Boundaries That Stick: Saying "No" Without Burning Bridges
with Russ Powell
When: Friday, November 14th
Time: 12pm
Where: Zoom

Boundaries That Stick—A Framework for Saying “No” Without Burning Bridges
Bookkeepers often find themselves in the middle of competing demands—clients asking for "just one more thing," business partners needing extra help, or colleagues leaning on them to fix problems outside their scope. Setting boundaries and saying "no" can feel risky, but saying "yes" often leads to burnout, errors, and strained relationships.
This interactive virtual session builds upon the frameworks Russ taught at the October workshop, introducing a simple, useful framework for having difficult conversations where boundaries matter most. Instead of dodging conflict or defaulting to people-pleasing, you'll learn how to slow down, get clear on what's really at stake, and respond with confidence. You'll learn ways to frame "no" as a constructive step forward-protecting both your time and your relationships.
You'll walk away with:
- A dependable process for clarifying what you will and won't take on
- A useful model for preparing for a difficult conversation
- Ideas for ways to turn difficult "no's" into moments of respect and trust
✨ Come prepared to reflect on a recent situation where you struggled to set a boundary✨
Russ Powell - Leadership Development Consultant
Russ Powell is a Leadership Development Consultant, who equips leaders with practical tools to communicate clearly, solve problems collaboratively, and make confident decisions that stick. Over 150 tech startups and other businesses—including Fortune 100 companies in 15 countries—have trained their leaders in Russ’ foundational workshop Leadership and the Middle Path. The program has proven so impactful that some investors have required startup teams to complete it as a condition for funding.
Through workshops and coaching, Russ has helped organizations save time, boost productivity, and strengthen team dynamics. His work is especially valuable for technical experts moving into management and for founder-led businesses ready to scale with clarity and trust.