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Why saying no is hard and worth your effort

August 20, 2025 by crystal

Why saying no is hard and worth your effort

Listen to the full episode

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Would you decline an opportunity if it doesn’t feel right? This episode of The After Work Hangout walks you through how to notice and respond in those misaligned moments.

Meena Das, CEO of Namaste Data, founded her data and AI equity consulting company to align her values, identity, skills, and vision for the world. As a highly intentional and empathetic person, Meena shares how she navigates situations where power, privilege, and money can complicate saying no. Tune in for her wise tips on self-reflection and decision-making in a complex world.

In this episode:

  • Meena’s values-driven journey to data and AI equity (1:31)
  • Saying no is hard and important (4:57)
  • Know yourself to reach a clearer no (7:25)
  • Self-reflection is a tool for growth (8:54)
  • Practical strategies for saying no (11:22)
  • Find alternative paths to common goals (14:35)
  • Tune into your body to assess yes, no, or hard no (17:08)
  • What self-reflection and cleaning your home have in common (19:20)
  • Earning more is glorified (21:48)
  • Define your version of success and growth (23:04)
  • The power of a joy list (25:33)
  • Things to consider when evaluating a job (27:04)

About the guest:

Meena Das, CEO of Namaste Data, is a humanity-centric data and AI equity consultant for nonprofits and social impact agencies. Drawing on over 15 years of experience in tech and nonprofits, she now helps nonprofits do their best work through intentional and purposeful use of data and AI.

Connect with Meena:

  • Email: meenadas@namastedata.org 
  • LinkedIn: Meena Das

About the host:

Crystal Lee is a career coach, writer, and workshop leader. As the founder of Relocal, she helps professionals clarify and communicate their strengths and values, so they can land their next opportunity. Since 2013, her clients have found dream jobs, settled in new communities, and successfully navigated major life transitions. 

Crystal is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) with a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of British Columbia. When Crystal isn’t helping job seekers and business owners pursue their unique definitions of success, she’s organizing community gatherings, sharing laughter yoga, or growing food for humans and pollinators.

Connect with Crystal:

  • Website: relocal.ca
  • Instagram: @relocal.ca 
  • LinkedIn: Crystal Lee
  • Sign up for Crystal’s monthly newsletter
  • Get the free job search assessment workbook

Credits:

  • Editing and support by podcast manager Lindsay Curtis
  • Podcast artwork by Alex Dewar
The After Work Hangout podcast art

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Explore other episodes of The After Work Hangout

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Filed Under: Podcast, Self-Employment Tagged With: career exploration, self-employment

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