“I’ve learned to slow down, structure my thoughts, and take pauses. That’s a takeaway I’ll carry throughout my lifetime.”

For nearly 20 years, I built my career at IBM, developing deep expertise in non-IT operations and financial processes. Recently, I moved to Capgemini as a Director, where I lead transformation projects for clients. My role involves identifying opportunities to improve existing processes, recommending solutions, and convincing stakeholders to adopt changes that can deliver better outcomes.
While I was confident in my technical expertise, I often struggled to communicate my ideas effectively in leadership meetings. Sometimes, I would search for the right words, struggle to express my thoughts with the right meaning, or find it difficult to convey the emotions behind what I was saying. I knew what I wanted to communicate, but putting it across in a structured and compelling way was a challenge.
That was what led me to Kapable. During my trial session, I encountered a technique that immediately helped me structure my thoughts and express them more clearly. It made me realise how much more effective my communication could become with the right tools, and I decided to enrol in the program.
One of the first changes I noticed was in the way I organised my thoughts. Earlier, I would often jump between ideas, speak too quickly, and try to finish conversations as soon as possible. Through the sessions, I learned to slow down, take pauses, and connect my ideas logically. I also began applying the Pyramid Principle in my work, leading with the solution and supporting it with data and reasoning. This became particularly useful when presenting recommendations to clients and stakeholders.
Another important shift was in how I approached storytelling. I had previously focused on making sure I understood my own message, without giving enough thought to how the other person would receive it. I began paying more attention to how I could make my ideas relatable and easier to understand. I also became more conscious of how I handled difficult conversations, considering the other person’s perspective and exploring ways to reach a solution together.
The impact has been especially noticeable in high-pressure situations. Earlier, I would sometimes remain silent in a meeting, analyse the situation afterward, and respond later. Now, I feel more confident generating ideas and contributing in the moment. I am still working on applying everything consistently, but I have become more intentional about how I communicate.
As I move forward, I want to keep these learnings alive by practising the techniques in my everyday meetings and sharing them with my team. I also want to continue improving my delivery, storytelling, and ability to bring conversations to a clear close.