How Great Leaders Handle Hard Feedback with Paul Coury | The Breakdown Series

When does feedback go from uncomfortable to transformational?
That’s exactly what MaryAnn Means-Dufrene and Karen Finney explore in this special Breakdown Series episode of The Inner Work, as they revisit key leadership insights from Paul Coury, Founder and CEO of Coury Hospitality.

From the vulnerability of receiving tough team feedback to the courage it takes to step out of your comfort zone, this episode captures the emotional layers of true leadership growth.

The Disruption

When Paul Coury received results from his team’s first internal survey, they were… sobering. Rather than celebrate a high-performing culture, the numbers pointed to gaps, especially around communication.

Instead of defending or dismissing the results, Paul did what few leaders have the courage to do: he leaned in.

His response wasn’t perfection, it was humility. And it marked a turning point in how he showed up, both for his people and for the company bearing his name.

The Inner Work: Owning the Hard Truths with Grace

MaryAnn and Karen unpack the deeper emotional work behind Paul’s pivot: sitting with feedback, resisting the urge to control the narrative, and choosing instead to respond with clarity and openness.

What made Paul’s leadership stand out wasn’t the polish, it was the permission he gave himself to be uncomfortable. That choice created room for meaningful change and authentic connection with his team.

It’s a reminder that inner work starts where ego ends.

The Rebuild: Trust Over Control

Paul summed it up best: “If I’m still making all the decisions, something is wrong.”

That’s the essence of the rebuild. Letting go isn’t abdication, it’s trust. It’s recognizing that real legacy doesn’t come from micromanagement, but from building people who can carry the vision forward.

Karen and MaryAnn reflect on how Paul’s investment in his team allowed space for expansion within his company and within themselves. It’s a masterclass in delegation, identity, and choosing confidence over control.

What I Know Now

Breakdowns aren’t the enemy, they’re the entry point.

Paul’s episode reminds us that feedback is often the flashlight we’re afraid to turn on. But when we do, we see not only the cracks, we see the path to rebuild something stronger.

Key takeaways:

• “Feedback is a gift but only if we’re willing to open it.”
  
  
• “Letting go is how leaders grow.”
  
  
• “Comfort zones often mask stagnation.”
  
  
• “Building trust means making room for others to lead.”
  
  
• “Your reaction to criticism reveals your readiness for growth.”

🎧 Listen to the full episode now!