THIS Leader Podcast
Episode 39: The Power of Assertiveness (Find Your Voice!)
November 4, 2025
Growing up too agreeable cost me career opportunities, led me into wrong relationships, and left me following everyone else's agenda instead of my own. In this deeply personal episode, I share my journey from chronic people-pleaser to assertive leader and reveal the two types of assertiveness every leader needs to master.
Discover practical frameworks, including the powerful Boundary + Unarguable Statement + Constructive Request formula, that transform assertiveness from confrontational to genuinely collaborative.
Listen Now
Listen Now
This lack of assertiveness cost me career opportunities, led to wrong relationships, and left me constantly following everyone else's agenda while building deep resentment. Assertiveness is the pathway from powerlessness to choice, requiring two types: boundary-setting (protecting time and energy) and path-carving (knowing yourself and speaking up).
I share practical frameworks, including I-statements, speaking unarguably, and the transformative Boundary + Unarguable Statement + Constructive Request formula. The "Assertiveness Staircase" guides escalation when needed.
Foundation first: you can't advocate for what matters without knowing what matters. When you know what you stand for, assertiveness becomes less about courage, more about integrity—showing up authentically and contributing your unique value.
"When nothing is really important to you, it's easy to get pulled into anything that's important to the people around you. When you don't know what you stand for, you'll follow almost anything."
Highlights from this episode:
To learn more about my services, subscribe to my newsletter, and for additional tools to enhance your leadership impact, visit ClaireLaughlin.com and connect with me on social channels @Claire Laughlin Consulting.
Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! New episodes are released weekly, and we'd love for you to share them with others who might benefit.
Subscribe for weekly inspiration
Get it delivered right to your inbox!
Enter your name and email below and you'll get the inside scoop when we release a new episode on the podcast plus weekly leadership inspiration. We know you're not one to miss out on a good thing!
ClaireLaughlin.com needs the contact information you provide to us to contact you about our products and services. You may unsubscribe from these communications at anytime. See our privacy policy for terms and conditions and to learn how we protect your data.
About your Host
Claire Laughlin, MA, Organizational Development Consultant
Hi! I'm Claire Laughlin, and I love helping leaders like you create workplaces where people truly thrive.
For over two decades, I've been rolling up my sleeves alongside teams and organizations, using hands-on methods that actually work (because let's face it - theory only gets you so far!).Â
I specialize in teaching leaders how to engage their teams, helping managers become more effective facilitators, and showing people how to work better together.
I'm also a master facilitator for the Six Types of Working Genius® - a fantastic tool that helps you understand and leverage your natural talents.
When I'm not helping leaders like you build happy, high-energy workplaces, I'm enjoying a hike in the forest with my dog Fiona, spending time with my family or curled up with a great book.
Listen Now
Let's keep the party going!
We have tons of great episodes waiting for you! Check them out on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Episode #37:
Escaping the Drama Triangle
 Why do some meetings energize teams while others drain them?
In this revealing episode, I pull back the curtain on facilitative leadership skills that transform ordinary meetings into powerful collaborative sessions where everyone contributes fully.
Discover five simple techniques you can use immediately to shift from being the person with all the answers to the leader who helps groups find the best answers together.
Episode #38:Â Learning Control, Appreciation, and Letting Go with Kate Terrell
What if letting go of control actually gives you more power as a leader?
In this episode, former Chief Human Resources Officer Kate Terrell shares how her journey through stage-four cancer transformed her approach to leadership.
Discover Kate's framework for development conversations that balance deep care with unwavering accountability.
