logo
episode-header-image
May 2025
36m 11s

How to say no (from WorkLife with Adam G...

TED
About this episode

In a world filled with requests, many of us are struggling to stay afloat. Even if you’re not a people-pleaser, the desire to maintain a positive reputation can make it hard to turn others down. In this episode, Adam explores the art and science of delivering an effective “no.” He highlights strategies for setting boundaries with others to create space for yourself—and healthier relationships with those around you.


This episode originally aired April 29, 2025.


For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcripts

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Nov 17
Fixations: Farmer’s Dog, Waymo, switchers, and manila folders
<p>In this brand-new Fixations segment, Anne and Frances reveal the companies and tools they’ve been fixated on recently—and the lessons we can learn from what they’re getting right. Frances tells the story of how The Farmer’s Dog saved dinnertime for her pets and champions Black ... Show More
32m 19s
Nov 10
Why AI is our ultimate test and greatest invitation | from TED Tech
Technologist Tristan Harris has an urgent question: What if the way we’re deploying the world’s most powerful technology — artificial intelligence — isn’t inevitable, but a choice? In this eye-opening talk, he calls on us to learn from the mistakes of social media’s catastrophic ... Show More
19 m
Nov 3
Quick Fixes: How to step into leadership, improve your organization, and regain lost support
In this Quick Fixes episode, Anne and Frances work to solve three callers’ tricky work problems in under 30 minutes. One listener seeks advice on stepping into a leadership role for the first time, the next struggles with feeling powerless in a middle management position, and a f ... Show More
35m 23s
Recommended Episodes
May 2025
Sunday Pick: How to say no | WorkLife with Adam Grant
<p>In a world filled with requests, many of us are struggling to stay afloat. Even if you’re not a people-pleaser, the desire to maintain a positive reputation can make it hard to turn others down. In this episode, Adam explores the art and science of delivering an effective “no. ... Show More
36m 46s
Aug 10
Sunday Pick: Protecting your time with Linda Babcock | WorkLife with Adam Grant
<p>In this season of WorkLife, we’re pairing each of our regular episodes with a companion interview to do a deeper dive into the topic. This is the deeper dive for our episode on how to say no. Linda Babcock is a professor emerita of economics at Carnegie Mellon and co-author of ... Show More
36m 20s
Jun 2025
WorkLife: The psychology of forgiveness with Michael McCullough
<p>In this season of WorkLife, we’re pairing each of our regular episodes with a companion interview to do a deeper dive into the topic. This is the companion for our episode on the secrets of a great apology. Michael McCullough is a psychology professor at UC San Diego and a pio ... Show More
29m 52s
May 2025
WorkLife: The secrets of a great apology
<p>When you mess up, a sincere apology can make all the difference. But making things right takes more than a simple “I’m sorry.” In this episode, Adam takes us from the pre-kindergarten classroom to Formula One’s race track to investigate what it takes to make amends, right wron ... Show More
32m 14s
Feb 2025
ReThinking: The importance of validation with therapist Caroline Fleck
<p>Seeking acceptance is a natural part of the human experience — but do you know how to dish it out? Clinical psychologist Caroline Fleck believes that validating others is a key to building stronger relationships. She and Adam discuss strategies for recognizing another person’s ... Show More
37m 17s
Jan 2023
#211: What To Do Next?
We've been on a bit of a streak of culture and career discussions, which means we want to assure you that Tim is not actually tied up in a basement with no access to our content calendar. Actually, in this episode, Tim plopped down on the therapy couch as a vessel for the wisdom ... Show More
55m 23s
Aug 10
Sunday Pick: Protecting your time with Linda Babcock | WorkLife with Adam Grant
<p>In this season of WorkLife, we’re pairing each of our regular episodes with a companion interview to do a deeper dive into the topic. This is the deeper dive for our episode on how to say no. Linda Babcock is a professor emerita of economics at Carnegie Mellon and co-author of ... Show More
36m 20s
Aug 26
ReThinking: How you can do more for others with Rutger Bregman
<p>What are you doing to make the world around you better? Rutger Bregman is a Dutch historian and the author of the new book <em>Moral Ambition</em>. He joins Adam live in the Authors@Wharton series to discuss how to stop capable people from wasting their talents, lessons from g ... Show More
33m 29s
Apr 2024
#2663 - Q&A: “How do I launch a successful educational podcast for kids?”
In today's episode, we dive into the world of educational storytelling through podcasting. Discover how to blend entertainment with learning, and find the best ways to reach and engage your audience.Side Hustle School features a new episode EVERY DAY, featuring detailed case stud ... Show More
4m 24s
Oct 2024
#2838 - Q&A: “How can I diversify my side income streams?”
In this episode, we discuss how to diversify your freelance income to create a more resilient business or side hustle.Side Hustle School features a new episode EVERY DAY, featuring detailed case studies of people who earn extra money without quitting their job. This year, the sho ... Show More
5m 51s