Hey Reader
Welcome back to The Wednesday Story Reset.
Every Wednesday:
• One story you can reuse
• One practical speaking insight
• One deeper shift to build a stronger voice
Let’s begin.
1. The Story You Can Reuse
Back in the mid-2000s, Microsoft was building its search business.
At that time, Satya Nadella was leading the division.
During one hiring discussion, they met a brilliant engineer — someone clearly exceptional.
After the meeting, when the candidate stepped out, Nadella said something that most leaders would never say:
“We should hire him… and honestly, if needed — please demote me.”
Think about that.
A leader, willing to step aside…
Not because he lacked capability.
But because he recognized someone better for the role.
That decision says everything about his mindset.
Years later, Nadella went on to lead Azure… and eventually became the CEO of Microsoft.
(This Story inspired by the podcast Anecdotally Speaking)
Where You Can Reuse This Story
This story works beautifully when you want to talk about:
• Leadership and ownership
• Humility and self-awareness
• Hiring better people than yourself
• Long-term thinking
• Growth mindset
Structure to remember:
Opportunity → Recognition → Selfless decision → Growth
2. One Practical Insight: Replace Sorry with Thank You
Many professionals overuse the word “sorry.”
“Sorry for the delay.”
“Sorry for taking your time.”
“Sorry for asking this question.”
While it sounds polite it often reduces your perceived confidence.
A simple shift can change everything:
👉 Replace “sorry” with “thank you.”
For example:
Instead of:
“Sorry for the delay.”
Say:
“Thank you for your patience.”
Instead of:
“Sorry for taking your time.”
Say:
“Thank you for your time.”
Instead of:
“Sorry for the confusion.”
Say:
“Thank you for your understanding.”
This small shift does two things:
• It keeps the tone positive
• It positions you as confident and respectful
Great communicators don’t just choose the right words.
They choose the right framing.
3. One Stronger Voice Shift
Many people attach their identity to their position.
“I need to be the leader.”
“I need to be in control.”
“I need to prove myself.”
But real confidence sounds different.
“I want the best outcome.”
Even if it means:
• stepping aside
• learning from someone better
• or starting again
That’s not weakness.
That’s secure leadership.
Reflection for This Week
Ask yourself:
Where am I holding on to a position instead of focusing on the outcome?
Because sometimes growth begins with one bold sentence:
“Please demote me.”
I’ll see you next Wednesday at 7:00 AM.
Want to Take Your Storytelling & Communication to the Next Level?
I love working with individuals who are serious about improving their communication and storytelling skills — whether for career growth, business impact, or personal confidence.
If you’d like to explore how I can support you, you can schedule a no-obligation discovery call here:
(Please book only if you’re committed to showing up and taking action.)
For Teams & Organizations
Looking to conduct a customised storytelling or presentation skills training for your team?
Send me a message with the word “TRAINING” 📩 and we can explore what works best for your team.
Want to Revisit This Edition?
You can read this newsletter again here:
👉 https://newsletter.haritosh.com/
If you have any questions, feel free to reply to this email.
Until then,
Keep showing up.
Thanks and regards
Haritosh Srivastav
Founder & Master Coach
Confident Storytelling Hub
Keep Learning, Keep Growing And
Keep Going Out of Your Comfort Zone.
