A client of mine once told me that learning to fly a plane is a lot like doing drugs.

“It gets you high, it’s expensive, addictive, and it can kill you.”

That alone had my attention. But what he said next hit even harder…

Let’s cut through the noise. When you’re leading your team through challenging times, the last thing you need is a motivational quote that feels about as useful as a leaky bucket.

In leadership, discomfort isn’t just something you tolerate—it’s something you master. Whether you’re steering through market disruptions, leading a team through organizational change, or facing your own internal doubts as a leader, discomfort is a constant companion.

Crisis is the ultimate test of leadership. When the unexpected happens, when the plan falls apart, and when uncertainty grips your team, how you lead in those moments defines you. The question isn’t if a crisis will hit, but when - and when it does, the difference between success and failure often hinges on a leader’s ability to stay steady, make decisive moves, and inspire confidence when everything else is crumbling.