Scott Harrison's Feedback Call

A story about how Scott Harrison (founder of charity:water) called Shaan to give him direct feedback about his podcast speaking habits.

"Scott Harrison calls me the other day and I see this voicemail. I missed the call, called him back and asked if he needed something or if I could help with charity:water.

He said 'Hey man, I'm listening to the podcast and I had some feedback for you, unsolicited feedback.' He asked if I really wanted to do podcasting and make it my thing. When I confirmed, he said 'You gotta say like less.'

I asked what he meant and he explained he was listening to an episode and thought I said 'like' 700 times. He told me he used to do the same thing, and that it's hard to get rid of but possible. He said it doesn't add to what I'm doing and I could be better if I fixed it.

I asked him how to improve it - did he hire a coach or use some technique? He simply said 'Don't worry about that, it's just once it's in your awareness you'll fix it.'

What struck me was this was our first phone call in 5 years - we don't talk that often. For him to have the courage and care to call somebody and give that feedback, I thought that was an incredible friend moment. It made me feel simultaneously grateful, embarrassed, and inspired."