In this episode of At the Root of It, Mike joins to explore how feedback shapes us in the workplace and at home. Together we talk about the moments that felt abrasive, the patterns we carried from childhood, and the cultural and gender dynamics that make feedback feel complicated.

We unpack why some feedback stings, how trust and psychological safety transform the way we hear it, and why vulnerability sits at the core of giving and receiving feedback. Mike shares stories from design critiques, mentorship experiences, and the influence of his own upbringing. Hanisha reflects on navigating feedback as a woman of color in tech, being labeled aggressive, and learning to ask clarifying questions and regulate emotional reactions.

If you have ever struggled with the delivery of feedback, the silence after feedback, or the internal voice that feels like old conditioning, this conversation brings clarity and compassion to one of the most universal human experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Feedback Dynamics

03:00 The Role of Feedback in Professional Growth

05:40 Navigating Personal Feedback and Relationships

08:50 The Art of Delivering Feedback

12:03 Gender Dynamics in Feedback Reception

14:47 Building Trust for Effective Feedback

17:52 Feedback and Personal Growth

20:41 The Impact of Upbringing on Feedback Reception

23:59 Emotional Intelligence in Feedback

26:47 Conclusion and Reflections on Feedback

32:42 Navigating Feedback: The Art of Receiving and Giving

39:40 Trust and Vulnerability: Building Connections in the Workplace

45:59 Cultural Dynamics: Communication Styles Across Borders

52:27 The Importance of Detailed Feedback

57:54 The Root of Feedback