Episode Length: ~15 minutes Host: Bron Stephens, Executive Coach & ex-CEO Podcast: Transform and Lead
Episode Summary: Saying no doesn’t have to make you cold, difficult, or unreliable—it can be your most powerful leadership move when done right. In this episode, Bron shares the hardest “yes” of her career (and the lesson that came with it), explores the gendered double standards around saying no, and gives three real-world strategies to protect your energy, build trust, and lead with intention.
This isn’t about being blunt. It’s about being deliberate.
In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why women are disproportionately asked to take on invisible, non-promotable work
The real cost of every “yes” that doesn’t align with your values
How to say no without guilt, defensiveness, or shutting people down
Three practical techniques to protect your time without burning bridges
The research behind givers, takers, and why boundaries are a leadership skill

Mentioned & Referenced:

Harvard Business Review – Are You Taking On Too Many Non-Promotable Tasks?
Adam Grant – Give and Take book
Linda Babcock – Research on non-promotable tasks (via CMU and HBR)
The Science of Decision-Making: Neuroscience and Strategic Pausing – American Psychological Association
Behavioural Economics & the Power of Framing

Love this episode? Share it with a fellow leader who’s ready to stop saying yes out of habit and start leading with clarity.
✨ Follow Bron on LinkedIn Learn more about Bron’s coaching and The Power Pivot program at bronstephens.com

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