Speak Your Mind Unapologetically is the leadership communication podcast for people leaders — managers, directors, and VPs — who want to speak up, lead bold conversations, and influence outcomes that matter.
Whether you're addressing conflict, delivering feedback, leading meetings, or navigating difficult conversations, this podcast gives you practical strategies to:
👉🏼 Communicate with clarity, confidence, and conviction=
👉🏼 Influence decisions and build trust across functions
👉🏼 Speak up under pressure — without sounding aggressive or backing down
👉🏼 Encourage your team to share ideas, concerns, and feedback
👉🏼 Tackle conflict, disagreement, and misalignment early and effectively
You'll hear insights, frameworks, and stories from real workplaces — all designed to help you grow your leadership impact through communication.
🎙 With 400+ episodes, the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically Podcast is trusted by people leaders across Fortune 500s, healthcare, tech, startups, and global organizations.
ABOUT THE HOST
Ivna Curi is a Fortune 500 speaker, TEDx speaker, and host of the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically Podcast. She's a Forbes contributor, author of Unapologetic Voice, and founder of the Assertive Way Institute. A former corporate leader with an MBA from INSEAD and over 20,000 leaders trained, Ivna brings global experience and real-world strategies that help leaders drive results through bold communication.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Assertive Way Institute helps organizations empower people leaders to lead bold conversations, influence outcomes, and build courageous speak-up cultures. Our workshops and talks help people leaders become confident, clear communicators — and turn workplace communication into a competitive advantage.
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The One Conversation at Work You're Afraid to Have — And How to Finally Do It Right
Season 1
Thursday, November 20, 2025 • Duration 31:33
Most people don't struggle with speaking up in general. They struggle with one specific conversation that feels risky — a conversation with career, relationship, or emotional consequences.
Whether it's a performance review, a promotion request, a conflict, a micromanaging boss, a workload pushback, a boundary conversation, or a situation where you feel overlooked or disrespected… avoiding the conversation always feels safe in the moment, but it silently costs you confidence, influence, visibility, and self-respect.
In this episode, you'll discover:
Why certain conversations feel so intimidating
What's really driving the fear of conflict, backlash, or judgment
The hidden psychological and career consequences of staying silent
What changes when you approach these conversations strategically rather than reactively
How to communicate with clarity, respect, and strength — without aggression or over-explaining
If you've been overthinking a conversation at work or losing sleep about what to say, this episode will give you the roadmap to finally move forward.
🎁 Free Resource: Download the 30 Power Shifts Guide — a free, practical cheat sheet with real-life "weak vs. powerful" word swaps for meetings, presentations, and everyday conversations.
Replace soft, hesitant phrases with powerful, natural ones.
Speak with clarity, conviction, and calm authority.
Why Every Leadership Problem Is Really a Communication Problem (with Lily Lapenna, MBE and Amy Ewbank)
Season 1
Monday, November 10, 2025 • Duration 39:15
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 are joined by Lily Lapenna, MBE, communication coach and facilitator, honored by Queen Elizabeth for her impact work, and Amy Ewbank, expert in voice and former professional actor and Head of HR. Amy Ewbank and Lily Lapenna are Co-CEO's at Verve Leaders They share how to express your true essence and the art of joyful communication.
You'll discover:
The 3 Es Framework (Essence, Expression, Environment) that transforms the way you communicate.
What Prince William taught me about communication in 3 minutes.
How to listen to what's not being said, and create trust through attunement.
How to pitch, present, and persuade with storytelling that enchants.
The secret confidence technique of powerful speakers.
What every great pitch needs to land, that most people avoid.
Amy Ewbank and Lily Lapenna are Co-CEO's at Verve Leaders
Lily Lapenna, MBE, is a communication geek working with professional to help them get heard and be remembered. She works in academic institutions Like Harvard and Oxford university on business and communication. She is a passionate coach and facilitator around all things communication. She was honored by Queen Elizabeth with an MBE for her social impact work.
Amy Ewbank is a leadership coach, communication strategist, and expert in voice. She began her career as a professional actor, performing in repertory theatre, BBC Radio, and Channel 4 amongst others. She also has experience working as Head of HR at a UK national charity, she has been featured on Sky News, Channel 5 and The Guardian for her work on the stage and beyond.
How To Bridge Cultural Divides And Cultivate Respectful Conversations? (with Dr. Shaun Carver)
Season 1
Monday, August 25, 2025 • Duration 39:59
How can leaders can bridge cultural divides, welcome diverse team members, and cultivate respectful conversations? How can you be civil with uncivil people? These are some of the questions that Dr. Shaun Carver, Executive Director of International House at UC Berkeley, answers in this episode. He's spent over two decades leading in global education, from China to California, creating spaces where people from all backgrounds and cultures can connect, communicate, and thrive.
In this episode, you'll discover:
03:24 Experiences in China and joining international house
04:19 Learning from cultural communication missteps
05:27 Civility and respect in disagreement in a diverse environment
08:35 The food strategy in connecting diverse people
12:43 The secret to not feeling offended
14:18 Ideas to seek out diverse interactions beyond comfort zones
17:27 Why a mission statement doesn't create a culture that bridges team divides
20:45 How smart leaders hire even smarter people and invite challenge and dissent
25:57 How to not censor free speech yet ensure civility
29:35 Conflict comes from not understanding others
30:15 Why hating a person is harter than hating a label
32:35 How to be civil with uncivil people
34:33 When is it appropriate to speak about taboo topics like politics, religion, and cultures
37:07 Why hatred comes from opinions based on ignorance, not experience (and how to fix that)
✅ About Dr. Shaun Carver: Dr. Shaun Carver, Executive Director and CEO, International House at UC Berkeley. With over 20 years of experience in international education and higher learning, Shaun is the Executive Director and CEO of International House at UC Berkeley, a renowned institution that fosters intercultural respect and understanding among people from around the world. Prior to I-House he served as Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs in the Rady School of Management, UC San Diego (2017–2020) and as Executive Director of the Hult International Business School (Boston, New York, San Francisco, Shanghai; 2013–2017), where he oversaw 750 students representing 82 countries. Before that he served in leadership positions in institutions of international higher education in China (2002–2013) at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, Tsinghua University, and the Sino-British College of the University of Shanghai Science and Technology (USST). He holds a Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California and an MBA from California State University San Marcos.
Ending Workplace Abuse: How To Document and Emerging Laws (with Kimberly Williams)
Season 1 · Episode 334
Wednesday, March 20, 2024 • Duration 48:34
How do you prove emotional abuse at work? To handle or report workplace bullying, you need to know your rights and options. When you don't, you end up a silent victim. But where do you start, and what steps can you take to ensure your voice is heard? Join us with Kimberly Williams, Vice President of People, Culture & Compliance at Walker Advertising, who shares her personal experience with workplace harassment as well as a breakdown of employee's workplace rights and compliance.
Tune in to this episode to discover:
✔️ Effective strategies for dealing with workplace abuse and how to bring about change.
✔️ The right way to document workplace abuse incidents to strengthen your case.
✔️ Insights on when and how to involve HR in reporting workplace abuse, and what to expect.
✔️ Navigating lawsuits and the legalities of workplace disputes – know before you go!
✔️ The importance of knowing your rights as an employee and how emerging laws, like The Psychological Workplace Safety Act, are shaping the future of workplace bullying legislation.
✔️ Real-world examples of workplace abuse and actionable tips on requesting outside investigation.
Instrumental in fostering Walker Advertising's inclusive and award-winning culture, Vice President Kim Williams is responsible for all aspects of people operations. Recognized for her integrity and interpersonal skills, Kim has also been acknowledged for her creative approaches to recruitment and retention. She has an unparalleled reputation for navigating turbulence and change as well as nurturing positive relationships with colleagues at all levels of an organization. She began her HR career as a diplomat with the U.S. Department of State where she tackled complex personnel challenges, negotiated at the United Nations in Vienna, and received awards for her precedent-setting work in diversity and inclusion. With a passion for community service, Kim lives Walker's unique core values that holds social responsibility and innovation as foundations for growth.
Manage Your Manager: How To Be Assertive With Your Boss
Season 1 · Episode 333
Monday, March 18, 2024 • Duration 32:57
If you feel like your manager doesn't appreciate or recognize you enough, micromanages, or disrespects you, or if you are overworked and under paid, you'll need to better manage your boss. Tune in to this episode and discover:
✔️The 6-step framework to manage your boss.
✔️Do's and don'ts when it comes to managing up.
✔️How to perform due diligence with a new line manager.
✔️The importance of empathizing with your boss.
✔️How to start off on a strong note and maintain a positive relationship with your manager.
✔️How to handle conflict or even break up with your boss with grace.
Bold Moves: How to Thrive Without Letting Fear Hold You Back (with Stephanie Steeves)
Season 1 · Episode 332
Wednesday, March 13, 2024 • Duration 50:55
Ever found yourself facing a frightening opportunity, unsure whether to step forward into uncertainty or stay safe? Don't let fear dictate your path to success. If you're aiming to grow and do more, embracing boldness is non-negotiable. But how can you push past fear to make those audacious moves? Dive into this discussion with Stephanie Steeves, Global Director of Marketing at Merck Animal Health.
Tune in to this episode to discover:
✔️ How embracing opportunities you're not fully prepared for could lead to your biggest breakthroughs.
✔️ The power of saying "yes" to scary challenges and figuring out the "how" later.
✔️ Why you need to ask for what you want, even when you anticipate rejection.
✔️ Strategies for seeking out public speaking opportunities despite shyness to propel your career forward.
✔️ Deciding how you'll support your causes, whether in publicity or behind the scenes.
5 Subtle Ways to Showcase Your Achievements Without Boasting
Season 1 · Episode 331
Monday, March 11, 2024 • Duration 09:33
Are you struggling to promote yourself at work without sounding boastful? Discover the secret to self-promotion that feels authentic and humble. Ever wondered how you can highlight your achievements without coming off as arrogant? We delve into the art of self-promotion in the workplace. With a fine balance between confidence and humility, promoting yourself effectively can lead to career growth, opportunities, and recognition.
Tune in to this episode to discover:
✔️ The top 5 ways to subtly promote yourself at work without crossing into bragging territory.
✔️ Strategies to use when talking about your achievements, making your self-promotion feel natural and well-received.
✔️ The crucial reasons why self-promotion isn't just beneficial but essential for your career development and how to do it right.
Leading Through Change: Real Talk & Lessons from Those Who've Been There (with Suzanne Knight)
Season 1 · Episode 330
Wednesday, March 6, 2024 • Duration 45:35
Change is hard. Why do people resist change in organizations, and how can leaders effectively overcome this resistance? Join us in this real talk with lessons from a leader who has been there. Our guest, Suzanne Knight, CEO & Founder, mBolden Ltd., discusses strategies for leading through transformational change and dealing with resistance.
She shares the importance of executive buy-in, clear communication of the vision, and understanding the human impact of change. Suzanne highlights the challenges of initiating change from within the organization and how external consultants can often be more effective due to their neutrality.
She also discusses the role of KPIs and the importance of balancing different stakeholder interests. Lastly, she provides advice for employees navigating change, focusing on constructive resistance and up-skilling to adapt to the future of work.
Tune in to this episode to discover:
✔️ The emotional landscape of change and its profound impact on organizations.
✔️ Vital strategies for overcoming resistance to change by engaging vision and clear communication.
✔️ The importance of external consultants in providing neutral perspectives for effective change management.
✔️ How pilot programs and testing phases are pivotal in the successful implementation of change initiatives.
✔️ Empowering strategies for employees to constructively embrace and adapt to change, enhancing their future work prospects.
✅ About Suzanne Knight:
Suzanne Knight is an award-winning expert and keynote speaker on transformational change and the future of work. CEO and Founder of mBolden consulting firm, Suzanne works with clients around the world helping them anticipate and adapt to change so they can thrive, rather than just survive. Through her own firm and nearly a decade at Deloitte, Suzanne worked with over 40 clients in 12 countries. Beyond her consulting work, Suzanne is an active angel investor with The Firehood, start-up advisor, and tech founder. She previously spent 5 years with Walmart Canada as Vice President, Transformation Services and Philip Morris International as National Director of Organizational Effectiveness, leading organization transformation and change in both roles.
Avoid These 10 Boundary Mistakes That Make You Look Difficult
Season 1 · Episode 331
Monday, March 4, 2024 • Duration 26:48
Ever wondered why your attempts at establishing limits are met with resistance, or why your conversations don't lead to the mutual respect you're aiming for? We'll delve deep into the mistakes you might not even realize you're making, and how they can negatively impact your interactions.
Tune in to this episode to discover:
✔️ The importance of context and tone in boundary-setting conversations to prevent miscommunication.
✔️ Examples of passive-aggressive or aggressive boundary-setting language.
✔️ 7 Principles for confrontation-free boundaries.
Control Your Voice: Overcoming Workplace Challenges with Poise and Power (with Wendy Delmolino)
Season 1 · Episode 328
Wednesday, February 28, 2024 • Duration 55:08
Are you struggling to make your voice heard in the professional world? Learning to control and effectively use your voice can dramatically shift how you're perceived and influence your career trajectory. But where do you start?
Our guest Wendy Demolino, a seasoned tech executive with a wealth of experience from Oracle to Microsoft, takes us through her path from her initial struggles with communication control to becoming a commanding presence.
Wendy candidly discusses her early days, being labeled as polarizing, "the kid," and a "rookie," and how she navigated these challenges to manage her crying, overcome workplace labels, and master the art of effective networking.
Tune in to this episode to discover:
✔️ A practical strategy for managing emotional responses like crying and maintaining professionalism, even when frustration levels are high.
✔️ Insights into navigating workplace labels, stereotypes, and overcoming negative perceptions to reshape your professional image.
✔️ The critical importance of being in the right places for career opportunities and how to ensure you're invited to the 'party.'
✔️ Guidance on when to take the lead as a spokesperson and when it's strategic to let others speak, balancing visibility and inclusivity.
✔️ Tips for casual networking that can lead to finding a mentor or sponsor, crucial for career advancement.
✅ About Wendy Delmolino:
Currently retired after a 30-year career in the Washington area Technology industry, Wendy most recently held the position of Microsoft Global Customer Success Leader for the Americas working to accelerate customers' digital transformations through adoption of Microsoft Cloud. Prior to Microsoft, Wendy spent over 28 years at Oracle Corporation in a number of roles across both commercial and government businesses, including Vice President Customer Success leading teams responsible for approximately half of Oracle's North American Cloud Technology customers.
Suzanne volunteers as a SickKids Innovator, mentor with Urban Squash Toronto, and is on the HR Committee of JIAS. She has served as head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for a Consumer Goods company, on the Executive Advisory Council for Walmart Canada's Women in Retail program, and on the Foundation Board of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection.
Suzanne has an MA in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and MBA in Finance and Strategy. In 2023, she was recognized on The Peak's Emerging (under age 40) Leaders List and The DMZ's Women of the Year.
Throughout her career, Wendy has been an advocate of diversity in the technology industry including representing Oracle on the United States House of Representatives Women's Conference Panel, as an Executive Sponsor in Microsoft Accessibility Resource Groups and mentoring those in under-represented communities. In 2018, Wendy began mentoring through Girls in Technology (GIT), a Women in Technology Washington, D.C. program and is currently the Mentor Liaison for the Mentor-Protégé Committee.
Based out of the Washington, D.C. metro area, Wendy's passion is her family including her husband Dominic, her children Peter and Francesca, and beloved Labrador retriever Fenway. Wendy enjoys relaxing hikes in the Washington area, trips to Walt Disney World in Florida and participating in runDisney races.
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