---
title: "Electrifying Growth Episode 70: Why the Best Leaders Choose Discomfort"
description: 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
---

[Edison Blog | Insights for Growth Stage Technology Companies ](https://www.edisonpartners.com/blog)

# [Electrifying Growth Episode 70: Why the Best Leaders Choose Discomfort](https://www.edisonpartners.com/blog/electrifying-growth-episode-70)

 Written by [Chris Sugden](https://www.edisonpartners.com/blog/author/chris-sugden) | 4/15/2026

 

 

What does it really take to become an effective CEO?

In this episode of *Electrifying Growth*, [Rick McKenney](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-p-mckenney/), CEO of [Unum](https://www.unum.com/), 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](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/electrifying-growth-guest-application) to be a guest!

[View full post](https://www.edisonpartners.com/blog/electrifying-growth-episode-70)

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