Adaptive leadership in a shifting environment with Paralympian Champion Stef Reid
Wed Feb 04 2026
“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!
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“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!