How to Be Assertive Without Being Labeled “Aggressive”

April 7, 2025

We are going to be talking all about perception and communication style, and how you can show up with that perfect combination of being able to share your ideas in a way that is assertive and confident, as well as ensuring that you're still coming across as collaborative and kind.

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Episode Summary

We are going to be talking all about perception and communication style, and how you can show up with that perfect combination of being able to share your ideas in a way that is assertive and confident, as well as ensuring that you're still coming across as collaborative and kind.

What You'll Learn From This Episode:

  • Why most women fall into communication traps of being either too passive or too aggressive
  • How to practice "kind candor" to deliver direct feedback while maintaining relationships
  • Specific language reframes to sound more confident
  • Practical techniques for handling interruptions and challenging situations in meetings
Need help mastering your communication? Get my free guide "Speak Like a VP: 10 Powerful Language Reframes" and get tips you can implement right away.

 

…LET’S CONTINUE THE CONVO!

Curious what it’s like to work together? Send me a DM on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward and we can take it from there.

Remember, there’s room for all of us at the table.

Hi, I’m Katy McFee
A former VP and EVP who knows how hard it is to break into executive leadership. After years of feeling stuck, I figured it out and now, as a certified executive coach, I help other women do the same. I’ve supported hundreds in landing the promotions they deserve with strategies that make success achievable, without the years of trial and error.