A young woman with long dark hair looking out a window covered with white sheer curtains, with her hand resting on the back of her neck. 
W O R K S H O P

From Defensive
to Curious

How to hear feedback without losing it

The Experience

As professionals, it's easy to put on a mask and hide our true feelings. But the moment we're criticized, that mask usually slips—and something more automatic takes over: defensiveness.

The good news? Defensiveness isn't a character flaw or a weakness. It's important information you haven’t been taught to translate yet.

We’ll explore…

  • why defensiveness shows up, and how to spot it before it takes over

  • powerful questions that turn defensiveness into curiosity

  • how to evaluate your readiness to respond, instead of reacting

  • strategies to hear hard feedback without shutting down or lashing out

Book this workshop 
W H A T   P A R T I C I P A N T S   S A Y

  • "Learning meditation practices or general calming techniques is one thing, but having something to utilize in the moment is another."

  • "This helped me see how natural it is to be hit emotionally when we receive criticism. Everyone goes through it but we don't look at it head on."

  • "I appreciated this space. It was important for me to reflect how I can strengthen my approach in providing and receiving feedback at work."

  • "Betty created such a safe and dynamic environment, connecting a group of us across all types of careers to dig deeper.

Who This Is For

  • Managers and Leaders looking to model courageous communication, reduce friction on teams, or foster inclusive environments

  • Anyone who is moving through criticism or struggling to respond in challenging conversations, personally or professionally

Let’s Practice Together

An example of what we’ll explore

O U T S I D E

“You’re being inflexible when changes need to be made.”

What we see: quick nod, stoic features

A woman with long brown hair in profile, looking away, standing near a window with sheer white curtains, touching her hair.

I N S I D E

“They don’t see how hard I try
to make things work.”

What we feel: warm face, annoyance, rejection

MEET YOUR FACILITATOR

Betty Chan

An Asian woman with black hair holding a tan hat and a brown coat outdoors near water, with a willow tree and blue sky in the background.
A dusty blue circle

Betty creates conversations that bring people closer. Her workshops blend relatable stories with accessible actions, creating a space where authenticity can grow.

She encourages participants to shed assumptions, share vulnerably, and actively shape their future.

Central to her approach is the idea that by taking ownership of who we are, we set in motion a ripple of positive change that reshapes our inner worlds and the communities we touch.

About Betty

Expand each section to learn more.

Workshop Details

  • 60-75 minutes

  • Virtually hosted over Zoom, with group discussion.

    Can be adjusted for in-person setting.

  • Willingness to learn and courage

  • $3,000 for up to 20 participants.

    Discounts are available if you are interested in a workshop series.

Have questions?

Don’t stop there.

Find courage and connection in other brave spaces.

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