Adaptive leadership in a shifting environment with Paralympian Champion Stef Reid

“When I look in the mirror, I would rather be excellent than be comfortable.”

That was one of the first things I heard Stef Reid say and it stopped me cold.

In my latest podcast episode, I sat down with Stef — a Paralympic champion, global keynote speaker, and leadership coach — to talk about resilience, adaptation, and what it actually takes to perform when circumstances don’t go your way.

Stef’s story is extraordinary:

• A near‑fatal boating accident
• The amputation that followed
• And the mindset shift that turned loss into elite performance

But this episode isn’t about sports. It’s about leadership in a shifting environment.

Stef breaks down why Resilience isn’t who you are. It’s what you practice. Why adaptability isn’t reactive — it’s designed. And why you don’t have to win every time… you only have to win once — if you’re willing to learn from every loss along the way.

We also unpack:

• A practical Adaptive Mindset framework leaders can apply right now
• How culture is built through behaviors, not slogans
• Why storytelling is a leadership skill — not a “nice to have”
• And the habits that help leaders show up when it matters most

One line from Stef has stayed with me:

“It’s not about asking ‘Can I do this?’ It’s about deciding how much you want it — and how long you’re willing to pursue it.”

If you’re leading through uncertainty, change, or fatigue — this conversation will challenge you in the best way. Enjoy!