OK, you're doing this whole presentation. Don't f*ck it up.

I've always identified as an introvert, and the idea of speaking to clients used to be anxiety-inducing. In my early days as a junior designer, I wanted to stay in my corner, focus on the work, and let others handle client interactions.

But you can't grow as a creative person in the business world without actually engaging with your client.

Despite my reluctance, when I started at Mike Nethercott's small marketing firm, deecipher, he consistently included me in client meetings — a move I really didn't appreciate at the time. I struggled to speak up, and found it hard to respond when put on the spot.

Some senior people around us genuinely didn't think it was good for me to be in the room. A few suggested I'd be better off working behind the scenes. But Mike saw something in me I hadn't seen in myself yet, and kept including me anyway. He started assigning me small roles in those meetings, gradually increasing my involvement over time.

The anxiety before each meeting was real, but Mike's persistence paid off. I remember the day he mentioned, casually, in the elevator up to a client meeting, that I'd be doing the entire presentation.

“OK, you're doing this whole presentation. Don't f*ck it up.”

Some might say that was unfair. But I got through it, and it marked a turning point.

Mike's approach taught me two things. First: sometimes a good push into the deep end is what you need to learn how to swim. Believing in someone, and giving them a real shot at something you know they can handle, changes people. Second: good design isn't just about aesthetics or pedantry — it's about understanding what the client actually needs and why. That only happens if you talk to them, and build real trust with them.

Today, I enjoy working with clients. A little nervousness remains, but I like helping them reach their goals and building the kind of trust that makes everyone feel good about the work we're doing together.

Thanks for believing in me, Nethercott, even when I didn't believe in myself. I wouldn't do what I do without what I learned from you.

If anyone needs a good push, I'm here for it.