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.