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125: Dancing in the Comfort Zone

Discomfort isn’t danger. It’s data. Most people misread that signal and pull back. But discomfort is often pointing us toward growth.

Meet Gabriella. After 25 years in marketing, she’s never experienced this much change at once. New metrics. New leadership. New priorities that contradict last week’s priorities. The constant shift has shaken her confidence and left her second-guessing every move. At home she feels grounded, but at work she’s overwhelmed, replaying conversations, hesitating in meetings, and worrying whether her CEO sees her as capable or replaceable. What she wants most is to respond instead of react, and to finally trust herself again.

Today, Jay sits down with Anne Bonney, an international speaker and change leadership expert known for helping people communicate courageously, navigate uncertainty, and build resilience in moments of discomfort. Anne’s personal story, from moving across continents as a child to reinventing her career multiple times, gives her a powerful perspective on letting go, embracing change, and finding courage in the unknown.

Notable Quotes

“Discomfort is a speed bump, not a stop sign.” — Anne Bonney

“Don’t wait until you feel brave. You’ll wait forever.” — Anne Bonney

“You’re going to be uncomfortable either way — so which discomfort do you choose?” — Anne Bonney

About Our Guest

Anne Bonney is a change leadership expert, keynote speaker, and author who helps leaders embrace uncertainty, strengthen emotional intelligence, and move through fear with confidence. She has worked with global organizations like NASA, Under Armour, and Lockheed Martin, sharing practical tools for navigating transition and thriving in the discomfort zone.

Resources & Links

Anne Bonney

Website – https://ignitingyourcourage.com/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/annebonney/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF6svpLe3qVb6eCKyeY4_Nw

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/SpeakerAnneBonney

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/speakerannebonney/

Jay Abbasi

Website – https://jayabbasi.me/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast

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Join Us Next Time

On Friday, Jay explores the science of gratitude, why your brain naturally focuses on what you lack and how small daily practices can shift your attention toward what truly matters. If you want more presence, peace, and emotional resilience, this episode will give you tools you can use right away.