28/08/2026
“Respectfully, I Think You’re Wrong.”
There are a few ways to react when a room full of smart, successful people starts poking holes in your idea.
You can get defensive.
You can fold immediately.
Or you can listen, consider what they’re saying and still explain why you believe you’re right.
Max Wein had to learn that third option.
During an investment committee meeting, Max presented a deal he believed in. He’d done the research, built the relationships and developed real expertise in the market.
Then the questions started.
Instead of defending his thinking, Max deferred to the more experienced voices in the room. They must know better, right?
Except they weren’t telling him to sit down and be quiet. They were doing their jobs. They were testing the idea so the group could make the best possible decision.
And his job wasn’t to cave.
It was to contribute.
Being respectful doesn’t mean abandoning your judgment the moment someone challenges it. Sometimes the most useful thing you can say is, “I hear you, but I still think you’re wrong.”
On today’s episode of The Worst Advice I Ever Got, Max talks about learning to trust the expertise that earned him a seat in the room in the first place.
And considering he went on to lead TPG’s investment in our presenting partner, Smith + Howard, we’d say trusting his judgment worked out pretty well.
Max Wein’s episode is live now! 🎙️
