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Leadership calendar    Apr 15, 2026

Electrifying Growth Episode 70: Why the Best Leaders Choose Discomfort

Managing Partner Chris Sugden sits down with Unum President & CEO Rick McKenney to share lessons on leadership growth, career risk-taking, and how AI is reshaping the future of work

Chris Sugden
Chris Sugden

 

 

What does it really take to become an effective CEO?

In this episode of Electrifying Growth, Rick McKenney, CEO of Unum, shares a leadership journey that didn’t follow a traditional path—from engineer to CFO to leading a Fortune 500 company.

Along the way, one theme stands out: growth doesn’t come from staying comfortable. Rick reflects on:

  • Why the best career development happens in uncomfortable situations
  • How great organizations take bets on people
  • The shift from operating a function to leading an entire company
  • What CEOs often underestimate about culture and board dynamics
  • How AI is changing the way work gets done—and what it means for leaders

He also offers a clear perspective on what separates good leaders from great ones: a willingness to adapt, take risks, and continuously learn.

For anyone navigating leadership or aspiring to it, this conversation offers practical, real-world insight into what it takes to grow.

 

 

Interested in guest-starring on Electrifying Growth? Apply Here to be a guest!
Chris Sugden

Chris is Managing Partner and Chairman of the firm's investment committee. A leading fintech executive and investor for over 25 years (before fintech was fintech), Chris' investment expertise and exits span payments, capital markets and wealth management segments, and track record includes leading dozens of new investments and over 60 rounds of financing.