Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes

Why is it so hard to speak up, even when we know something’s wrong?

This is the definitive book on defiance—a clear-eyed dissection of the forces that silence us, featuring groundbreaking research and legendary stories of defiance alongside everyday examples and strategies for how to unleash the power of a “True No.”

How many times have you wanted to object, disagree, or opt out of something—but ended up swallowing your words, shaking your head, and just going along? Analyzing cases from corporate corruption to sexual abuse to everyday acquiescence at work, the doctor’s office, and in our personal lives, award-winning organizational psychologist Dr. Sunita Sah delves deep into why the pressure to comply is a corrosive and often invisible force in our society. With her own revelatory research, she radically transforms our idea of defiance from a misunderstood negative trait into a crucial, positive force for personal and societal change. Taking us through her five stages of defiance, Dr. Sah equips readers with simple tools to make decisions that align with their values. Defy is the essential playbook for how to speak up and act when it matters most.