Teaching in Higher Ed
Defy – The Power of Saying No in a World That Demands Yes
Mar 27, 2025
Dr. Sunita Sah, an award-winning professor at Cornell University and expert in organizational psychology, discusses the art of defiance and the importance of saying no. She emphasizes that defiance is a skill available to everyone, not just a personality trait. Through personal experiences, she illustrates the societal pressures in academia that make it hard to stand firm. The conversation encourages listeners to act in alignment with their true values, advocating for personal empowerment and authentic living in a world that often demands compliance.
44:23
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Quick takeaways
- Defiance is a skill that can be cultivated through practice, enabling individuals to assert their true values against societal pressures.
- Insinuation anxiety often hinders self-advocacy, emphasizing the need for proactive strategies to build confidence in asserting one's needs.
Deep dives
The Challenge of Saying No
Many individuals struggle with saying no due to early socialization that emphasizes compliance and obedience. This challenge is particularly evident in hierarchical professions such as academia and medicine, where expectations often prioritize conformity over assertiveness. Dr. Sunita Sa reflects on her personal experiences, illustrating how the pressure to comply can lead to a reluctance to voice dissent or assert one’s needs. The environment in which professionals operate can further complicate this, as many internalize a belief that being good equates to being compliant.
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