10 Seconds To Air | June 3rd, 2025: How To Stop Saying “Yes” When We Really Mean “No” with Dr. Sunita Sah

How To Stop Saying “Yes” When We Really Mean “No”
with Dr. Sunita Sah

Have you ever said yes when you meant no?

Whether it’s nodding along with a doctor’s recommendation, going along with your boss, or staying silent in a meeting—most of us are guilty of complying when our gut says to speak up.

In this episode, organizational psychologist and Cornell professor Dr. Sunita Sah breaks down the powerful psychological forces behind why we comply—and how we can learn to defy. From her research on “insinuation anxiety” to her experience as a physician, Dr. Sah explains how to shift from automatic yeses to authentic decision-making so that we may all live true to our values.

She shares her three-question Defiance Compass, reveals how to truly give (or withhold) consent, and offers practical steps to stop performing agreement and start honoring your values.