I Believed Talent and Hard Work Won Every Time. Then I Met Jeremy.

I had spent a full week perfecting my designs—Jeremy, my least favorite colleague hadn’t even started.

Every project, same drill.

One week. Two designers. Three branding concepts each. The client picks a winner.

I worked eighty hours on mine—research, strategy, execution.

Jeremy? He started twenty minutes before the presentation.

I saw him. Drag a blue circle onto the screen. Type the company’s first letter inside. Pick a default font. Done.

The client waiting in the presentation room...

Jeremy walked in, hands in pockets, cool hat, sunglasses inside, 10 minutes late.

People nodded. Some wrote it down.

Then I presented. Suit and tie. Logical, detailed, methodical.

Silence. No spark. No engagement.

Jeremy won. Again.

It wasn’t about the work. It was about the story.

Jeremy wasn’t just showing his idea. He was selling it.

I thought good work spoke for itself. It didn’t.

People buy stories and confidence, not the best solution.

Next presentation, I didn’t just explain my designs. I sold them.

• I prepared the right words

• I told the story

• I owned the room.

And this time, they clapped.

Jeremy looked at me differently that day.

That’s when I knew—if you don’t promote your work, it doesn’t exist.

How to promote your hard work

If I had to learn this skill again, here’s what I’d do:

• Prepare an elevator pitch – Clarity is key. Summarize your idea in one compelling sentence.

• Write the story - Craft a narrative around your work that makes it memorable and impactful.

• Practice presenting – The right words, the right tone, and the right confidence change everything.

• Build in public – Share your work early. Ask for feedback. Make stakeholders feel like it’s their idea too.

You don’t need to be the best. You need to be the best at showing why you’re the best.

Now It’s Your Turn

Take one project or idea this week and sell it. Focus on the story, not just the details.