How To Overcome Initial Awkwardness with Mentors, Embrace Candor and Lean Thinking (with Kelly Thomas)

✅ Request A Customized Workshop For Your Team And Company:  http://assertiveway.com/workshops Ever wondered how to engage with a mentor without feeling awkward? Our guest has found out how. Kelly Thomas is an accomplished Operations and Pricing Leader for power generation, oil, and gas at GE Digital. Not only is she a beacon of candid communication and DEI advocacy, she also serves as the Women’s Network Co-Chair, and is a proud mom, mentor, and budding runner. Tune in to this episode to discover: ✔️The subtle art of engaging with your mentor even in the face of initial awkwardness. ✔️The transformation of mentors into sponsors and how it paves the way to success. ✔️The importance of using your mentor not just as a venting machine, but as a tool for growth. ✔️The essence of Lean Thinking and how it can be used to gain support and buy-in. ✔️A real-world approach to applying Lean Thinking in group problem-solving scenarios. ✔️The fulfillment derived from giving and receiving feedback with candor. Through her own journey and experiences, Kelly unveils the powerful blend of mentorship, Lean Thinking, and candid feedback that is required for individual and team success. Join us for an enlightening conversation and start embracing the power of effective communication today!   ✅ Follow Ivna Curi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/     ✅ Other Episodes You’ll Like Mastering Mentor & Sponsor Connections: Insider Advice from 5 Trailblazing Professionals (Compilation): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/mastering-mentor-sponsor-connections-insider-advice-from-5-trailblazing-professionals Leadership and Advocacy: Creating Positive Change: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/leadership-and-advocacy-creating-positive-change Ask and You Shall Receive: How to Make Requests that Unlock Success and Propel Your Life Forward: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/ask-and-you-shall-receive-how-to-make-requests-that-unlock-success-and-propel-your-life-forward What People Get Wrong About Trust: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/what-people-get-wrong-about-trust 13 Bad Reasons Why You Don’t Ask For What You Want: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/13-bad-reasons-why-you-dont-ask-for-what-you-want The Art of Asking for Feedback: Tips and Techniques: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/the-art-of-asking-for-feedback-tips-and-techniques How to Respond to Constructive Criticism: Learning to Love Negative Feedback: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-respond-to-constructive-criticism-learning-to-love-negative-feedback How To Receive Feedback Gracefully (And What Not To Do): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-receive-feedback-gracefully-and-what-not-to-do How To Take Criticism Without Getting Defensive (an assertiveness technique with examples): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-take-criticism-without-getting-defensive 5 Better Ways To Say Good Job : https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/5-better-ways-to-say-good-job     ✅ Free Resources Podcast Summaries & More Email Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter Our Linkedin Blog Articles:  https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6863880009879306240/   Women in Tech Leaders Podcast Interviews: https://assertiveway.com/womenintechpodcastguests/ TEDx Talk How To Speak Up Safely When It’s Psychologically Unsafe: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/safespeak 10 Day free Assertive And Liked Challenge: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/beassertiveandliked Assertiveness free training: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/getahead Other Free resources: https://assertiveway.com/free/ Podcast page: https://assertiveway.com/podcast-speak-your-mind-unapologetically/   ✅ Work With Us Workshops: http://assertiveway.com/workshops   Services: https://assertiveway.com/offerings Contact me: info@assertiveway.com or ivnacuri@assertiveway.com Contact me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2 Website: https://assertiveway.com   ✅ Support The Podcast Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915 Ask me your question for the next episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/speakyourmindquestion   ✅ Podcast Topic Compilations 8 Real Life Examples On How To Deal With Difficult Coworkers (Compilation): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/8-examples-on-how-to-deal-with-difficult-coworkers Mastering Mentor & Sponsor Connections: Insider Advice from 5 Trailblazing Professionals (Compilation): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/mastering-mentor-sponsor-connections-insider-advice-from-5-trailblazing-professionals How To Find Courage To Speak Up (Compilation): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-find-courage-to-speak-up-4-examples 4 Examples On How To Get The Promotion You Want (Compilation): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/4-examples-on-how-to-get-the-promotion-you-want 4 Tips On How To Successfully Share Your Ideas At Work (Compilation): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/4-tips-on-how-to-successfully-share-your-ideas-at-work-compilation How To Cope With Stress At Work (Compilation): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-cope-with-stress-at-work-compilation     #Mentorship #LeanThinking #CandidCommunication #SpeakYourMindUnapologetically

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Reclaim your voice and use it to confidently advance your career, impact, and leadership potential with The Speak Your Mind Unapologetically Podcast stories and tips. The podcast serves leaders seeking to amplify their voice and master assertive communication to better advocate for themselves and for others. Embrace your unique voice and learn how to express your thoughts confidently, authentically, and without fear of coming across as aggressive or of backlash. The Speak Your Mind Unapologetically Podcast equips you with the tools to influence, be heard, outsmart biases, and foster a harmonious work environment. Elevate your communication skills with actionable strategies to tackle workplace challenges assertively. Listen, share, and transform your professional journey with The Speak Your Mind Unapologetically Podcast. THE HOST Join Ivna Curi, the accomplished Managing Director of Assertive Way Institute, Forbes contributor, and MBA graduate from the prestigious INSEAD, as she shares invaluable insights, strategies, and real-life examples to help you overcome biases and navigate complex workplace dynamics. With a decade of experience leading teams at Fortune 500 companies and training over 20,000 students, Ivna is dedicated to empowering underrepresented voices to become influential and persuasive communicators. Drawing from her global experience and TEDx talk on "How To Speak Up Safely When It’s Psychologically Unsafe," Ivna's expertise spans four continents, making her a sought-after speaker at conferences, events, and podcasts. THE COMPANY Assertive Way Institute, the premier organization committed to nurturing assertive communication and promoting a strong speak-up culture in the workplace, offers interactive virtual and in-person talks and workshops to inspire and engage teams.