When Yes Isn’t Leadership: The Challenge of Saying No

Many professionals in science and technology build their careers by being collaborative, dependable, and deeply committed to helping others succeed. As they move into leadership roles, however, those same strengths can make one of leadership's most important responsibilities surprisingly difficult: saying no. 

Whether it's pushing back on an unrealistic deadline, declining another request that pulls attention away from strategic priorities, setting limits with an overextended team, or challenging a senior stakeholder, many leaders find themselves absorbing pressure rather than holding a clear line. The result is often subtle but costly: unclear priorities, delayed decisions, overcommitment, and leaders who carry more than they should.

In this highly interactive 90-minute workshop led by Rebecca Gay, participants will explore how to recognize their own hesitation under pressure and communicate boundaries in ways that strengthen—rather than damage—trust. Through guided reflection, partner exercises, and small-group practice, participants will experiment with practical techniques for saying "no" with clarity, confidence, and respect.

Participants will leave with greater awareness of what makes boundary-setting difficult for them personally and practical strategies they can immediately apply to protect priorities, lead with greater confidence, and sustain healthy working relationships.

About the Speaker

Rebecca Gay is an executive coach, facilitator, and organizational consultant who works with senior leaders and organizations navigating growth, conflict, and change. She helps organizations strengthen alignment and accountability, improve cross-functional collaboration, navigate growth and change, and build cultures where accountability, trust, and collaboration coexist with real business pressure. She coaches leaders to navigate competing demands with greater clarity, steadiness, and influence—particularly when the stakes are high and the answers are not obvious. Rebecca is a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation and trained with the Co-Active Training Institute. She is certified in the Leadership Circle Profile, Predictive Index, x360, and Growth Edge Coaching through Cultivating Leadership. She holds a PhD in Social Science with a concentration in conflict resolution from Syracuse University.

Date and Time:  
January 20, 2027
6:00-8:00 PM 

   6:00-6:15pm: Registration, food, networking
   6:15-7:45pm: Workshop
   7:45-8:00pm: Optional Networking

Cost:   
Members: $15; Non-Members: $30

Given our mission is to promote women's development in STEM we would like to offer a free spot in our workshops to those in transition between jobs or who cannot afford the ticket price. Please contact [email protected] if you qualify.

Register Here