Failure: a key ingredient for growth
Goro, once terrified of public speaking, has become a hit on the convention circuit
“I noticed during school that guest speakers tended to show only their professional work. This resulted in a presentation filled with awesome visuals but, for a student it, could feel a bit abstract or even discouraging, because reaching that level of expertise seems far away.
What I try to do in my talks is to put things into context. I usually show my failures as well as my successes – how I started compared to where I am now – so the students can relate to it and get inspired by it. The ultimate reward is when I can enable people to follow their dreams and inspire them by sharing my own experience.
Public speaking was something I was terrified of back in school. I didn’t like that about myself and wanted to make a change. I would take every opportunity to speak even as my rational brain was trying to stop me. After a while, what was scary turned into a passion, and what was stressful turned into excitement.
I still have a lot to learn, but I see my talks as a stage performance. I want to take the audience on a journey, and leave them feeling inspired. It’s important that you have fun at what you do, and always take challenges whenever you have an opportunity. Never be scared of failing. Failing is a key ingredient for growth.”