The Unscheduled CEO I embarrassed myself in front of 3,500 people
Jan 27, 2026
A candid dive into handling harsh online feedback, trolls, and the psychology behind hate-listening. A recount of a chaotic webinar that turned into a five-and-a-half hour marathon and why pivoting saved the event. Reflections on self-doubt, treating attendees with respect, and clearing out entitled listeners to find a real audience.
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Free Content Is Still A Service
- Free content still constitutes a service and deserves basic respect from the audience. Rude or entitled behaviour signals a poor fit, not a flaw in the host.
Webinar That Became A Marathon Win
- Jonathan recounts a 3,500-person webinar that started badly due to trolls and a weak pitch. He and the presenter pivoted and turned it into a five-and-a-half-hour session that delivered strong value.
Call Out Persistent Trolls Immediately
- Do not tolerate persistent rude behaviour in live sessions; call it out or ask the person to leave. Protect the learning environment for the majority of participants.