Episode 32 How to Get Out of Your Leadership Comfort Zone

Sarah explores what it really means to step outside your leadership comfort zone and why it's essential for growth, confidence, and success. Whether you're stuck in operational work, feeling stagnant in your role, or facing new challenges that push your limits, this episode offers insightful strategies and personal stories to inspire you to stretch, not stress.

Sarah shares real-life examples from her coaching practice and her own career journey, including tackling imposter syndrome, self-sabotage, and those scary-but-worth-it leadership opportunities. Learn how to build courage, embrace optimal anxiety, and use small, manageable actions to unlock your next level of leadership impact.

Show Notes

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction

Sarah introduces the podcast and sets the stage for why leadership comfort zones matter.

01:00 – Why This Topic?

Inspired by a coaching client stuck in her role after six years as a CEO.

02:00 – The Reality of Leadership Discomfort

Sometimes you don't have a choice — leadership demands stretch.

03:00 – What Is a Comfort Zone, Really?

Comfort = control, competence, and stagnation if you stay too long.

04:00 – Why You Need to Leave It

Introducing “optimal anxiety” – stretch, not stress – for peak performance.

05:00 – The Neuroscience Behind It

How stepping out of your comfort zone activates the courage circuit and releases dopamine.

06:00 – The Strategic Trap

Operational comfort vs. strategic growth — how leaders can get stuck.

07:00 – Real Client Example

A financial controller seen as “operational” because she didn’t delegate.

08:00 – Personal Story: Fear of Live Radio

How Sarah self-sabotaged until she finally said yes — and why it changed everything.

10:00 – Common Fears Blocking You

Fear of failure, judgment, and the unknown — especially for leaders.

11:00 – High-Stakes Leadership Challenges

From board presentations to restructures — you can't always avoid the hard stuff.

12:00 – Regular Stretch Builds Readiness

Why small, regular discomfort makes big challenges easier.

13:00 – Strategy 1: Start Small

Use the “comfort zone box” model to move gradually from comfort to growth.

14:00 – Strategy 2: Set Clear Goals

Motivation and clarity make it easier to leave what's familiar.

14:30 – Strategy 3: Visualize Success

Boost confidence and prime your brain for a positive outcome.

15:00 – Strategy 4: Seek Support

You don’t have to go it alone — mentors, peers, coaching all help.

16:00 – Strategy 5: Embrace Failure

Salsa dancing, anyone? The value of learning through doing.

17:00 – Practical Ways to Begin

Ideas for manageable leadership stretch goals you can try today.

18:00 – Comfort Zones Are Always Moving

Keep expanding your capacity and confidence, step by step.

19:00 – Final Challenge: What Could You Do Today?

Choose one manageable action to get out of your comfort zone — and go do it.

Useful Links

Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration

Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching...