 10 pieces of career and leadership advice you should ignore. 'Feel-good' advice can hinder career growth and personal expression. The...
How to Identify and Communicate Your Personal Brand Authentically - Even If You're Not Sure What Makes You Unique (with Andrea Wojnicki)
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How can you communicate your unique personal branding to advance your career without feeling like a fraud? In this episode, Andrea Wonjnicki, an execu...
What to Say When Someone Cuts You Off in a Meeting (Without Sounding Rude)
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Becoming Your Own Best Advocate: Strategies To Elevate Yourself (with Laura Colón)
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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-dou...
Assertive or Aggressive? 20 Mindset Shifts That Change Everything
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How to Stop Being the Best-Kept Secret at Work (with Sandra Dorsey)
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What’s the worst career advice you’ve received? Cybersecurity GRC Risk Manager Sandra Dorsey discusses her worst career advice and how she learned...
Want to Be a Better Ally — And Find Allies Too? Start Here (with Wendi O'Neill)
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
12 Polite Phrases That Destroy Trust and Connection (And What To Say Instead)
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"With all due respect..." "I understand how you feel." "That's an interesting idea" "Noted." Sometimes the nicest words can feel dismissive and silenc...
How To Bring Your Authentic Voice To Work When You Feel Like You Can't (with Amy Ewbank)
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Se...
Mastering Influence: How to Get Your Ideas Approved
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 you...
Assertiveness vs. Aggression: Navigating Professional Interactions with Confidence
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you perceived as assertive or as aggressive? What's the difference? stressing the difference between assertive and aggressive communication. Gain...
Finding Your Reason For Being In Career and Life Transitions (with Kavita Ahuja)
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Do You Speak Like a High Impact Leader?
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Amplify, Elevate, Dominate: Leadership Frameworks to Transform Your Career (with Dr. Karen Pruden)
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to use proven frameworks to articulate your value, elevate your influence, and dominate your field. In this episode, Dr. Karen Hills Pruden ...
14 Ways to End Conversations: The Art of the Graceful Exit
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever been stuck in a never-ending conversation and felt trapped? Learn 14 powerful, graceful, and guilt-free ways to end conversations you don't want ...
From Prey to Partner: Communication Strategies for Positive Influence (with Amy Carroll)
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How can you protect your power, status, and influence in communication? Learn from Amy Carroll, a communication coach and author of 'Ego Tango,' on ho...
10 Proven Strategies to Get Your Ideas Heard at Work
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever felt like your ideas are ignored or misunderstood? It's not because your ideas aren't good enough, but rather how you share them at work. Tune in...
7 Powerful Strategies to Instantly Overcome Performance Anxiety and Silence Self-Doubt (Even If You Made a Mistake)
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever stayed awake at night replaying something you did or said, worried about how you came across? Are you the kind of perfectionist that doe...
15 Practical Strategies to Stop Overthinking at Work
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How can you break free from overthinking in your professional life? Overthinking can lead to stress, decision fatigue, and hindered productivity, but ...
How to Handle Pushback Like a Pro: 8 Steps to Turn 'No' into 'Yes'
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever faced resistance after asking for something important at work, such as resources, flexibility, or a project opportunity? Discover eight easy step...
Servant Leadership Through The Service of Speaking (with Israel Duran)
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How can you leverage speaking to become a more impactful servant leader? Discover the strategies to use speaking as a high-level service in this episo...
Mastering Workplace Negotiations: Techniques for Asking with Confidence
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever felt discouraged when asking for resources, training, and support at work? The more discouraged you are, the more you’ll push others away from...
10 Tips For Intentional Leadership Energy at Work
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do your interactions lack the respect and influence you desire? Learn how to harness and project a strong, calm, and confident energy that commands r...
Embracing Ambition and Humility for Career Succcess (with Ashwini Balasubramanian)
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How can you dream big and excel in your career? Real success starts with a growth mindset and self-advocacy. Discover how Ashwini Balasubramanian, Pr...
Why Boldness Beats Baby Steps: The Secret to Speaking Up and Standing Out
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered how to take bold, audacious steps to transform your career and life? Find out why these bold moves matter, how to overcome the fear, and...
Why Women Are Interrupted More: Strategies for Speaking Up and Being Heard
13 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you tired of being interrupted in meetings? Learn effective strategies to reclaim your voice and make sure your ideas are heard. This episode addr...
How to Outwit Your Brain’s Fear and Speak Boldly at Work
06 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Does fear hold you back from speaking up or advocating for yourself at work? It’s not your fault. Your brain is hardwired to avoid risks, but stayin...
5 Traps Keeping You Stuck in Your Career (And How to Speak Up to Break Free)
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you waiting for your boss to notice your hard work? Frustrated because you’ve tried speaking up, but nothing seems to change? Or holding off unt...
8 Ways To Stop Feeling Guilty About Prioritizing Your Own Needs and Desires
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Feel guilty about putting yourself first? Discover ways to prioritize your needs without feeling selfish. Explore the common culprit of guilt experien...
3 Proven Ways To Advocate For Yourself At Work Without Sounding Pushy or Aggressive
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Master self-Advocacy at work. Learn 3 strategies to succeed without losing your authenticity. Get what you deserve at even if you're hesitant to speak...
10 Hidden Costs of Staying Silent – Why We All Need Self-Advocacy
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What are the real costs of staying silent? Staying quiet might seem like the safe choice, but the long-term consequences can be significant. Discover ...
Are You Your Best Advocate? Discover the Missing Self Advocacy Skills You Need To Take Control Of Your Career (Quiz)
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You are meant to be your own best advocate. But are you? Assess your self-advocacy skills through this quiz. Through ten insightful questions, you’...
Making Your Voice Count: Self-Advocacy for Recognition and Respect
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you missing out on career opportunities because you're afraid to speak up at work? Discover why you might be staying silent instead of advocati...
Got a People Pleasing Boss? Here’s How to Handle It
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever felt the frustration of dealing with a passive, people-pleaser boss? Discover the challenges of working under a conflict-averse leader and learn...
Never Give Up: How Persistence Leads to Achieving Your Dreams (with Katherine Tuluzova)
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What’s the difference between those who achieve a lot and those who don’t? In this episode we hear from Katherine Tuluzova, CEO of Sigma Software ...
20 Powerful Questions to Confront Passive-Aggressive Behavior at Work
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can you handle passive-aggressive coworkers and get them to speak up openly? Passive aggressive types are vague and avoid transparent conversation...
Bold and Kind: Turning Assertiveness into Kindness
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can assertiveness contribute to increased kindness and compassionate interactions? By mastering assertiveness, you can foster personal growth, hap...
Unfair Treatment, Retaliation, Or Discrimination? Reporting Issues And Navigating Internal Investigations At Work (with Natalie Ivy)
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What should you do if you or your employee face bullying, retaliation, discrimination, or harassment at work? It’s important to understand how the i...
Mastering Self-Advocacy: A Childhood Lesson That Every Adult Can Learn From
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When was the first time you advocated for yourself? It may not be perfect, but it can certainly change your life. Tune in to this episode to discover:...
How to Pivot Your Career Successfully: Self-Advocacy Strategies for Change (with Kendra Matthews)
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you looking to make a significant career change but feel daunted by the challenges ahead? Discover how Kendra Matthews successfully pivoted her c...
Courageous Leadership: Becoming a Trusted Advisor (with Dr. Nicole Wieberneit)
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can you cultivate and sustain courage in leadership? Discover how courageous leadership not only shapes your career but ignites change in your org...
Breaking Barriers with Accountability and Influence: A Leadership Guide (with Mary Hope McQuiston)
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do successful leaders always find it easy to speak up? Not necessarily. Join us in this episode as Mary Hope McQuiston, VP and General Manager at Auto...
Self-Advocacy at Work: Your Questions Answered
08 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn practical techniques to confidently advocate for yourself, negotiate better outcomes, and build positive relationships. This episode covers stra...
Mastering Self-Advocacy at Work: 6 Proven Ways to Advocate for Yourself
07 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Struggling to speak up for yourself at work? Learn six powerful ways to advocate for yourself without fear of pushback. This episode equips you with p...
Lead Yourself to Success: Developing Soft Skills (with Sandra Bower)
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can soft skills and emotional intelligence pave the way to career success? Discover the crucial role of self-leadership in professional growth, as...
Step Up Your Leadership Game: Use Appreciation Languages to Inspire Your Team
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Many people feel underappreciated at work. Part of the problem is that most people express appreciation in their own preferred language rather than th...
What Do You Stand For? How To Use Your Beliefs to Communicate Your Identity
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What do you truly stand for, and how can you use your voice to advocate for it? Uncover the core values that define your identity, and then talk abou...
Unleash Your Bold Voice: Master 6 Key Opportunities to Speak Up at Work
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Your voice is part of your personal brand if you use it often. Elevate your presence by mastering six essential ways to speak up in professional set...
Fear of Disappointing Others? Here's How to Still Speak Up and Thrive
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can you overcome the fear of disappointing others and confidently speak up for yourself? It’s a common issue, but it doesn’t have to hold you ...
Turning Bias into Respect: 10 Proven Strategies to Overcome Discrimination in the Office
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How to handle discrimination with professionalism and positivity? Learn practical strategies to address and overcome bias in the workplace by maintai...
13 Proven Strategies to Foster Assertive Communication in Your Team
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can you create a culture of assertive communication within your team? Assertive communication, characterized by respectful, calm, and effective i...
23 Brilliant Questions to Ask in Meetings That Showcase Your Intelligence
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Why do so many professionals stay silent in meetings, especially when senior stakeholders are present? This episode addresses the fear of speaking up ...
Finding Your Brave: Make Speaking Up Non-Negotiable (with Anupama Toshniwal)
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you make speaking up a non-negotiable? Embracing bravery to speak up, even in challenging scenarios, can be transformative for your career and pers...
Assertive Communication Made Easy: Learn the DESC Script for Effective Conversations
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can you navigate difficult conversations with ease and assertiveness? By using the DESC script, you can effectively communicate your feelings and ...
Mastering Assertive Eye Contact: 7 Tips To Boost Your Presence and Confidence
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Assertive eye contact can significantly boost your presence and confidence in the workplace. In this episode, we explore the power of eye contact wit...
Your Words Are Your Best Friend or Your Worst Enemy – Depends On How You Use Them (with Indrani Halder)
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Your words are your instrument and weapon if you know how to use them. They can support your leadership or backfire. In this episode, Indrani Halder, ...
Master the Five Minute Speak Up Debrief Ritual: Boost Courage & Speaking Skills
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can you learn to elevate your voice by speaking up fearlessly? By using the Five-Minute Speak Up Debrief Ritual, you can systematically enhance y...
33 Essential Self-Advocacy Rights You Should Assert Daily
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Discover 33 rights you need to know and that that you forgot you had. Knowing these rights can empower you to become your best advocate. This episode ...
How To Respond Assertively When You’re Labeled Too Aggressive, Abrasive, or Difficult
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever been told you're too aggressive or difficult at work? Learn how to navigate and respond to unhelpful feedback and stereotypes. In this e...
3 Actions that Showcase True Commitment and Support
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can you identify if someone is genuinely committed to your success? True commitment involves more than just compliments and gifts. In this episode...
How to Protect Yourself from Manipulative People: 7 Effective Strategies
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can you protect yourself from manipulation at work while maintaining your good-natured personality? You don’t have to change who you are to safe...
Find Your Bold Voice: 4 Things You Must Commit to Now
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you struggling to find your bold voice in the workplace? Commit to these four essential actions and watch your confidence soar. In this episode ...
Experimentation: The Key to Developing Powerful Communication Styles
17 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can you expand your communication style for greater influence and effectiveness? By experimenting with different approaches, you can adapt your co...
Overcoming Fear of Failure: The Power of Experimentation (with Margaret Wang Johnston)
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can I overcome the fear of failure in my career? Embracing an experimentation mindset can transform your fear of failure into a powerful tool for ...
Assertive, Passive, Aggressive, or Passive-Aggressive? Which Is Your Communication Style
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you know which communication style you naturally use and how it impacts your success? Understanding the different communication styles can help you...
How To Overcome Imposter Syndrome: Real Strategies
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can you make sure that you don't allow imposter syndrome to hold you back? It's okay to have imposter syndrome, but it's not okay to allow it to h...
Assertiveness 101: Enhancing, Not Changing, Your Personality
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Can being assertive elevate your authentic self? Many people are afraid that assertive communication will change who they are, yet it enhaces your per...
How to Deal with Difficult Coworkers Without Compromising Your Integrity (Examples)
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How to stay calm and maintain your integrity when handling challenging coworkers? Discover effective strategies to handle challenging colleagues witho...
Rebranding Your Leadership: Combining Internal Values and External Traits
27 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can you redefine your personal brand for career advancement while staying authentic? By identifying and combining traits that reflect both your i...
How to Find a Mentor: 8 Proven Real-Life Examples for Success
22 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered how to find the perfect mentor who can guide you on your career journey? Finding a mentor can nerve-wreaking, but with the right approac...
When Being Real Goes Wrong: Authenticity Pitfalls and Fixes
20 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when authenticity in the workplace goes wrong? Authenticity in the workplace can sometimes backfire, leading to professional pitfalls and...
3 Examples of Persistence Paying Off At Work (Without Being Annoying)
15 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you ever feel like giving up at work when your ideas are overlooked or your contributions undervalued? Persistence is often the key to success, but...
Communication Value Creation: 13 Proven Strategies to Add Value to Your Work Conversations
13 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can you elevate your work discussions to make them more impactful? Being a good communicator isn't just about talking; it's about strategically en...
Confident Humility: How to Balance A Strong Voice With Vulnerable Leadership (with Dr. Monique Sendze)
08 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you ever wonder how to assert yourself while being humble? Dr. Monique Sendze, Vice President for IT and CIO at California State University, Chico...
8 Smart Moves to Make When Speaking Up Goes Wrong
06 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do you bounce back after speaking up backfires? Mastering the art of recovery can turn missteps into empowering moments. Curious how to handle the...
Embrace Your Edge: How To Handle Microaggressions (with Hang Black)
01 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever felt underestimated or sidelined due to subtle prejudices? This episode explores practical strategies to tackle such challenges head-on....
9 Pro Tips for Fearless Conversations at Work, Even For Introverts
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can you go from a timid voice to a bold voice so that you can confidently speak your mind? Many professionals struggle with the fear of voicing th...
How to Advocate for What Matters Without Overstepping at Work
24 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you find it challenging to express your needs in the workplace without causing friction? Whether you're expressing what you want or negotiating you...
How To Speak Assertively Without Being Confrontational
22 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do you speak assertively with someone without causing conflict? In this episode, you’ll find out an easy strategy to confidently express what is...
Finding Strength in Loss: Redefining Identity through Grief (with Lydia Ivy)
17 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can we find strength and support when losing a job or in grief? Do you struggle with your identity? Join us as Lydia Ivy, a leader in employee com...
Cognitive Biases at Work: Why They Matter for Both Quiet and Loud Voices
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Think you're immune to cognitive biases? Think again. Find out which ones are holding you back. It turns out, cognitive biases might be the silent cul...