Description:

In this episode 19 of UnCeiling You, Natalie Luke, PhD, sits down with Ellen Leikind—author of Poker Woman and creator of the BOLD negotiation system—to unpack the hidden costs of “playing it safe” at work. From poker tables to boardrooms, Ellen shares how understanding power dynamics, owning your voice, and knowing when to fold (or go all in) are essential to advancing your career. If you’ve ever been overlooked for a promotion or felt like office politics were a game you weren’t even invited to play—this conversation is your wake-up call.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

• Why playing not to lose is the most dangerous move of all
• How to recognize when you're already playing the game of office politics
• Why assertiveness is a leadership strength, not a liability
• The power of knowing who holds the cards—and how to build relationships with them
• Ellen’s real-life stories of clients who asked, negotiated, and won
• How to read a room and adapt without losing authenticity
• Why your “win” doesn’t have to be being CEO—but you do need to define it

📚 Resources & Mentions:

• Poker Woman: How to Win in Love, Life, and Business Using the Principles of Poker — Find it on Amazon
• Learn more about Elen’s negotiation course: www.pokerdivas.com

💬 Connect with Us:

• Follow Natalie on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/natalielukephd
• Join the conversation and share your “all-in” career moment with #UnCeilingYou