The Power of Asking Even When the Answer Is No

Recently, I requested a reduced rate to attend one of the most respected negotiation programs in the world. Not because I doubted the value but because I’m no longer backed by a corporate development budget. I am committed to investing over 25% of my income for my development because I am committed to helping people, especially those from marginalized communities learn how to ask for what they want and advocate for their growth.

The email response,, “We receive a lot of interest in our programs and are not able to honor individual requests for scholarships, discounts, or financial aid for our Executive Education programs. We use the revenue generated by our programs to fund our research, fellowships, and to provide free content such as live events and free research, all of which is readily consultable. The response was a clear “no.”.

 And here’s the lesson I want to share:

A “no” is not a failure of judgment.
It’s proof that you were willing to use your voice.

Too many leaders never ask because they assume the answer in advance. They opt out quietly. They tell themselves stories about what’s “not for them,” who gets access, or when it’s “appropriate” to ask.

What asking unlocked for me was this insight:
I don’t need the certification, I need the knowledge, and I’ve learned so much from their publicly available resources—videos, research, and faculty insights—and I’ve applied that learning in real conversations, real negotiations, and real leadership moments.

Sometimes we’re led to believe that a certification creates credibility.
More often, it simply signals it.

My leadership voice is rooted in the Negotiator’s Mindset and the foundational 5
I don’t just teach concepts, I help people choose their next move.

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