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Dancing in the Discomfort Zone with Anne Bonney - Gorillas, Growth & Going Off Script: Steve Fredlund’s Wild Life Pivot

Gorillas, Growth & Going Off Script: Steve Fredlund’s Wild Life Pivot

04/14/25 • 48 min

Dancing in the Discomfort Zone with Anne Bonney

Ready to trade safe and expected for wild and extraordinary? In this bold and inspiring episode, Steve Fredlund (https://stevefredlund.com/) takes us on a journey from buttoned-up actuary to gorilla-hugging nonprofit founder (ok, he didn't HUG the gorilla...listen in to find out what he actually did!). He's a professional speaker, and author of Do the Unright Thing. Spoiler alert: the magic didn’t happen when he followed the "rules"—it happened when he didn’t.

Steve’s story is a masterclass in what can happen when you ditch the “right” path and say yes to discomfort, curiosity, and the road less traveled (literally—he starts off with a life-changing story from deep in the Rwandan jungle 🦍).

Whether you're stuck in a career that looks good on paper but feels wrong in your gut, or just craving more meaning in your life, this episode will fire you up to color outside the lines.

🔥 Key Takeaways:

  • Extraordinary doesn’t live in your comfort zone—you have to be willing to do the “un-right” thing to find it.
  • Impact starts with listening. Steve shares how trusting local leadership transformed his nonprofit work in Rwanda.
  • Growth and courage go hand-in-hand—especially when you’re letting go of security to pursue your passion.
  • “Un-right” choices don’t guarantee success, but they open the door to magic.
  • Living your own life means rewriting the rules—and maybe tearing up the whole rulebook.

👉 Tune in for inspiration, unforgettable stories, and a nudge (okay, maybe a shove) to follow your own “un-right” path.

Want more from Steve? Check out the interwebs!

Steve Fredlund is a breakthrough expert and founder of The Safari Way, a global movement to help individuals, teams and organizations breakthrough the “good” to reach the extraordinary. His 30 years as a corporate actuary, nonprofit executive, entrepreneur, and leader of African safaris combine into award-winning keynotes, transformational trainings, and bestselling books.

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Ready to trade safe and expected for wild and extraordinary? In this bold and inspiring episode, Steve Fredlund (https://stevefredlund.com/) takes us on a journey from buttoned-up actuary to gorilla-hugging nonprofit founder (ok, he didn't HUG the gorilla...listen in to find out what he actually did!). He's a professional speaker, and author of Do the Unright Thing. Spoiler alert: the magic didn’t happen when he followed the "rules"—it happened when he didn’t.

Steve’s story is a masterclass in what can happen when you ditch the “right” path and say yes to discomfort, curiosity, and the road less traveled (literally—he starts off with a life-changing story from deep in the Rwandan jungle 🦍).

Whether you're stuck in a career that looks good on paper but feels wrong in your gut, or just craving more meaning in your life, this episode will fire you up to color outside the lines.

🔥 Key Takeaways:

  • Extraordinary doesn’t live in your comfort zone—you have to be willing to do the “un-right” thing to find it.
  • Impact starts with listening. Steve shares how trusting local leadership transformed his nonprofit work in Rwanda.
  • Growth and courage go hand-in-hand—especially when you’re letting go of security to pursue your passion.
  • “Un-right” choices don’t guarantee success, but they open the door to magic.
  • Living your own life means rewriting the rules—and maybe tearing up the whole rulebook.

👉 Tune in for inspiration, unforgettable stories, and a nudge (okay, maybe a shove) to follow your own “un-right” path.

Want more from Steve? Check out the interwebs!

Steve Fredlund is a breakthrough expert and founder of The Safari Way, a global movement to help individuals, teams and organizations breakthrough the “good” to reach the extraordinary. His 30 years as a corporate actuary, nonprofit executive, entrepreneur, and leader of African safaris combine into award-winning keynotes, transformational trainings, and bestselling books.

Previous Episode

undefined - Whose Life Is This Anyway?  Battling the internal tug-of-war between SHOULD and WANT

Whose Life Is This Anyway? Battling the internal tug-of-war between SHOULD and WANT

Ever feel like you’re stuck in a mental game of tug-of-war between what you should do and what you actually want to do? Welcome to the club, my friend—membership: basically everyone. In this episode, your host Anne Bonney (https://YourChangeSpeaker.com) dives into the oh-so-human struggle between following the path society (or family or convention) paved for us... and the one that lights our own fire.

This isn’t about being reckless or rebellious (we’re not talking illegal shenanigans here), but about tuning into the quiet inner voice that whispers, “There’s more for you.”

🎙️ Buckle up for a real-talk ride through:

  • Why “should” can feel safe—but suck the soul out of your decision-making.
  • How to spot when you’re making choices to please, impress, or perform.
  • Several juicy self-reflection questions to help you break free from the Should Shackles.
  • The unexpected power of asking, “Whose voice is in my head right now?”
  • Why saying “yes” to one thing might mean saying “no” to another.

If you've ever ignored your gut in favor of playing nice, blending in, or keeping the peace—you’re gonna want to hear this.

👉 Press play and give yourself permission to go against the grain!

Anne Bonney, CSP®, is a high-energy keynote speaker, engaging emcee, and transformational workshop facilitator specializing in resilience, change leadership, emotional intelligence, and courageous communication. Known as the go-to authority on embracing change and thriving through discomfort, Anne delivers unforgettable and fun keynotes and corporate trainings—both in-person and virtually—that spark confidence, connection, and resilience in audiences around the world.

With over 20 years of experience in corporate and nonprofit leadership, Anne brings practical, real-world strategies that empower teams to navigate change, lead with emotional intelligence, and tackle tough conversations head-on. She's the author of two impactful books on leading through change and host of the top-rated Dancing in the Discomfort Zone Podcast (you're here now! You already know that!), where she interviews people (some thought-leaders, some regular people who have experienced challenges) and shares content to help YOU get more comfortable being uncomfortable and build your resilience in transition and uncertainty!

Anne’s unforgettable presentations blend humor, heart, and high-energy storytelling—drawing on her wildly diverse experiences: from growing up overseas, training animals, and climbing Kilimanjaro to running marathons on all seven continents, singing opera, and entertaining troops in Iraq. She might even surprise your audience with a custom song on her guitar!

Whether you’re planning a leadership retreat, sales kickoff, association event, or hybrid conference, Anne Bonney is the motivational speaker who will light up your stage, fire up your people, and leave them ready to embrace change, boost resilience, and lead boldly.

Next Episode

undefined - Thanks for the Concern… But I’ve Got This: Understanding Naysayers

Thanks for the Concern… But I’ve Got This: Understanding Naysayers

Ever had a bold idea or dream and immediately heard, “Are you sure that’s a good idea?” or “What if it doesn’t work?” Cue the naysayers. 🙄

In this episode with your host Anne Bonney (https://YourChangeSpeaker.com), we’re unpacking the well-meaning, fear-fueled advice that often shows up just as we’re about to take a leap. (pair those with the voice of doubt already yelling "WTF ARE YOU DOING???", and NOT doing something starts to look pretty tempting.) The truth is, most naysayers aren't out to sabotage your dreams—they're trying to protect you. But if we’re not careful, their fear can become your hesitation... and that’s when dreams stall.

Let’s shift the way we hear those voices. Instead of caving to pressure, what if we got curious about the why behind their doubt—and then made our own empowered choices anyway?

🎙️ This episode dives into:

  • Why naysayers often come from a place of love (but their advice isn’t always helpful)
  • How to tell the difference between real red flags and projected fears
  • Tools to stay grounded in your vision—even when others can’t see it yet

If you’ve ever second-guessed yourself because someone else did first, this one’s for you. Hit play and get ready to reframe the noise so you can keep moving forward with confidence.

Anne Bonney, CSP® (https://YourChangeSpeaker.com), is a high-energy keynote speaker, engaging emcee, and transformational workshop facilitator specializing in resilience, change leadership, emotional intelligence, and courageous communication. Known as the go-to authority on embracing change and thriving through discomfort, Anne delivers unforgettable and fun keynotes and corporate trainings—both in-person and virtually—that spark confidence, connection, and resilience in audiences around the world.

With over 20 years of experience in corporate and nonprofit leadership, Anne brings practical, real-world strategies that empower teams to navigate change, lead with emotional intelligence, and tackle tough conversations head-on. She's the author of two impactful books on leading through change and host of the top-rated Dancing in the Discomfort Zone Podcast (you're here now! You already know that!), where she interviews people (some thought-leaders, some regular people who have experienced challenges) and shares content to help YOU get more comfortable being uncomfortable and build your resilience in transition and uncertainty!

Anne’s unforgettable presentations blend humor, heart, and high-energy storytelling—drawing on her wildly diverse experiences: from growing up overseas, training animals, and climbing Kilimanjaro to running marathons on all seven continents, singing opera, and entertaining troops in Iraq. She might even surprise your audience with a custom song on her guitar!

Whether you’re planning a leadership retreat, sales kickoff, association event, or hybrid conference, Anne Bonney is the motivational speaker who will light up your stage, fire up your people, and leave them ready to embrace change, boost resilience, and lead boldly.

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