How to Say No: Dr. Sunita Sah on Defying Social Pressure and Building Confidence

Hello Monday with Jessi Hempel

When was the last time you said “no”? In this episode of Hello Monday with Jessi Hempel, Dr. Sunita Sah, author of Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes, reveals the psychology behind decision-making, compliance, asserting your boundaries without guilt. Dr. Sah’s groundbreaking research on human behavior explores the psychological forces that lead us to follow bad advice and conform to social expectations. She introduces the concept of insinuation anxiety—the fear of giving negative feedback—and how it impacts our ability to speak up, even when something feels wrong. Dr. Sah also discusses how to navigate authority, cultivate confidence, and practice defiance in a way that aligns with your values. Whether you're facing pressure at work, in relationships, or within your own mind, this episode offers actionable strategies for setting boundaries, asserting your "no," and making decisions that truly serve your goals. Tune in for insights on how to build confidence, manage authority dynamics, and defy expectations when it matters most.

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