Growth mindset and executive presence

I thought I was clear.

I wasn’t.

The feedback was:

"Your presentation skill could use a little more clarity / story telling."

My first instinct? Defend.

My second? Downplay.

It’s easy to let ego take the wheel when someone points out a flaw.

But my former manager, David Catuhe, saw what I couldn’t:

My energy was high,

but my storytelling was buried in the how.

I was talking—but I wasn’t connecting.

David didn’t just critique—he invested.

He recommended Jason Carter, who helped me:

• Strip away the noise

• Structure the narrative

• Rebuild how I communicate

Saying “yes” changed how I show up as a leader.

By leaning into the sting, I stopped just sharing ideas—and started winning buy-in.

I learned that the feedback you want to hear the least is often the one that moves you forward the most.

What this experience taught me:

• Feedback is a gift, not a verdict. If it stings, there’s usually truth in it.

• Mentorship is multidimensional. Don’t just seek it for technical skills—seek it for the invisible skills that actually move the needle.

• Clarity is kindness. Real leadership isn’t about being the loudest; it’s about ensuring the map is clear for everyone.

Grateful to David Catuhe for the radical candor—and to Jason Carter for the masterclass in clarity.

What’s one piece of “painful” feedback that ended up being the best thing for your career?