Improving Communications

I was shaking from the butterflies in my tummy when I stepped out of the VP of Engineering’s office, having just volunteered for something that a mere 20 minutes before I was told I suck at.

I was trying to get into product management at the time, and the CPO had just told me I need to improve my public speaking if I’m to have any chance. Without those skills, which apparently I lacked, he told me I could never be a good product manager.

I thanked him, turned around, marched straight into the VP of Engineering office, and asked for half an hour in the upcoming all-hands developers’ conference for the company. He said sure, great idea. I walked out knowing I had three weeks to learn not just how to not embarrass myself, but to get so good at it I’ll wow the CPO enough to break into the Product team.

To say those three weeks were hectic and stressful and that I overworked is an understatement. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that moment my name was called and I stepped to the podium.

Continue reading how I went and what advice I give to those seeking to improve their business communication skills (because we all know we need to): https://assaph.substack.com/p/improving-communications