

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

447 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.

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.

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.

88 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.

72 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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

18 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 1h 1min
Episode 037: Choosing With Intent with Dr. Sunita Sah
Dr. Sunita Sah, a Cornell University organizational psychologist and former physician, dives into the mechanics of decision-making. She explores why we often choose the default option and presents the concept of defiance as a courageous alignment with our values. Sunita discusses the implications of compliance versus true consent and highlights how small acts of defiance can be practiced. She introduces the Defiance Compass as a tool for teaching integrity, aiming to foster critical thinkers and moral mavericks from a young age.


