Imperfect Beginnings Beat Perfect Intentions
- Cécile Bastien Remy
- Oct 7
- 2 min read
One Insight
Polish is optional. Shipping is mandatory.
If you wait for the perfect moment, you might wait forever.
Leaders grow in public with shaky hands, tired voices, and imperfect slides.
Perfection is a mirage that keeps you stuck. Progress happens through movement, not magic.
One Story
My first big talk in Zug happened the same week I quit smoking.
I had a fever, withdrawal symptoms, and had to climb four steep, medieval staircases to reach the stage. Two brilliant speakers went before me. My hands were shaking. My notes were blurry.
Halfway through, I almost cried while speaking about the second book project that was just launched (Grüezi Newcomers, Insider's guide to relocate around lake Zürich, edition 2012).
The applause was warm but not thunderous.
Technically? Mixed.
Emotionally? Transformative.
When I walked off the stage, I made myself a private promise: to become a competent speaker on purpose.
That decision (not that performance) changed my career.
My imperfect beginning gave me momentum, and momentum became my teacher.
One Tool: The 3-Step "Ship" Method
1️⃣ Minimum Viable Talk (MVT):
Focus on one problem, one story, one promise. If it doesn’t fit on a Post-it note, it’s too long.
2️⃣ Time-box your rehearsal:
Practice twice and stop. Don’t rehearse your anxiety into the script.
3️⃣ 3-1-1 Debrief:
After your talk, write down
3 things that went well
1 thing to improve
1 next test or opportunity (within 24 hours)
Make it stick
Put “book next stage” at the top of your checklist even before you finish reviewing the last talk.
Momentum beats self-criticism.
A schedule is stronger than bravery because it makes bravery show up.
Try it this week
Say yes to a speaking slot that feels just 10% outside your comfort zone.
Build your MVT.
Rehearse twice.
Deliver.
Debrief with 3-1-1.
Then before you read the feedback book your next stage.
Confidence doesn’t come before action.
It comes from action.
Et Voilà!
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