Synopsis
'Amazing' - Chris van Tulleken
'A must-read' - Dr. Robert Cialdini
'Transformative' - Daniel Pink
'A culture-shifting manifesto' - Jonah Berger
'Powerful' - Adam Grant
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 alongside everyday examples and strategies for how to unleash the power of a "True No."
Many of us comply much more than we realize. 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 ranging from corporate corruption and 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.
'A must-read' - Dr. Robert Cialdini
'Transformative' - Daniel Pink
'A culture-shifting manifesto' - Jonah Berger
'Powerful' - Adam Grant
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 alongside everyday examples and strategies for how to unleash the power of a "True No."
Many of us comply much more than we realize. 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 ranging from corporate corruption and 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.
Details
24 February 2026
9781786581495Imprint: Blink Publishing
Reviews
Amazing ... [saying no] is not just about freeing up the diary it's about living freely and positively with who you are
A powerful book. If you've ever compromised your principles to please others, DEFY will give you the will-and skill-to stand up for yourself.
In DEFY, Sunita Sah brilliantly reframes our understanding of defiance-from an act of mere rebellion to a vital tool for personal growth and social change. This book is a powerful, even transformative, read for anyone who's ever felt the tension between doing what's expected and doing what's right.
Dr. Sah is leading the charge on the science of compliance and defiance. DEFY changes our understanding about true consent and true dissent, a real yes and a real no. . . A must-read for all.
