It’s the 4th of July. You’ve been counting down to this weekend for weeks because you’ve:
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Missed your kid’s soccer game
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Been on the road for three straight weeks
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Covered another ad board because someone else was “at capacity.”
Corn’s on the grill. Kids are lighting sparklers. Your out-of-office is set. It feels great. You earned this break. You need this break.
Then your phone buzzes:
“Can you cover next week’s Immuno-Oncology Summit for Jenna? Also, please prep a readout for leadership by Tuesday.”
You’ve already carried the team this quarter. Now your long weekend gets hijacked, and you’re expected to just say yes?
Sound familiar?
If you’re the one who always steps up, this probably isn’t your first hijacked holiday. And it won’t be your last, unless you learn how to push back with power.
Inside this issue:
→ A July 4th scenario that hits way too close to home
→ How to push back professionally and powerfully
→ What you’ll rehearse inside The Elite Presentation Lab
→ And your final hours to join at Founder’s pricing
Scenario of the Week: Your Independence Day Dilemma
What’s your move?
A. Phone an MSL friend & vent, then say yes and miss hanging out with your family.
B. Feel resentment and start looking for jobs on LinkedIn, but still go.
C.Suggest another MSL step in.
D. Other? → Hit reply and tell us.
What to do when you’re the go-to
This situation hits hardest for high performers. You’re not getting asked because no one else can. You’re getting asked because you always say yes and deliver flawlessly.
But saying yes every time comes at a cost:
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Burnout
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Missing out on your personal life
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And a growing feeling that your time isn’t really yours
Pushing back isn’t about being difficult. It’s about being strategic. Here’s what we recommend:
✅ Show your current load: use metrics, not just emotion (Patrina’s fave: ask what they want you to not work on so you can accommodate this request)
✅ Offer a solution: suggest a swap, shared prep, or staggered deliverables (Sarah’s fave: she likes to suggest what she CAN do)
âś… Protect business continuity: no gaps, just smarter coverage
The hard part? Saying it clearly and confidently when the ask comes in hot. You have minutes to respond, and the wrong tone can backfire.
That’s why you practice when the pressure’s off
Inside The Elite Presentation Lab, we don’t just tell you what to say. We help you rehearse it, out loud, on video, with instant, personalized feedback that makes you better.
You’ll walk away with:
→ A 60-second “capacity snapshot” that earns leadership respect
→ A diplomatic handoff script that still sounds like a team player
→ The ability to protect your boundaries when others are constantly pushing against them
So next time this happens? You’re not scrambling mid-vacation. You’re prepared, polished, and in control.
Last call: Founder’s pricing ends tonight
Founder’s pricing ends tonight, July 4th. This is your last chance to save $400 and join Elite Presentation Lab for only
Tomorrow, it goes up.
To your success,
Sarah, Patrina, Ralph & Tom
Your MSL Mastery Team
P.S. Option D is our favorite, hit reply and tell us what you would do.
P.S.S The Elite Presentation Lab isn’t just about difficult conversations and upholding boundaries. Check out these other scenarios you will get:
Responses