Leadership often requires stepping out of your comfort zone. And once you do this, you’ll find growth.

In this episode of Executive Evolution, our host Craig Anderson is joined by Jason Barnaby, Founder and President of Fire Starters Inc., to dive deep into a candid conversation that peels back layers of personal and professional growth, focusing on the role of discomfort in leadership.

Join us as Jason discusses his most challenging leadership moments and why he believes being uncomfortable is not just inevitable but essential for growth.

After You Listen:

Get your copy of Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us by Seth Godin

Connect with Jason on LinkedIn

Check out Fire Starters Inc.

Connect with Craig on LinkedIn

Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

Key Takeaways:

1. Prioritize mental health and seek help early to prevent burnout and maintain leadership effectiveness
2. Foster collaboration by valuing team input and allow collective ideas to shape big initiatives
3. Admit when you're unsure and encourage your team to do the same

Things to listen for:

[02:15] Lightning round with Jason

[06:14] Embrace discomfort for personal and business growth

[18:36] Disc profiles impact leadership

[21:20] Exceed expectations, learn, adapt, become subject

[24:11] Assess sales meetings and hold one-on-ones for accountability

[27:59] Mental health and well-being matters

[29:14] Checking in on others is important

[37:31] Advice Jason would give to his younger self

[40:18] Craigs takeaways