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April 29, 2025 35 mins

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. Guests: psychologist Vanessa Bohns, author of You Have More Influence Than You Think; Sherri Lu, founder of Eldest Daughter Club; playwright Topher Payne, author of The Tree Who Set Healthy Boundaries.


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Host: Adam Grant (Instagram: @adamgrant | LinkedIn: @adammgrant | Website: adamgrant.net/)

Guests:

Vanessa Bohns (Instagram: @profbohns | Website: vanessabohns.com/)

Sherri Lu (Instagram: @eldestdaughterclub)

Topher Payne (Instagram: @topherwrites | Website: topherpayne.com/)


Links

You Have More Influence Than You Think by Vanessa Bohns

Eldest Daughter Club's Newsletter (Substack)

The Tree Who Sets Healthy Boundaries by Topher Payne


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


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