Join Matt Abrahams, a lecturer of Strategic Communication at Stanford Graduate School of Business, as he sits down with experts in the field to discuss real-world challenges. How do I send my message clearly when put on the spot? How do I write emails to get my point across? How can I easily convey complex information? How do I manage my reputation? Whether you’re giving a toast or presenting in a meeting, communication is critical to success in business and in life.Think Fast, Talk Smart provides the tools, techniques, and best practices to help you communicate more effectively.
212. Break It to Make It: Disrupt Your Way to the Perfect Job Fit
Career growth starts with stepping outside your comfort zone.
Building a successful career isn’t about following a set path—it’s about knowing when to evolve and embracing change. Whitney Johnson believes that success comes from disrupting yourself—challenging routines, stepping into discomfort, and continuously evolving. “People think staying in their comfort zone is the safe choice,” she explains, “but real growth happens when we take intentional risks.”
As a bestselling author and leadership expert, Johnson has spent years helping individuals and organizations navigate change. She breaks down the S-curve of learning, a framework that helps professionals recognize when it’s time to move on, pivot, or double down on their current path. From identifying signs of stagnation to developing strategies for career reinvention, she shares practical tools for making bold moves with confidence.
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Johnson joins host Matt Abrahams to explore why mastery can be a sign that it’s time for a change, how to manage the discomfort that comes with growth, and why personal disruption isn’t just a challenge—it’s the key to long-term success.
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Episode Reference Links:
- Whitney Johnson
- Whitney’s Books: Disrupt Yourself / Smart Growth
- Ep.147 Disrupt Yourself: How to Innovate Who You Are and Become Who You Can Be
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Chapters:
- (00:00) - Introduction
- (01:36) - What Is Personal Disruption?
- (04:41) - Signs It’s Time to Disrupt Yourself
- (07:03) - Getting Comfortable with Discomfort
- (12:00) - Finding Your Next Career Move
- (15:49) - Ensuring Fulfillment After Disruption
- (21:04) - Best Career Advice Received
- (22:37) - Career Regrets & Lessons
- (24:08) - Conclusion
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