Growing Forward: Lead like the top 1% in growth, marketing, & product The Feedback Felt Personal—But I Wasn’t the Problem (Steph Pennell)
Jun 30, 2025
Steph Pennell, founder of The Event Critic and a former marketing leader, shares her journey from disillusionment to self-discovery. She discusses the pivotal feedback that made her reevaluate her career and values, including the impact of a shocking lipstick comment. Pennell also dives deep into how ADHD, manifestation techniques, and human design have helped her regain control and find alignment in her life. Her insights on navigating misalignment, feedback challenges, and the balance between professional and personal values offer a refreshing perspective for anyone feeling overwhelmed.
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Take Inventory of Your Life
- Regularly take inventory of all life areas to identify where you feel unfulfilled or off balance.
- Realize when dissatisfaction isn't your fault but signals a misaligned environment or priority.
Evaluate Feedback Intentions
- When receiving feedback on your personality, discern if the intent is to help you grow or if it’s personal dislike.
- Reflect on feedback origin to protect your authentic self from unfair judgment.
Managing Feedback on Being "Too Much"
- Steph often faced criticism for being too direct or "too much" in personality and delivery.
- Her ADHD diagnosis later helped her understand her natural rhythms and behaviors better.