Episode 315 - Getting REAL About Saying No with Heather Archer

What if saying no was actually one of the most important career skills you could develop? In this episode of Circle Up & Get REAL, Jodee sits down with workplace strategist, facilitator, and author Heather Archer to explore why so many talented professionals become overwhelmed by saying yes to work that doesn't move them forward. Drawing from her signature framework, The Promotion Equation, Heather explains how to distinguish between high-value work that advances your career and the "invisible" tasks that quietly consume your time and energy. Heather shares the personal story behind the framework, which began as coaching conversations with her daughter after she found herself buried in responsibilities simply because she struggled to decline requests. Those real-life lessons eventually became a practical system that helps professionals pause, evaluate opportunities, and respond with confidence rather than obligation. Together, Jodee and Heather also explore the language we use in business, challenging the common phrase "I help people…" and examining how our words shape perceptions of value. Their conversation moves beyond workplace productivity into authenticity, visibility, self-advocacy, and the importance of recognizing the difference between generosity and professional contribution. Whether you're an emerging leader, an experienced professional, or someone who simply finds it difficult to set boundaries, this episode offers practical tools for protecting your time, increasing your impact, and saying yes to the work that matters most. In This Episode Why saying "yes" can quietly derail your career The difference between promotable and non-promotable work Heather's simple framework: Ask + Pause = Answer How to decline requests without damaging relationships Why visibility matters as much as hard work The surprising problem with saying "I help people…" Practical ways to advocate for yourself without feeling self-promotional How intentional boundaries create greater impact and fulfillment Memorable Thought "Every time you intentionally say no to work that doesn't align with your goals, you're creating space to say a wholehearted yes to what matters most." Connect with Heather Learn more about Heather Archer and The Promotion Equation through her company, Training Du Jour, and connect with her on LinkedIn to follow her work in leadership, facilitation, and workplace strategy. Final Thought Success isn't about doing everything. It's about having the courage and clarity to do the right things well. Heather reminds us that every thoughtful "no" creates room for a more meaningful "yes."