DEFY - The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes by Dr. Sunita Sah

Join us for an exclusive evening celebrating the launch of DEFY: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes by Dr Sunita Sah, an award-winning organizational psychologist and former NHS doctor. Dr Sah delves into the societal, psychological, and neurological pressures that lead us to say ‘yes’ when we should say ‘no’ and provides actionable strategies to help us align our decisions with our core values.

Outlining her five stages of defiance and delving into why the pressure to comply is a corrosive and often invisible force in our society, Dr Sah’s revelatory research radically transforms our idea of defiance from a misunderstood negative trait into a crucial, positive force for personal and societal change. Equipping us with simple tools to unleash the power of a ‘True No’ she explores what we can do to train ourselves for conscientious resistance to reclaim our agency.

The event, introduced by Professor Nora Colton, Director of the Global Business School for Health (GBSH) will feature a presentation by Dr Sah, followed by an engaging interview with moderator Erica Wagner, a respected literary journalist and podcaster. The evening will conclude with an audience Q&A, networking opportunities, wine, and an exclusive book signing. Whether you’re seeking to reclaim your personal agency, navigate workplace challenges, or learn more about conscientious resistance, this event offers valuable insights and inspiration.

‘A powerful book. If you’ve ever compromised your principles to please others, DEFY will give you the will—and skill—to stand up for yourself.’ Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Hidden Potential

Bios:

Dr Sunita Sah is an award-winning professor at Cornell University and an expert in organisational psychology. She leads groundbreaking research on influence, authority, compliance and defiance. Born and raised in Bradford, she worked as a junior doctor in the NHS and later a management consultant for the pharmaceutical industry. She currently teaches executives, leaders and students in healthcare and business. Dr Sah is a sought-after international speaker and consultant, advisor to government agencies and former Commissioner of the National Commission on Forensic Science. Her multidisciplinary research and analyses have been widely published in leading academic journals and media outlets including Financial Times, The Telegraph, BBC News, Metro, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Harvard Business Review and Scientific American. She lives with her husband and son in New York.

Erica Wagner is a New Yorker living in London and was Literary Editor of The Times newspaper for 17 years. These days Erica is editor-at-large at Boundless, a contributing writer at New Statesman, a Consulting Literary Editor at Harper's Bazaar, and a regular on podcasts for Boundless, Chanel and Vocal.