In a world that celebrates wins and hides the rest, Patricia Mae M. Estenoso chooses to talk about what almost broke her: public failure.
The 29-year-old creative copywriter from Dubai, first featured in January 2025, is now turning heads in international circles—not just for her writing, but for her raw honesty and inspiring comeback as the 2025 McKinsey.org Forward Program Ambassador for Storytelling.
But before that global recognition came two difficult years she once wanted to forget.
“In 2023, I was invited to speak at an international conference,” Patricia recalls. “I wasn’t prepared. I bit off more than I could chew. I was working on a big project and couldn’t handle both.”
The result was crushing. “I received more negative comments than positive ones. I consider it a massive failure.”
If 2023 was hard, 2024 was worse. She was selected to speak at another prestigious event—this time by a globally known company—but no one showed up to her session except one person.
“I still thank that one stranger,” she says with a gentle laugh. “But it hurt. A co-speaker had to console me. I swore off public speaking after that.”
A turning point
Patricia graduated from McKinsey.org’s Forward Program in 2023, a global online learning initiative focused on leadership and future-of-work skills. Thousands of professionals from around the world apply to become volunteer ambassadors after completing the program. Patricia didn’t think she stood a chance.
“It was like aiming for the stars. I submitted my application with zero expectations.”
Then, two things happened almost simultaneously—she received the email confirming her selection as McKinsey.org Forward Ambassador for Storytelling, and she was also invited to the 2025 Global Filipino Icon Awards.
“That moment gave me the courage I lost in the last two years. I was scared to do speaking engagements again, but this gave me a reason to try one more time.”
As part of her role, she now creates content that promotes the Forward Program and shares her learning journey. Her efforts didn’t go unnoticed.
“My story was featured in McKinsey newsletters across the globe, and in several ad campaigns in the Philippines,” she shares. “My portfolio even landed on top lists in Authory.com under Copywriters, Education Copywriters, Tech Writers, and Tech and Education Influencers.”
She was also highlighted in the Member Spotlight of ProCopywriters UK, a well-respected platform for content and marketing professionals.
From zero audience to 300+ attendees
Then came the moment of reckoning: two new speaking invites, this time for storytelling workshops for fellow McKinsey Ambassadors. She took it seriously.
“I prepared really well. I wasn’t going to let my past failures define me,” Patricia says. “And I’m proud to say it turned out successful—I received positive reviews!”
Her confidence restored, more speaking engagements followed. She was tapped by two international organizations in Kenya—Amazon Web Services User Group and the ALX Virtual Assistant Program—to speak on topics like Learning Smart, Connecting Strong, and Finding Opportunities in the AI Era.
But the biggest validation yet came when she was invited to speak at the ACES: The Society for Editing annual virtual conference in September.
“I spoke about Editing Experiential Marketing Content. Over 300 people registered, and I got so much great feedback on LinkedIn and the conference platform,” she says proudly.
Preparing for what’s next
Now reviewing even more speaking and content opportunities, Patricia is cautious—but determined.
“I don’t want to reveal too much yet, but I’m definitely preparing better this time. I want to use my voice to inspire more Filipino creatives.”
Her advice for fellow creatives?
“Please, please believe in your work. Be your first cheerleader. If you feel like giving up, take a pause. Use that time to prepare—so when opportunity knocks, even if you’re not fully ready, you’ve already taken steps forward.”
