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Dr. Sunita Sah

Cornell professor specializing in organizational psychology, influence, authority, compliance, and defiance. Author of 'Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes'.

Top 10 podcasts with Dr. Sunita Sah

Ranked by the Snipd community
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459 snips
Jan 14, 2025 • 28min

How to Get Better at Saying No

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Sunita Sah, a Cornell professor and author of "Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes," explores the often-overlooked power of saying no. She emphasizes how societal pressures can stifle individual voices in the workplace. Dr. Sah introduces a framework for evaluating compliance versus defiance, offering strategies to assert personal values effectively. Listeners learn the importance of timing and emotional complexity when saying no, ultimately encouraging a culture of open communication and respect.
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135 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 1h 11min

Why You Say Yes When You Shouldn't — And How To Say No When It Matters Most | Dr. Sunita Sah

Dr. Sunita Sah, a Cornell professor and author of 'Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes,' redefines defiance in a society that pressures compliance. She discusses the five stages of defiance and how it can be practiced, emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s values. Listeners learn about the biological and psychological aspects of saying no, particularly within cultural contexts, and discover practical strategies for setting boundaries and navigating societal expectations. Defiance is not just resistance; it's a path to empowerment.
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112 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 36min

The Cost of Compliance for Our Kids

Dr. Sunita Sah, an organizational psychologist and author of "Defy: The Power of No in a World that Demands Yes," discusses the hidden costs of raising overly compliant children. She explores how uncritical compliance can silence kids in critical moments. Sunita introduces the five stages of defiance and stresses the importance of practicing small acts of defiance to build confidence. She also emphasizes that balancing cooperation and defiance in parenting is crucial for nurturing independent, courageous adults.
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99 snips
Jan 13, 2025 • 36min

715: How to Stand Up for Yourself, with Sunita Sah

Sunita Sah, an award-winning professor at Cornell and author of *Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes*, shares her insights on defiance and compliance. She discusses how defiance is a nuanced process rather than a snap judgement. Sunita explains the five stages of defiance and highlights the concept of ‘insinuation anxiety,’ which leads people to prioritize social harmony over personal values. Through personal anecdotes, she emphasizes the importance of standing firm in healthcare choices and asserts that true defiance aligns with one’s core values.
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82 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 40min

Why Having the Courage to Defy Makes us Happier (with Dr Sunita Sah)

Dr. Sunita Sah, a physician and professor at Cornell University, discusses the transformative power of defiance in her book, 'Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes.' She explains how embracing the courage to say no can enhance our happiness. The conversation dives into the dangers of blind obedience, historical insights from the Milgram experiments, and the concept of 'insinuation anxiety' that holds us back. Sunita emphasizes that staying true to personal values, even at a cost, is key to personal fulfillment and societal change.
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33 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 38min

How to say ‘no’: The power of defiance, with Sunita Sah, PhD

Sunita Sah, PhD, an organizational psychologist and author, dives into the challenges of saying 'no' in a world that pressures us to comply. She explores the empowering nature of defiance and its alignment with personal values. Topics include the critical differences between consent and compliance, and practical techniques to resist social pressures. Sah also discusses the 'voice empathy gap' in nursing, shedding light on the need for better communication across hierarchical structures. An insightful conversation on standing firm and asserting oneself!
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29 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 31min

Why is it so hard to say no?

Dr. Sunita Sah, a behavioural scientist and physician at Cornell, explores the perplexing reasons behind our difficulty in saying no. She highlights how social pressure, unclear consent, and a lack of defiance training lead us to comply against our better judgment. Drawing from the Milgram experiments, she discusses the concept of ‘insinuation anxiety’—the fear that saying no might imply distrust. Sunita also offers practical tips for mastering the art of refusal, framing defiance as a learnable skill. Her insights are particularly eye-opening for anyone seeking to reclaim their agency in daily interactions.
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20 snips
Apr 18, 2025 • 1h 16min

The Five Stages of Defiance with Dr. Sunita Sah

Dr. Sunita Sah, an award-winning professor at Cornell University and expert on defiance and influence, shares insights from her book, 'Defy: The Power of No in a World that Demands Yes.' She discusses the delicate balance of compliance and defiance, urging listeners to embrace their discomfort. The podcast explores the complexities of authentic versus performative defiance, its emotional impacts, and the importance of aligning actions with values. Dr. Sah also introduces the Defiance Compass, a tool for navigating personal values in today's demanding world.
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19 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 17min

Why Defiance Can Be a Virtue

Join Sunita Sah, a Cornell professor and author researching compliance and ethical decision-making, as she explores the virtue of defiance. She discusses how societal conditioning can suppress our voices, making it challenging to assert our boundaries. Learn how Milgram's experiments highlight compliance even under distress. Sah reframes defiance as a value-aligned action, offering insights on how to develop this skill and even how parents can encourage defiance in their children. Discover the empowerment that comes from saying 'no' and standing firm in your beliefs.
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19 snips
Jan 14, 2025 • 17min

Defy

Dr. Sunita Sah, a Cornell University professor and organizational psychologist, shares her insights from her book, 'Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes.' She redefines defiance as acting in harmony with one's true values amidst social pressures. Dr. Sah discusses the concept of conditioned compliance, revealing how early socialization can stifle authenticity. The podcast highlights five stages of defiance, emphasizing the necessity of clarity in personal values to combat fear and ensure actions align with one's principles.

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