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Evans candidly admits that his early career was marred by conflict-driven leadership. His combative approach—marked by arrogance and a tendency to dispute teammates aggressively—ultimately hindered his progress. Recognizing this, he took deliberate steps to develop softer skills, converting confrontation into constructive dialogue.
He recounts how his initial inability to build alliances or navigate corporate politics led to layoffs, despite strong technical skills. Critical feedback, including being called a "loose cannon," served as wake-up calls. Evans highlights that soft skills often distinguish successful leaders more than raw technical prowess.