Good on him for coming out and saying it straight. So many people go through such discomfort and are constantly pressured by their environment to put up with it

Good on him for coming out and saying it straight. So many people go through such discomfort and are constantly pressured by their environment to put up with it. You're not encouraged to say no. It is seen as unnatural. It is career limiting. I do believe the tech industry puts an unhealthy obsession on public speaking, to the extent that you aren't considered fit for leadership if you can't give public talks.