Talha Aijaz

“From struggling to introduce myself in one sentence to confidently leading conversations, these three months changed me.”

I work as a Quality Control Engineer in Saudi Arabia, moving quickly across projects with tight deadlines and teams made up of people from all over the world. On my very first project here, a task that was supposed to take four and a half months had to be finished in just three. I was new, still finding my footing, and surrounded by colleagues with far more experience. I could see I needed more than just technical skills, I needed to speak clearly, stay composed, and make my point without getting lost in my thoughts.

One incident made it all too clear. A project was started late and things got a little tense. I couldn’t explain my side and felt short of appropriate words. At that moment, I felt small, exposed, and powerless. I could see it changing how others saw me on the project. That’s when I knew I couldn’t keep going the way I had, I needed help in holding my ground and communicating with confidence. That’s when I joined Kapable.

In the one-on-one sessions, the coaches helped me break down what I needed to improve: introducing myself in one clear line, holding the conversation under pressure, and making a point that landed without sounding harsh or vague. We practised short speeches, worked through real work situations, and even prepared for upcoming interviews.

The frameworks we learned helped me organise my thoughts so I wouldn’t get lost or misunderstood. CARE taught me to separate context from response, and Ethos–Pathos–Logos gave me a way to structure a point: first show credibility, then demonstrate understanding, and finally make a logical ask. One coach even adapted it for me into a framework called ARC, so it worked with the way I naturally approach problems on site.

Gradually, I noticed a difference. In meetings, I could share my ideas more clearly and deliberately, which meant fewer misunderstandings and better follow-through. When conflicts arose, I didn’t freeze or flare, I could stay composed, stay structured, and speak directly. At home, my wife and daughter noticed it too; I was calmer and more patient, which meant a lot. 

The group sessions added another layer. Working with people from different backgrounds taught me to listen more carefully, adapt to different styles, and align with others without losing my own voice. I started to understand that leading isn’t just about what you say, it’s also about how you connect with people and find common ground.

Now, I feel steadier in how I approach work and life. I can explain my ideas clearly, handle tough conversations without overthinking, and respond to challenges without getting rattled. What really changed is me: my thoughts aren’t running ahead of me anymore, and I feel in control of how I show up. Now, if I ever face a moment like the one with my project manager, I know without a doubt that I would stay composed, speak my mind clearly, and handle it with confidence.