Saying YES to Growth: Why Stretching Yourself is Non-Negotiable

In this episode of the Let’s GO – Let’s GROW podcast with Des Penny challenges us to step beyond comfort and into growth. Through personal stories and practical leadership insights, he unpacks why stretching yourself isn’t optional — it's essential.
Learn 5 powerful ways to grow starting today, why action always precedes clarity, and how true leadership demands we stretch first.
If you’re ready to leave the harbour and chase your next opportunity, this is your call to action. Let’s GO — Let’s GROW!

Sponsored by Proteus Leadership — Creating Great Leaders for over 32 years. Visit proteusleadership.com

In this powerful and passionate episode, Des Penny gets fired up — and for good reason.

Tired of the relentless negativity swirling around leadership on social media, Des calls out the rising trend of "leadership bashing" and the damaging culture of blame that’s taking hold in many workplaces. Drawing from over 45 years of hands-on experience in leadership development, he offers a bold and unapologetic defence of leaders who are showing up every day, doing their best, often with little recognition or support.

This is not a sugar-coated pep talk. It’s a raw, real, and necessary conversation about responsibility — both for those leading and those being led. Des challenges listeners to shift their focus, speak up for the good, and stop letting the loudest critics dictate the narrative.

Whether you’re in a leadership role or part of a team, this episode will make you reflect, reassess, and hopefully, recommit to building healthier workplace cultures where respect, accountability, and hope take centre stage.

This one’s for the leaders who care, and the teams who need them.

🎧 Listen now, and if it hits home — share it, post something positive about a leader who’s impacted you, and help flip the script.

Let’s bring leadership back — and let’s grow together.

In this episode of the "Let's Go - Let's Grow" podcast, Des Penny shares a deeply personal journey of self-reflection and renewal. At 70 years old, he admits to having spent too much time listening to others' opinions and not honouring his own beliefs, leading him to tell himself negative stories that undermined his purpose. These false narratives resulted in self-doubt, physical illness, and mental exhaustion.

Des describes how he mistakenly believed that his professional life was over and that he should retreat to make way for the younger generation—a lie he now recognises. Despite his significant achievements, including starting successful businesses, winning national awards, authoring books, and being a devoted father and grandfather, he felt compelled to step back due to societal expectations.

A turning point came when he broke down during a public speaking event, realising that his inner spirit was in conflict with the false stories he had been telling himself. Inspired by reading "Atomic Habits" by James Clear, Des took responsibility for his actions and acknowledged that he had given away his identity. A week of solitude and reflection in Bali helped him reconnect with his purpose.

Des emphasises that helping others has no expiration date and challenges listeners to question whether they are accepting untruths or striving to make things better. He encourages everyone to affirm, "I am enough," and to recognise their value in the ongoing "jigsaw of life." His message is a call to embrace one's true self and continue contributing meaningfully, regardless of age or external opinions.

In this insightful episode of the "Let's GO – Let's GROW Podcast," host Des Penny takes a deep dive into the concept of "Repositioning Yourself for Growth." Des draws on his extensive experience in leadership and personal development to discuss why staying relevant in a fast-paced, ever-changing world is crucial for both personal and professional success. He explains that growth isn't just about being the biggest or the best, but about constantly repositioning ourselves to remain relevant and aligned with our core values and passions.

Des underscores the importance of embracing a growth mindset, where the focus is on continuous learning and adapting rather than striving for perfection. He shares his perspective on resilience, not merely as a means of coping with challenges but as a powerful tool for bouncing back and thriving in the face of adversity. Listeners will learn how to view criticism as an opportunity for growth rather than a setback, and how to use the "KEEP STOP START" model to strategically evaluate what actions and behaviours to maintain, cease, or begin in order to move forward effectively.

Throughout the episode, Des also touches on the value of bravery and vulnerability in the process of repositioning. He encourages listeners to align their actions with their beliefs, to trust their instincts, and to take decisive steps even when the path forward is unclear. By being open and authentic, individuals can foster deeper connections and gain the support needed to navigate change successfully.

This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring insights, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to reposition themselves for growth and success. Whether you're facing a significant change in your career or personal life, or simply want to ensure you're moving in the right direction, Des offers valuable guidance to help you make the right decisions.

Tune in to discover how to turn challenges into opportunities and take proactive steps toward your goals. Don't miss out on the chance to reposition yourself for a brighter, more successful future.

In this episode, Des Penny discusses the concept of "stepping into the unknown." It’s not about embracing fear or getting lost in uncertainty—it's about seizing opportunities that expand your life and leadership. Des challenges the traditional goal-setting mindset and introduces a new approach: embracing ambiguity and the spirit of discovery to achieve even better results.

Through real-life examples and practical advice, Des encourages you to break free from the mundane, explore uncharted territories, and find joy in the journey. Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or someone looking to inject excitement into your life, this episode is your guide to transforming the unknown into a thrilling adventure.

Tune in to explore how you can make stepping into the unknown a daily practice that enriches both your personal and professional life.

https://proteusleadership.com/lets-go-lets-grow-podcast-with-des-penny/

Des Penny guides listeners through the art of discerning which challenges in life are worth the effort and which ones are best left alone. With life's rapid pace and the increased connectivity through social media, it feels like we're constantly jumping from one hurdle to the next. Des emphasises that while battles are inevitable, the key is to focus on those that lead to positive outcomes, contributing to a healthier workplace and personal life. Through insightful anecdotes and practical advice, Des highlights the importance of fighting professionally and wisely, ensuring that our efforts contribute to growth rather than unnecessary conflict.

In this episode, Des shares a memorable story about his two little dogs, Bill and Ben, to illustrate the pitfalls of unnecessary battles. Ben's unprovoked attack on a larger dog at the beach turned a pleasant day into chaos, drawing parallels to how unnecessary conflicts can escalate and affect everyone involved. Des encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives and consider why they engage in certain battles. Are they fighting for meaningful change, or are they simply drawn to conflict? By focusing on issues rather than individuals and approaching conflicts with a solution-oriented mindset, we can navigate life's challenges more effectively.

Tune in to learn how to choose your battles wisely and foster a more positive environment in both your personal and professional life.

In this episode of the "Let's GO – Let's GROW" Podcast, Des Penny explores the timeless qualities that define true leadership. Amidst the rapid technological advancements and societal changes, Des highlights the essential human values that remain constant. He discusses the importance of balancing innovation with fundamental virtues such as wisdom, insight, humility, and unwavering belief. Drawing on personal experiences and real-world examples, Des provides actionable insights for leaders to cultivate a balanced and sustainable leadership style that fosters respect, compassion, and effective communication. Join Des to explore how real leaders stand the test of time and create positive, lasting impacts in their organisations and communities.

In this episode of the Let’s GO – Let’s GROW Podcast with Des Penny, Des explores the essence of fostering a spirit of discovery and seizing opportunities in our lives. Being a discoverer isn't just about grand adventures but about recognising and embracing opportunities wherever we are.

Des reflects on missed opportunities in his life, using them as fuel for growth and bravery moving forward. He emphasises the importance of being ready when opportunity knocks and encourages listeners to become creators of their own opportunities.

Drawing inspiration from the fearlessness of children, Des highlights the loss of adventurous spirit as we grow older and the need to reclaim it. He underscores that while not everyone will make ground-breaking discoveries, we can all make a difference in our environments by taking small steps towards discovery.

Des advocates for cultivating a spirit of discovery as a way of life, requiring practice and self-belief. He invites listeners to embark on a journey of self-discovery and offers three keys to initiate this transformative process. Ultimately, Des encourages authenticity as the foundation for becoming a change-maker in our own lives and beyond.