🎙️ Episode Description: 3 Myths That Hold Us Back From Receiving Feedback (with Nigel Bristow)

Feedback can be one of the most powerful accelerators of leadership growth… and one of the most emotionally complicated.

In this episode of The Tessa Tubbs Podcast, Tessa is joined by Nigel Bristow (bestselling author, speaker, and feedback thought leader, and author of Feedback Breakthrough) for a practical, deeply human conversation about why receiving feedback is often harder than giving it and how to build the resilience to use feedback as fuel instead of friction.

Together, they unpack three common myths that keep leaders stuck, defensive, or discouraged and offer reframes and practices to help you approach feedback with more clarity, humility, and confidence.

• Why even confident, self-aware leaders still struggle to receive feedback well

• How “inaccurate” feedback can still be useful and reveal your real-world impact

• Why discomfort doesn’t mean failure; it often means growth is happening

• Practical ways to build resilience so feedback becomes a source of strength, not stress

If you’ve ever felt your nervous system spike when feedback comes your way, this episode will help you shift from protecting your ego to growing your leadership.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why even confident, self-aware leaders still struggle to receive feedback well

• How “inaccurate” feedback can still be useful and reveal your real-world impact

• Why discomfort doesn’t mean failure; it often means growth is happening

• Practical ways to build resilience so feedback becomes a source of strength, not stress

  
  

  If you’ve ever felt your nervous system spike when feedback comes your way, this episode will help you shift from protecting your ego to growing your leadership.

  
  

  About Nigel:

  Nigel Bristow has a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s in organizational behavior. As the founder of Targeted Learning, Nigel had the privilege of consulting with, and developing leadership programs for, several outstanding Fortune 500 companies, including 3M, Microsoft, Boeing, Textron, and ConocoPhillips.

  Nigel retired several years ago after selling Targeted Learning—only to come out of retirement in 2025 with the publication of his best-selling book, The Feedback Breakthrough: Harness the Gift of Feedback and Bring Your A-Game to Life.

  Nigel is currently the founder and president of Feedback HQ, LLC. The mission of Feedback HQ is to help leaders harness the power of feedback to win—as individuals, teams, and organizations.

  
  FdbkHQ.com
  

Most leaders have experienced a 360° feedback process — but how often does it actually change behavior?

In this episode of The Tessa Tubbs Podcast, Tessa sits down with Bruce Bennett, Founder and CEO of Star 360 Feedback, to explore how to turn data into meaningful development. With decades of experience designing feedback systems for organizations worldwide, Bruce has helped transform how leaders interpret and act on feedback.

Together, they unpack:

• Why most 360° processes fail to drive change — and how to fix them.

• How to integrate action planning into every stage of feedback.

• The importance of starting with strengths to build confidence and momentum.

• A powerful story of how a Nobel Prize–winning scientist transformed his leadership habits through intentional practice.

• Practical ways to turn insights into 30-, 60-, and 90-day growth plans that actually stick.

Whether you’re a leader, coach, or HR professional, this conversation will change how you view feedback — not as criticism, but as a catalyst for growth.

🎧 Listen now to learn how to make feedback meaningful, actionable, and transformative.

📘 Get the free resource:
Unlock the 360° Feedback That Drives Real Change Resource Guide → https://tessatubbs.com/360-degree-feedback-that-drives-real-change-resource-guide/

About Bruce:

Bruce Bennett, founder and CEO of STAR360feedback, has spent decades at the forefront of innovation in feedback systems and leadership development. He’s partnered with hundreds of organizations worldwide to design evidence-based technologies and feedback processes that drive measurable, lasting behavioral change. Widely recognized as an expert in turning insight into action, Bruce knows how to transform feedback into lasting growth for leaders and organizations alike.

Guest Links:
🌐 Star 360 Feedback

📺 Star 360 YouTube Channel

📍Bruce's LinkedIn

How do you lead your career—before it leads you?

In this episode of The Tessa Tubbs Podcast, Tessa sits down with Gavin Naimer, Founder and President of Granite International Executive Search, to explore what it means to approach your career with clarity, courage, and intention.

With decades of experience helping senior executives navigate high-stakes transitions, Gavin shares practical wisdom on how to:

• Identify what truly energizes and satisfies you in your work.

• Have honest career conversations—especially when your manager isn’t supportive.

• Build trusted networks both inside and outside your organization.

• Involve your family early when major career decisions are on the table.

• Make smart pivots—even when it means taking a step sideways or back to move forward.

This episode is filled with grounded, actionable advice for anyone who’s ever felt “stuck” or uncertain about what’s next. Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, Gavin’s perspective will help you align your work with your values—and your ambition with your authentic self.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to lead your career with greater purpose, balance, and intentionality.

Download the free companion resource "Leading Your Career Before It Leads You:
A practical guide to taking charge of your professional journey"

https://tessatubbs.com/leading-your-career-before-it-leads-you-guide/

About Gavin Naimer:

Gavin is the Founder and President of Granite International Executive Search, a retained executive search firm specializing in hiring senior executives for the insurance industry. Granite international conducts global and North American searches for its clients across all corporate functions. Over the years, Gavin has recruited many accomplished leaders, enabling his clients to drive innovation, remain competitive, and achieve their business goals.

Gavin established Granite International over 20 years ago with a commitment to providing trusted counsel to clients in senior leadership recruitment and offering candid advice to candidates in the management of their careers. Gavin previously held senior positions at both boutique and global executive search firms. He began his career as a trial lawyer at a highly respected Toronto law firm.

Gavin holds a BA with Great Distinction in Political Science from McGill University, along with dual law degrees in Civil and Common Law from McGill’s Faculty of Law. He is also a member of the Law Society of Ontario. Outside the boardroom, Gavin is passionate about education and community service — having served on the Board of Directors at Leo Baeck Day School and chaired its Human Resources Committee. He has also been an avid coach of youth hockey and basketball.

Visit www.graniteintl.com to learn more about Granite International Executive Search