Hard Conversations
From the Front to the Back: A CEO's Harrowing Journey
""As leaders, we must embrace discomfort. Growth happens outside our comfort zone - even if that zone is 37F.""
I wasn't planning to share this, but leadership is about transparency. Yesterday, I found myself in a situation that tested my resilience and adaptability to the core. Due to a last-minute change in plans (par for the course in the fast-paced world of a CEO), I had to take a flight to close a game-changing deal. But here's the kicker: I had to fly coach.
Now, I'm not one to complain. I believe in leading by example and embracing challenges head-on. But as I walked down the aisle, past the familiar comforts of first class, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of apprehension. I thought to myself, "If they only knew the sacrifices I make for this company."
As I squeezed into seat 37F, wedged between a chatty vacationer and a snoring businessman, I had a moment of clarity. This was an opportunity for growth. An opportunity to connect with the everyday struggles of our customers and employees. An opportunity to practice what I preach about resilience and adaptability.
So I leaned into the discomfort. I struck up a conversation with my seatmates, learning about their lives and perspectives. I jotted down ideas on a cramped tray table, finding inspiration in the constraints. And when the flight attendant offered me a small bag of pretzels instead of my usual charcuterie board, I accepted with a smile and a "thank you." Because leadership isn't about perks and privileges. It's about showing up, no matter the circumstances.
As we landed and I stepped back into the familiar world of limousines and VIP lounges, I carried with me a renewed sense of perspective and gratitude. The experience reminded me that growth happens outside our comfort zone - even if that zone is 37F.
So to all my fellow leaders out there, I challenge you: Embrace the discomfort. Seek out the lessons in the unlikely places. And never forget that the true measure of a leader is how they show up in the face of adversity.
Grateful for the journey, and for the reminders it brings. 🙏 #leadership #growth #perspective
Agree? Disagree? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
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Founder, CEO, and Chief Vision Multiplier
Brent is a second time founder who believes leadership is about vibes, velocity, and being misunderstood at scale. He posts daily reflections from airport lounges, insists the team is a family while laying people off with gratitude, and credits every success to mindset while quietly outsourcing execution. Passionate about alignment, resilience, and lessons learned the hard way by other people.