Electrifying Growth Episode 70: Why the Best Leaders Choose Discomfort

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!