Discomfort Isn’t the Enemy: How to Lead Through Challenge with Sterling Hawkins

What if the key to becoming a breakthrough leader isn’t more confidence or clarity—but more discomfort?

In this episode of The Enlightened Executive, Susan Drumm talks with Sterling Hawkins—author, keynote speaker, and founder of the “No Matter What” movement—about why the most effective leaders don’t avoid discomfort. They leverage it.

Sterling shares his 5-step method for using discomfort to drive growth, from reframing challenges to building real accountability. Learn how to stop resisting discomfort and start using it as a compass toward transformation—for yourself and your team.

You’ll learn:

• Why discomfort is a critical ingredient in breakthrough leadership
• How to spot subtle ways you’re avoiding growth
• The neuroscience behind emotional resistance—and how to rewire it
• A powerful mindset shift from Richard Branson that changed the game
• How to build a culture where discomfort leads to innovation, not burnout

If you're ready to evolve as a leader, this episode is your invitation to step into the stretch zone.

The Power of Boundaries: Unlocking Innovation Through Constraints with Rachel Druckenmiller

Episode Description:
What do photographing polar bears in the Arctic and leading high-performing teams have in common? More than you might think.

In this episode of The Enlightened Executive, Susan Drumm sits down with Rachel Druckenmiller—leadership strategist, keynote speaker, and founder of Avenue M Group—to explore how boundaries and constraints can fuel creativity, drive innovation, and empower your team.

Tune in to learn:

• Why clear constraints spark smarter problem-solving
• How to unlock insights from the front lines of your organization
• Why failure shouldn’t just be tolerated—but celebrated
• How to foster a culture of experimentation without losing control

Rachel’s lessons from the wild translate into bold leadership moves you can implement today—especially when the pressure is on.

🎧 Listen now to transform the way you think about limits, leadership, and unleashing your team's potential.

What if the greatest leadership transformation doesn’t start with a new strategy—but with a shift in you?

In this episode of The Enlightened Executive, Daniel McCollum joins Susan Drumm to explore how self-awareness, vulnerability, and intentional growth become the foundation for high-performing teams and thriving organizational culture. Together, they unpack why inner development is no longer optional for executives—and how simple, daily practices can help leaders move from reactivity to conscious, values-based influence.

Whether you’re leading a team, scaling a company, or driving culture change, this episode will help you:

• Move beyond auto-pilot and lead with intention
• Create psychological safety through authentic leadership
• Use reflection and feedback to evolve your leadership style
• Build trust, innovation, and adaptability across your organization

Tune in to learn how your personal growth can unlock your team’s full potential—and transform your business from the inside out.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more leadership insights every week.