Audacious Act #2: Seek Radical Feedback: The Growth Strategy That Elevates Everything

By Stevi Gable Carr

Founder and CEO

WISe Wellness Guild

Let’s be honest—most leaders aren’t afraid of hard work. But many are afraid of the hard truth. That’s what makes radical feedback one of the most overlooked accelerators of leadership growth.

We’re conditioned to strive, achieve, and lead with confidence. But real impact starts when we pause the performance and ask one of the most powerful questions in leadership: “Where am I getting in my own way?”
This isn’t about criticism—it’s about clarity. It’s about having the courage to invite truth from people you trust and being open enough to let it shape how you lead. The leaders who rise the fastest aren’t the ones who appear flawless—they’re the ones who stay relentlessly curious and open.

The key is to ask with intention. Don’t just say, “Any feedback?” Be specific. Try: “What’s one thing I could do more of—or less of—to support this team better?” or “Where do you see a gap between how I show up and what I say I value?” By focusing your question, you give others permission to share insights that are helpful—not just polite.

When you hear something that feels unexpected—or even a little uncomfortable—don’t rush to defend or explain. Radical feedback only works if you create space for it to land. Let it settle. Reflect. What’s the deeper truth underneath it? Where is the opportunity for growth?

Feedback is Input, Not Criticism
It’s crucial to shift the perspective of feedback. Instead of viewing it as criticism, see it as input—valuable information that can fuel your growth. Good feedback isn’t there to put us down; it’s there to lift us up. When you surround yourself with people whose feedback comes from a place of care and support, you begin to see it as a tool for improvement, not a threat. This mindset shift makes all the difference in how you receive and act on feedback.

And here’s the most important step: do something with it. The bravest thing you can do with feedback is to use it. Share what you’ve learned. Make the shift. Invite the same person to hold you accountable over time. That’s how trust builds—and how a culture of clarity and growth takes root.

Kirsty Coventry, newly elected as the first woman and first African president of the International Olympic Committee, is a powerful reflection of how seeking honest feedback can fuel leadership growth. Known for her openness to learning and her willingness to evolve in public roles, Coventry has long embraced the kind of candid insight that sharpens vision and deepens impact—qualities that helped shape her path from Olympian to global leader.

And here’s why this matters now more than ever: burnout isn’t a badge of honor—it’s a warning light. According to Gallup, employees who feel unfairly treated at work or lack clarity and support are significantly more likely to experience burnout. Leaders are not exempt. Feedback doesn’t just help you lead better—it helps you protect your energy, preserve your clarity, and stay aligned with the impact you’re here to make.

So here’s your invitation: ask for the truth. Even when it’s uncomfortable. Especially when it’s uncomfortable.

If you're a leader, executive, or organization ready to move from burnout to clarity, from hustle to alignment—this is your moment. Whether you're exploring executive coaching, looking to bring values-based leadership to your team, or seeking a powerful keynote speaker for your next event, let’s connect.

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