Dancing in the Discomfort Zone with Anne Bonney

Anne Bonney
  • 4.8 (24)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Let's face it, life is uncomfortable. Whether it's interacting with other humans (or trying to), going after our goals and improving our lives, or understanding other people's perspectives, preferences and proclivities, being able to face the discomforts in life with courage, compassion, confidence and resilience will make life a lot more enjoyable! So join me as we DANCE IN THE DISCOMFORT ZONE! We'll explore new ideas, learn how to build our confidence, courage and resilience, and laugh a little too, because life is serious enough. We need a little cha cha, and a little ha ha every once in a while! Welcome to the Discomfort Zone with Anne Bonney!

  1. 2D AGO

    Discomfort Isn’t the Problem. Avoiding It Is.

    What do tough conversations, grief, fear, and habits all have in common? Discomfort. In this month-end wrap-up, I’m pulling together the biggest insights from conversations with a hostage negotiator, a grief coach, a keynote speaker, and a habit expert—and the message is clear: discomfort isn’t the problem… avoiding it is. If you want more resilience, stronger relationships, and habits that actually stick, it starts with getting better at the uncomfortable stuff. Crucial Conversations Book: https://bit.ly/3Q1dDl6Anne's TedX link on seeking discomfort: https://youtu.be/wSL6tVD__po?si=Gdum754IZYvCO3gS Anne Bonney is a keynote speaker and emcee who helps organizations lead through change by building resilience, emotional intelligence, and courageous communication.

    12 min
  2. Stop Starting Over: Build Habits That Last with Habit Freak CHRISTOPH Merrill

    6D AGO

    Stop Starting Over: Build Habits That Last with Habit Freak CHRISTOPH Merrill

    Let’s talk habits… but not the cute, color-coded, “new year new me” kind. I’m joined by CHRISTOPH Merrill (aka the Habit Freak, thought-leader, speaker, author CHRISTOPHmerrill.com ), and this conversation goes way deeper than discipline and checklists. After a life-altering moment that nearly cost him everything, CHRISTOPH discovered a truth most habit advice completely ignores: Habits aren’t built for calm days. They’re built for the hard ones. We talk about what it really takes to build habits that hold up when motivation disappears, your brain turns against you, and life gets messy (because… it will). We dig into:  Why most habits fail the moment pressure hits  How mental health and habit formation are deeply connected  A simple, flexible approach to staying consistent...even on your worst days We also get into radical self-awareness, journaling, decision fatigue, and why doing your best today beats chasing perfection every time. If you’re tired of starting over… this episode will help you build habits that actually last. CHRISTOPH merrill is the creator of Habit Freak and a leadership thought leader who helps people build habits that hold when pressure hits. After a life-altering moment changed everything, he dedicated his work to proving this truth: habits are not built for calm days, they are built for hard ones. His work helps leaders perform when motivation disappears and the stakes are real. Anne Bonney is a keynote speaker and emcee who helps organizations lead through change by building resilience, emotional intelligence, and courageous communication.

    47 min
  3. Build a Better Now: How to Reclaim the Moment in a Distracted World with Greg Bennick

    MAR 16

    Build a Better Now: How to Reclaim the Moment in a Distracted World with Greg Bennick

    Today we’re dancing in the discomfort zone with Greg Bennick (www.gregbennick.com) keynote speaker, author, musician, juggler (yes, actually), and professional reminder that you matter. Greg’s message? If you want a better future, build a better now. We talk about what it really means to embrace discomfort.  Not as something to survive, but as something to lean into. Greg shares how his early days as a performer (and yes, literal juggler) shaped his relationship with fear, uncertainty, and personal freedom. Inspired by Indiana Jones stepping onto the rock bridge (look it up!) Greg challenges us to stop waiting for clarity and start building momentum. We explore: Why your relationship with fear determines your growthHow authenticity cuts through distraction and chaosWhat it takes to build stronger teams where everyone feels like they matterWe also dive into his book Reclaim the Moment: Seven Strategies to Build a Better Now, and how focusing on the present moment isn’t fluffy advice...it’s survival in today’s overloaded, distracted world. If you’ve been waiting for the “right time,” this is your nudge. Chapters 10:42 Establishing a Relationship with Fear14:18 Indiana Jones and Stepping Into the Unknown16:55 From Juggler to Keynote Speaker18:21 Reclaiming the Moment in a Distracted World29:45 Why Everyone Matters on a Team32:10 Building a Better Now (Instead of Waiting for Later)35:34 Authenticity as a Competitive AdvantageGreg Bennick is a team building keynote speaker from Seattle who reminds people that they matter through a keynote that brings teams together called “Build a Better Now". He invites us to focus on taking action to build a better personal and work life by focusing on authenticity amidst a world of distractions. He likes vegan snacks, rare coins, and juggling. Yes, you read that correctly. See more at www.gregbennick.com Anne Bonney is a keynote speaker and emcee who helps organizations lead through change by building resilience, emotional intelligence, and courageous communication.

    33 min
  4. How to Talk About Grief (Without Making It Awkward) with Jennifer Sanfilippo

    MAR 9

    How to Talk About Grief (Without Making It Awkward) with Jennifer Sanfilippo

    Grief. Death. Loss. Deep breath. Stay with me.  (The name of the podcast should have warned you!)  In this episode, I sit down with life transition coach and death doula Jennifer Sanfilippo (www.jennifer-sanfilippo.com) to talk about something we ALL experience… but rarely talk about well. PLOT TWIST: grief isn’t just about death! We explore how unacknowledged losses (like career shifts, identity changes, empty nests, layoffs, divorces and all that) quietly shape our resilience. Because if we don’t learn how to face the small griefs, the big ones hit even harder. We dive into: How to support someone who’s grieving (without saying the wrong thing)Why grief absolutely belongs in workplace conversationsHow open discussions about death and loss actually build resilience and connectionJennifer also shares her powerful journey from the financial industry to becoming a life transition coach after the loss of her husband, and why creating space for grief is one of the bravest things we can do. Yes, we talk about death, and yes, we laugh because grief and joy can coexist.  If you’ve ever felt unsure what to say… avoided the topic… or tried to “stay strong” instead of feeling… this conversation is for you. Chapters 03:08 Understanding Grief and Loss 05:57 The Journey from Finance to Life Coaching 12:03 Building Bridges of Compassion 17:55 Death Cafes: Creating Safe Spaces for Conversation 24:02 Navigating Grief in the Workplace Jennifer Sanfilippo, MBA, is a certified end-of-life doula and executive coach. After her husband Jim died in 2020, she redirected her leadership skills to grief support, facilitating Death Cafés, community forums, and bereavement groups. A mother of two, she lives in Rochester, NY, with three cats and a high-energy dog.   Anne Bonney is a keynote speaker and emcee who helps organizations lead through change by building resilience, emotional intelligence, and courageous communication.

    32 min
  5. What SWAT Hostage Negotiators Know About Tough Conversations (That Leaders Don’t) with Scott Tillema

    MAR 5

    What SWAT Hostage Negotiators Know About Tough Conversations (That Leaders Don’t) with Scott Tillema

    What do hostage negotiations and workplace conflict have in common? More than you think. Former SWAT hostage negotiator Scott Tillema (https://scotttillema.com/) joins me to break down what it really takes to influence emotional people in high-stakes moments...whether you’re outside a barricaded building, delivering some uncomfortable performance feedback or trying to solve a problem with your spouse.   If you’ve got tough conversations in the back of your head that you need to have, this episode is for you! We talk about: Why trying to be “right” can quietly destroy your influenceThe foundation you must build before you try to persuade anyoneHow timing can make or break a difficult conversation (this is HUGE!)What respect actually means...and what it doesn’tHow to separate the person from the behavior without losing your coolBecause the moment it becomes about being right… we’re in trouble. Want more from Scott? https://scotttillema.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tillema/Scott Tillema (TILL'-uh-ma) is a retired SWAT hostage negotiator from the Chicago area. Scott holds a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science, a master’s degree in psychology, and he was trained in negotiation by the FBI and at Harvard University. He is the founder of Negotiation Excellence, LLC and as a global keynote speaker and corporate trainer.  His TEDx talk “The Secrets of Hostage Negotiators” has been viewed over one million times.    Anne Bonney is a keynote speaker and emcee who helps organizations lead through change by building resilience, emotional intelligence, and courageous communication.

    41 min
  6. A Super Bowl Ad, a Dating Text, and a Bigger Question

    FEB 23

    A Super Bowl Ad, a Dating Text, and a Bigger Question

    Two Super Bowl commercials. Two very different emotional reactions. And one curious conversation that opens the door to something much bigger.  In this episode, your host Anne Bonney (https://YourChangeSpeaker.com) contrasts a feel-good moment of human connection with a symbol-heavy display of comfort and certainty and explores what our reactions to each might say about how we view belonging, agency, and discomfort. This isn’t an episode that hands you tidy answers. Instead, it offers a lens, a pause, and a few questions worth sitting with long after the ads are over. Perfect if you enjoy thinking a little deeper about why some things comfort us… and why others quietly challenge us.

    17 min
  7. Stop Telling. Start Talking. And Other Leadership Wake-Up Calls from Trevor Blondeel

    FEB 16

    Stop Telling. Start Talking. And Other Leadership Wake-Up Calls from Trevor Blondeel

    What happens when success on paper no longer feels right in real life? In this episode of Dancing in the Discomfort Zone, Anne Bonney talks with Trevor Blondeel (www.trevorblondeel.com) about leadership, emotional intelligence, and what it really takes to connect people across the C-suite and the shop floor. From manufacturing leadership to tough conversations and values-based decisions, this episode is packed with practical insight and refreshing honesty.  We talk about: Making big, scary life and career changes when your values are waving red flagsWhy telling people what to do is killing engagement and what to do insteadTalking about feelings in manufacturing without passing out or handing out tissuesWant more from Trevor, check out www.trevorblondeel.com OR www.manufacturinggreatness.com Trevor Blondeel connects the top to the shop—one conversation at a time. After 25 years in manufacturing, he now speaks, writes, and coaches leaders to stop telling and start talking, turning deeper conversations into real results. He’s the host of Mindfulness Manufacturing, a top 1% podcast globally, and his client list includes Nestlé, Energizer, and Nucor. If you want retention, engagement, and accountability, start by getting uncomfortable. Anne Bonney is a keynote speaker and emcee who helps organizations lead through change by building resilience, emotional intelligence, and courageous communication.

    39 min
  8. Turning Pain into Purpose: A Raw Conversation on Resilience with Front Row Frankie

    FEB 9

    Turning Pain into Purpose: A Raw Conversation on Resilience with Front Row Frankie

    What happens when life knocks you all the way down—and then keeps going? In this powerful episode of Dancing in the Discomfort Zone, Anne Bonney talks with Front Row Frankie (https://frontrowfortitude.com) about addiction recovery, resilience, personal growth, and rebuilding life after rock bottom. This raw, honest conversation explores emotional intelligence, accountability, courage, and how real change happens when you’re willing to face discomfort head-on.  We talk about What rock bottom really looks like—and the moment that turns survival into a decision to changeWhy resilience isn’t mindset fluff, but daily choices, accountability, and doing the uncomfortable work when no one’s watchingHow to rebuild your life (and self-trust) after addiction, loss, or failure—without pretending it’s easy or prettyGo get your calendar now!  https://www.frontrowfortitude.com/category/all-products Front Row Frankie is a keynote speaker and mindset coach known for his No Bad Days Mindset™. After overcoming extreme hardship and adversity, he rebuilt his life on daily positive action, spiritual growth and selfless service. He now leads professionals in high-stress industries find purpose, build resilience, and tap into their full potential. With contagious energy and real-world tools, Frankie’s mission is to help people turn struggles into strengths. One day, one choice, one mindset shift at a time. Anne Bonney is a keynote speaker and emcee who helps organizations lead through change by building resilience, emotional intelligence, and courageous communication.

    34 min
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4.8
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

Let's face it, life is uncomfortable. Whether it's interacting with other humans (or trying to), going after our goals and improving our lives, or understanding other people's perspectives, preferences and proclivities, being able to face the discomforts in life with courage, compassion, confidence and resilience will make life a lot more enjoyable! So join me as we DANCE IN THE DISCOMFORT ZONE! We'll explore new ideas, learn how to build our confidence, courage and resilience, and laugh a little too, because life is serious enough. We need a little cha cha, and a little ha ha every once in a while! Welcome to the Discomfort Zone with Anne Bonney!

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