

DEFY with Dr. Sunita Sah
Mar 3, 2025
Sharon McMahon chats with Dr. Sunita Sah, an award-winning Cornell professor and author of "DEFY: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes." Dr. Sah discusses the transformative concept of defiance—not as rebellion, but as a way to uphold personal values. They explore the psychological pressures to conform, the struggles with 'insinuation anxiety,' and the importance of asserting oneself in both personal and professional settings. Listeners will gain insight on how to navigate societal expectations and the power of saying no.
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Redefining Defiance
- Defiance is often misunderstood as negative, rebellious behavior.
- True defiance involves acting according to your values, even under pressure.
Identify and Act on Values
- Write down your core values to better understand and act on them.
- Ask yourself, "What would a person with these values do in this situation?"
Compliance Under Pressure
- Two rookie police officers complied with Derek Chauvin's actions against George Floyd.
- This highlights the gap between our believed and actual behavior under pressure.