Ep. 115 Out Of Class - Hard Things, Risky Things & the Power of Contrast

Life Long Learner

In this Out of Class edition of the Lifelong Learner podcast, Gines and Ben reunite after a short break with an episode that dives deep into leadership, resilience, and the unexpected power of doing hard things.

Fresh from an off-track, high-stakes mountain adventure in Tasmania, Ben unpacks what it was like organising and leading a group of 11 men—many of whom had never hiked before—through sleet, steep boulder-strewn climbs, and moments of real physical and mental challenge.

But this isn’t a story about gear or maps. It’s about people. What happens when pressure is on? When the path disappears? When fear kicks in?

We explore:

• Why a beginner’s mindset isn’t just for kids—it’s essential for great leaders

• How we all show up differently under pressure: some lead, some help, and some freeze

• The surprising difference between doing something hard vs. doing something risky

• What contrast teaches us—about ourselves, about joy, and about what really matters

• Why comfort might be killing your growth (and what to do about it)

We also zoom out to reflect on how this plays out in parenting, business, and life. Gines shares what it felt like to walk away from a big client instead of compromising core values. It wasn’t easy—but it was worth it. We discuss the cost of avoiding discomfort, the epidemic of “pandering” to ease, and the truth that learning—real, deep, human learning—comes when we stretch.

Whether you’re hiking mountains, building businesses, or raising kids in a world that loves to avoid discomfort, this conversation is a timely reminder that:

🔥 Growth happens outside the comfort zone
🌧 Joy hits harder when you’ve tasted hardship
🧠 And risk isn’t something to avoid—it’s something to understand

🚀 Tune in now and subscribe at lifelonglearnerpodcast.com

This episode is brought to you by Make It Happen Group.
Empowering professionals and business leaders to achieve their full potential through strategic coaching and performance development.
🔗 Learn more at makeithappengroup.org

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