🎙️ 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

In this solo episode of The Tessa Tubbs Podcast, Tessa explores how leaders can move beyond surface-level benefits and meaningfully invest in the health, happiness, and engagement of their teams. Especially in hybrid and remote workplaces, connection and intentionality matter more than ever.

You’ll learn:

• Why well-being begins with relationships and trust.

• How to support the whole person at every stage of their career.

• Why loneliness has become a workplace epidemic—and what leaders can do about it.

• Practical steps to create environments where employees feel seen, valued, and motivated to thrive.

Whether you’re leading a large organization or a small team, this episode offers practical wisdom to help you engage employee well-being in ways that improve both culture and performance.

🎧 Tune in now and discover how to lead with greater care and intentionality.

What keeps you going when the challenges keep stacking up?

In this solo special episode of The Tessa Tubbs Podcast, Tessa pulls back the curtain on what truly fuels her motivation. Spoiler: it’s not hustle or external rewards—it’s the play of strategic thinking.

From solving complex problems over a cup of coffee to navigating client resistance, entrepreneurship, and even family dynamics, Tessa reveals why leaning into complexity actually unlocks her creativity.

You’ll discover:

• How creativity emerges when you stop chasing it.

• Why complexity can be a playground instead of a burden.

• Practical ways to create space for reflection, problem-solving, and breakthrough insights.

Whether you’re leading a team, growing a business, or managing life’s messy dynamics, this episode offers fresh perspective on how to stay energized and engaged in the face of complexity.

🎧 Listen now and explore what might keep you motivated when things get challenging.

Every leader asks it: How do I keep my best people engaged and committed?

In this special solo episode of The Tessa Tubbs Podcast, Tessa explores what organizations often overlook when it comes to retention—and why clinging to mediocrity costs far more than turnover.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

• Why holding onto “warm bodies” disguised as talent drives top performers away.

• How culture and reputation shape your ability to attract and retain excellence.

• The difference between macro culture (organization-wide) and micro cultures (teams).

• Practical steps leaders can take to create an environment where top performers thrive.

Top talent knows their value. If your organization doesn’t reflect it back, they won’t stay.

This episode offers actionable insights to help leaders build a culture that not only attracts but also sustains high performers over the long term.

Listen now and learn how to keep your best people—by building the kind of environment they never want to leave.

In this special episode of The Tessa Tubbs Podcast, Tessa welcomes longtime friend, trusted advisor, and renowned executive coach Andra Brooks for a deeply insightful conversation on leadership wisdom that endures across industries, decades, and contexts.

Andra is an executive coach and organizational consultant with more than 30 years of experience in a wide variety of industries: financial services, energy, petrochemical, consumer products, pharmaceutical, biotech, technology as well as non-profits. Working across the globe, she combines psychology and business in her work with senior and C-suite leaders in roles that are of great scale, scope and complexity.

Together, Tessa and Andra explore timeless truths that shape effective leadership, including:

• Why self-awareness and self-identity are the bedrock of leadership success.

• How to cultivate curiosity and forward-thinking in rapidly changing environments.

• The importance of communication, both speaking and listening, in shaping culture and influence.

• Common tripwires that derail leaders, from resistance to change to lack of stakeholder awareness.

• Practical tools like stakeholder analysis and empathy mapping that help leaders build trust and stronger partnerships.

This conversation is packed with practical wisdom, reflection prompts, and actionable insights for leaders at every stage of their journey.

🔗 Bonus Resource: https://tessatubbs.com/wisdom-across-a-career-reflection-action-guide-free-resource/

Download a free tool inspired by today’s discussion to help you apply Andra’s timeless leadership lessons in your own context.

Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, this episode will leave you inspired to pause, reflect, and lead with greater clarity, curiosity, and courage.

Discover how authenticity and intentionality can transform your leadership style in the latest episode of the Tessa Tubbs Podcast. Join Tessa as she engages in a powerful conversation with Ed Holinski, Chief Development Officer at Vistage Michigan, exploring the essential practices of self-leadership, overcoming internal barriers, and fostering genuine team engagement.

In this episode, Ed shares valuable insights and practical strategies for leaders seeking clarity, confidence, and sustainable success.

Don't miss out on these game-changing insights!

Listen now and elevate your leadership journey

Download the free resource HERE

Connect with Ed Holinski:

• LinkedIn: Ed Holinski

Learn more about Vistage Michigan:

• Vistage Michigan Website

• LinkedIn: Vistage Michigan

Empower yourself. Lead authentically. Listen today!