In this episode, Rowena interviews Leisa Bacon (Non Executive Board Member, AANA and Legs On The Wall), on her Uncomfortable Growth story.

Leisa shares a story she’ll never forget—one that starts in the heart of Fish River Canyon in Africa, long before GPS or Google Maps. Imagine a group of friends, armed with nothing but dog-eared guidebooks, hiking through one of the most unforgiving landscapes on earth, learning—in real time—how quickly things can go sideways when water runs low and temperatures soar. What unfolded wasn’t just a story of survival, but a powerful lesson in resilience, leadership, and the kind of growth that only comes when you’re completely outside your comfort zone.

In this episode, Rowena interviews Jo Gaines, Head of APAC, ASANA, on her Uncomfortable Growth story.

Jo's story begins with her professional challenges, including facing redundancy while working at a publisher. At the time, she was a single parent with a four-year-old and a newborn baby, trying to juggle the demands of her general manager role. The redundancy news came as a devastating blow, making her question her identity and capabilities. However, Jo's reflection on this period reveals how it became a pivotal moment for her personal and professional growth.