From People-Pleaser to CEO: How to Say No and Build Boundaries in Business | EO Visionary Voices with Jen Fry

In this powerful episode of EO Visionary Voices, host Brent Peterson sits down with Dr. Jen Fry, CEO of Coordle and author of "I Said No: How to Have a Backbone and Boundaries Without Being a Jerk." As a professional speaker specializing in conflict resolution and culture, and founder of a tech company revolutionizing group travel and sports tourism, Jen brings invaluable insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the art of saying no.

Jen shares her journey from being a "kind asshole" (her words!) to becoming a successful entrepreneur who helps others build essential boundary-setting skills. She reveals why conflict is actually a mental health issue and how leaders can create cultures where failure becomes a learning opportunity rather than a career-ending event.

Throughout this engaging conversation, you'll discover practical strategies for setting boundaries without being a jerk, how to handle rejection in business, and why your best entrepreneurial lessons come from your worst failures. Jen also breaks down the critical difference between being nice versus being kind, and shares her unique approach to leadership that encourages innovation while maintaining accountability.

Whether you're struggling with people-pleasing tendencies, looking to improve your leadership skills, or building your own business, this episode provides actionable insights that will transform how you approach difficult conversations and decision-making in professional settings.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Jen Fry and Coordle01:30 The Free Joke Project02:49 The Origin of "I Said No"05:29 Applying Boundaries to Business Leadership07:13 Setting Feelings Aside in Business Decisions10:02 When Leaders Should Listen vs. Say No13:59 Learning Entrepreneurship Through Failure15:37 Teaching Teams to Learn from Failure19:59 Shameless Plug: "I Said No" Book

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