Imagine it Forward

Beth Comstock is one of today’s foremost innovation leaders, who in this episode, shares an inspiring and personal approach to mastering change in the face of uncertainty.

As Beth states, confronting change is incredibly hard, both organizationally and personally. People become resistant. They are afraid. Yet the pace of change in our world will never be slower than it is right now which is why it’s important to learn how to embrace change.

As the author of Imagine It Forward Beth shares her inspiring, fresh, candid, and deeply personal story about how to grapple with the challenges to change we face every day. For all those looking to spearhead change in their companies and careers, and reinvent “the way things are done,” you’ll love this interview.

Guest Bio

Beth Comstock is a change maker. Her mission is to understand what’s next, navigate change and help people and organizations do the same.  By cultivating a habit of seeking out new ideas, people and places, she built a career path from storyteller to the chief marketer to GE Vice Chair.

Beth is a director at Nike, trustee of The National Geographic Society and former board president of the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian National Design Museum. She graduated from the College of William and Mary with a degree in biology.

Her first book, Imagine it Forward, is about working (and living) on the front lines of change and it will be out September 18, 2018.

Topics of discussion 

• Curiosity is the key to moving towards change.
• How to set small challenges to help overcome the fear associated with change.
• Finding a balance between restlessness, adventure and silence.
• Imagining it forward – creative problem-solving.
• How to get good at seeking out new perspectives.

Quick round questions

Do you have any routines and rituals that you believe contribute to your success?

Morning papers – journalling activity.

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

Not to worry so much and to go with the flow.

How would you define success? What does success look like to you? 

It’s about doing your best work.

What is one tool, skill, resource, or technique that has helped improve your effectiveness and/or productivity? 

Being open to feedback. Asking for it.

What advice would you give someone that needing/wanting to make a change in their life?

Spend more time on the purpose.

If I would serve you your last meal what would you request?

Fried chicken.

What activity gives you the greatest sense of joy? 

Connecting with others and discovering.

If you could pick one book to pass down to your children or future generations what book would it be? 

The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life by Twyla Tharp

Imagine It Forward: Courage, Creativity, and the Power of Change by Beth Comstock

What quote, phrase or message would you text or tweet to everyone in the world?

“Be the change.” Gandhi

Do we all have a Hidden Why, a purpose?

Yes, we all have many purposes.

What does living with passion and purpose mean?

I struggle to see how we’d live without either. They are the motivation and energy to keep moving foward on your journey.

What do you believe is the underlying motivation behind everything you do? 

Curiosity and Connection.

How to connect with Beth

Connect with Beth via her website here. 

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.