When the pressure to say “yes” is ever-present, the power to say “no” becomes an essential skill. In an episode of the Women in Revenue podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Julia Stead, a seasoned marketing executive and CMO of 15Five, who shared her insights on why saying “no” is not only a right but a crucial aspect of personal and professional empowerment.
Embracing the Power of No
Julia Stead has built a remarkable career by making empowered decisions. She opens up about the challenges she faced early in her career, often feeling the need to overcommit and overdeliver. It wasn’t until she learned to assertively say “no” that she truly began to thrive. Julia’s story is a testament to the strength found in setting boundaries and prioritizing what truly matters.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
Setting Boundaries: Julia discusses the importance of setting clear boundaries, such as not taking on projects that don’t fall within her wheelhouse, and how this has helped her achieve a healthier work-life balance. By saying “no” to tasks that do not align with her goals, she has been able to focus on what truly matters.
Valuing Your Time: Time is a finite resource, and Julia emphasizes the importance of valuing your own time. She shares practical tips, such as time-blocking techniques to allocate specific periods for focused work, which empowers you to assess which commitments are worth your investment and which are not.
Building Respect: Learning to say “no” can also build respect among colleagues and peers. Julia shares anecdotes from her career where her ability to decline requests has led to greater respect and stronger professional relationships. Julia also discusses how she used to respond to every email and attend every meeting, which led to constant interruptions and reduced productivity. She implemented a system where she only responded to critical communications and set specific times to check emails. This approach significantly improved her efficiency and allowed her to dedicate more time to strategic work.
Empowering Others: By saying “no” to overextending herself, Julia has empowered her team to take on more responsibility, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration.
Why This Matters for Women in Revenue
The ability to say “no” is particularly relevant for women in revenue-focused roles. Often, the expectation to meet ambitious targets and deliver outstanding results can lead to burnout and a diminished quality of life. Julia’s insights provide a roadmap for women to navigate these challenges with confidence and assertiveness. This roadmap builds your confidence and gives you grace to be ok with not taking on everything. Saying “no” means “yes” to being set up for success.
Listen to Julia Stead empower you to say “no”
At Women in Revenue, we believe in empowering women to take control of their careers and make decisions that align with their personal and professional values. Our community offers a supportive network where women can share experiences, gain insights, and grow together.
If you found Julia Stead’s insights inspiring, we invite you to join our community. Sign up for Women in Revenue today and become part of a movement dedicated to empowering women in all aspects of their careers.
Listen to Julia Stead empower you to say “no”
Final Thoughts
Julia Stead’s episode on the power of saying “no” is a transformative guide to unlocking your inner strength and achieving true empowerment. By embracing her practical tips—such as setting firm boundaries, valuing your time, fostering respect, and empowering those around you—you can create a balanced career that enhances both your professional and personal life. A well-balanced career not only leads to greater job satisfaction and productivity but also supports your overall well-being and long-term success. Julia’s inspiring journey offers a roadmap for taking control of your professional life with confidence and grace. Don’t miss out on her insightful advice; tune in to the full episode and start your journey toward a more fulfilling and balanced career today.
