Saying no is an essential skill for office professionals, allowing you to protect your time, prioritise tasks, and maintain a healthy work-life balance - all while preserving positive workplace relationships. Too often, it's easy to get dragged into low-level tasks that distract from important priorities, leading to unnecessary work outside of hours. This can be frustrating for everyone, making it even more crucial to set boundaries effectively.

The key is to decline requests with grace, poise, and confidence, ensuring your refusal is firm yet respectful. Instead of a blunt "No, I can't," try framing your response with appreciation and an alternative: "I appreciate you thinking of me for this, but I won’t be able to take it on at this time. However, I’d be happy to support in another way." Using polite yet assertive language ensures your boundaries are clear while maintaining professionalism. When declining tasks outside your scope, reinforcing priorities is powerful: "I would love to assist, but I need to focus on [important project] right now." People respect honesty when delivered with kindness, and a well-communicated "no" can even boost your credibility as someone who values their responsibilities and time.

A few of our Qld Committee Members have had the opportunity to hear Leona speak on multiple occasions, and each time, they have taken away valuable insights that they’ve implemented into their daily routines. Her practical strategies empower professionals to take control of their workload without guilt or hesitation. Mastering the art of saying no ensures you maintain control over your time and responsibilities while fostering a positive and productive work environment.

Date: Wednesday, 15 October 2025

Time: 12.30PM AEST

Registration: Online registration here (zoom link provided day prior to webinar)

Ticket Prices:

    Members - No charge.
    Non-members - $15.00 per person.
    ZOOM opens 15 minutes prior to the commencement time.

Leona Watson is a dynamic speaker, coach, and entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in leadership, business, and personal development. With a background in corporate marketing, including roles at Microsoft UK and Virgin Mobile, Leona transitioned into entrepreneurship, founding the award-winning Cheeky Food Events, a world-first team-building company that she successfully ran for 17 years before selling in 2019. 

Leona’s expertise spans leadership, resilience, and workplace culture, drawing from her extensive experience coaching executives, running corporate workshops, and delivering engaging keynote speeches. She has worked with thousands of professionals, helping them navigate challenges, set boundaries, and lead with confidence. 

She’s also had countless conversations with EAs and Execs and can see where this relationship can be so powerful…and how EAs are often dragged into low-level tasks that distract from the most important. It’s frustrating for both. To help both, Leona has created this Keynote and a Course exclusive for EAs and Office Professionals around setting Boundaries to increase the amount of valuable work an EA can do and to be more highly-valued in return.  Win Win.  

A passionate adventurer, Leona has kayaked with killer whales, camped in Antarctica, and completed triathlons, bringing a unique perspective to her coaching and speaking engagements. She is also trained in Neuroscience and NLP, equipping her with powerful strategies to help Executives, EAs and teams thrive. 

Register now and join us as Leona shares her insights on The Art of Saying No, a session designed to help professionals set boundaries with grace, poise, and confidence while maintaining strong workplace relationships. 

Rachel Hall FAIOP

National President