Embracing Discomfort
“A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.”
— John A. Shedd
Whether it is joining an important meeting, or entering a room full of strangers, we all experience uncomfortable scenarios that invite anxiety and uncertainty into our lives. We invite you embrace this discomfort as a catalyst for personal growth, with valuable insights from our variety of speakers.
Event Details:
Date: March 5th, 2023
Time: 18:30-23:00
Location: University Hall
Meet our Speakers
Andrew Steadman
Andrew "Drew" Steadman is a leadership author, executive coach, and military officer with over two decades of experience leading teams in high-pressure environments. As the Chief of Staff to the Chair of the NATO Military Committee in Brussels, he helps shape international strategy and decision-making at the highest levels.
Throughout his career, Drew has led organizations of thousands, from frontline units to strategic-level teams while navigating unpredictable and high-stakes situations. His expertise in leadership under pressure is shaped by multiple deployments to combat zones and years of guiding leaders through moments of crisis.
Drew is the author of The Military Leader: Fundamental Insight for Developing Leaders and the host of The Military Leader Podcast, where he shares powerful lessons on leadership, decision-making, and resilience. A lifelong athlete, he has completed multiple Ironman triathlons and marathons, reinforcing his belief that mental and physical endurance are essential for strong leadership.
In his TEDx talk, Drew reveals his playbook for leading through the first ten minutes of any crisis—insights that apply to business, military, and everyday life. He and his beautiful wife Emily, who also served in the U.S. Army, live in Belgium with their two daughters, Addison and Lilah.
Carla Francome
Carla Francome spent over two decades as a TV Producer/Director, and in her spare time, built up a following of over 16,000 on social media as an award-winning cycle campaigner. She now does communications and marketing for a small tech company.
Whatever she's been working on, and whoever she's been talking to, she's always drawn on one part of her life for the skills she needs - the decade where she worked as a professional clown. Carla grew up in a family of clowns - and performed with her mum and her dad. In her talk, she will be explaining what she learnt when in a red nose and wig, and what you can learn from it too.
Emmanuel Mirus Ponon
Event Start
We welcome to our reception, where you can enjoy drinks and snacks
Seating will take place...
...and TED talks will begin