#150 – Who do you become when you say no?

Back in 2016, while researching female leadership for my master's thesis, I interviewed a PR firm leader who shared a key insight.

In their world, promotions aren't just about titles – they're about hourly rates, and every client needs to sign off. Clients recognize true leadership potential when someone can confidently push back on their ideas. Not to be difficult, but to provide genuine, honest advice – even if it might cost them the job.

The difference in attitude is clear: when we try to "protect" ourselves (because our Ego is at the helm), we want to please those we feel have power over us.

When, on the contrary, we're in our full personal power, our only goal is to serve the moment in front of us – because our True Self is leading.

Feeling we don't need protection, we can be 100% honest, even if that means making others uncomfortable and risking being rejected or even shunned.

That's what a true leader is: someone who says no when no is necessary. Someone who "speaks truth to power" even when doing so endangers their own position.

What no was necessary for you to go to your next level of growth?

Love,

Carolina