HOUSTON, March 4, 2024 — In a recent author talk at Asia Society Texas, Vanessa Patrick, Ph.D., explored themes from her new book The Power of Saying No: The New Science of How to Say No That Puts You in Charge of Your Life. Joined in conversation by moderator Rita Touma, Senior Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager at Bank of America, Patrick offered a profound look into the science behind setting personal and professional boundaries through a compelling discussion enriched with personal anecdotes, scholarly research, and actionable strategies.

Throughout her presentation, Patrick shed light on the hesitation and psychological and societal pressures that many people may face when confronted with unwanted requests. Underscoring the transformative power of "an empowered refusal," she discussed how assertively declining certain requests can convey strength and protect a person's boundaries while simultaneously preserving relationships and managing one's reputation.

Patrick provided tools for confidently balancing one's values, goals, and relationships, including a structured approach to discern which requests merit acceptance or refusal, as well as practical examples and techniques for navigating challenging conversations. In addition to weighing potential costs and impacts of a "yes" or "no" response, Patrick advised attendees to decline requests that do not leverage or showcase their unique strengths.

Central to Patrick's message was the crucial importance of self-care through establishing and upholding health boundaries. She encouraged attendees to reclaim their time, energy, and autonomy by developing self-awareness and personal policies that reflect their values and goals.

Following the moderated discussion, Patrick engaged more deeply with guests through a thought-provoking audience Q&A and a book-signing session.

About Asia Society Texas

Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.