I used to tell clients to look for the guy in the red shirt. A friend pointed out I could just tell them I'd be the tallest person in the room.

I'd been standing that close to myself for years and still couldn't see the most obvious thing.

I come loaded with opinions. Always have. For a long time I thought that was what I was bringing into the room. The thing of value. Turns out the opinions only earn their place after something specific. After three words I have to fight myself to say and actually mean.

Not because they're hard. Because everything in me that has already decided, that wants to lead with the answer, leans against them every single time.

I'm still learning what it costs when I get the order wrong. And there's one conversation I'm still holding, months later, where I did.

🎧 No Stage, Just a ChairA podcast for people figuring it out as they go: building honest brands, real decisions, and work that feels like theirs.

Before You Listen:

1. Think of a conversation you walked into already knowing what you were going to say. Did you ever actually hear the other person?
2. When did you lead with your answer before actually listening? And what did it cost?
3. What would you have to quiet in yourself to say "tell me more" and actually wait for the answer?