Who is challenging you to be better?

I’ve always been curious and interested by what sets the best apart—whether in business or in sports. It’s not just talent. It’s not just hard work. It’s the ability to keep evolving, to be agile, and to resist the comfort of “good enough.”  They seek challenge and embrace discomfort.

Top leaders and executives have already achieved a great deal, so what else would they want to develop or achieve?

After years of directing global leadership programs and coaching executives, I’ve observed that the true high potentials never stop learning. They remain humble, open to new opportunities, and committed to their personal and professional growth. Like elite athletes, they understand that the higher they climb, the greater the pressure and demands, and the needs to adapt. They are mindful of their needs and prioritize strategies that support them on multiple levels.

John Limniatis, former professional soccer player, coach, and now Director, reinforced this point on my podcast, PEAK Talent. He shared how his relentless drive to keep learning shaped his career and his success: “I always wanted to learn to be the best that I could.”

The executives I work with usually don’t look for validation. They look for perspective. They want someone to challenge their thinking and help them see opportunities they might not have considered. They’re looking to perform but they also want to raise their game.

They don’t leave it to chance, and they don’t do it alone. They intentionally surround themselves with people who push them, they seek challenges, create space to gain perspective and clarity, and they care for their wellbeing.

So how do you make sure you’re still learning and still stretching beyond where you are today?

Three ways to challenge yourself and keep growing

1. Get a Coach—Because even the best need one

More organisations and executives are investing in coaching as they recognize its impact on leadership development. The International Coaching Federation (ICF) reports that 86% of organizations who leverage executive coaching see a return on investment, and 70% of executives experience improved performance and leadership effectiveness.

In sports, this isn’t new. Elite athletes don’t work with top coaches because they lack skill, they do it because external insight helps them reach the next level. The best executives follow the same principle. Coaching isn’t about getting answers or focusing solely on blind spots; it’s about having someone who challenges your thinking, helps you explore possibilities, and inspires you to take action- while also reducing feelings of isolation.

If you’re unsure where to start, ask yourself: Who is challenging my thinking? Who helps me see beyond my current perspective? Seeking out a trusted mentor or working with a certified executive coach can make a concrete impact.

2. Move your body, sharpen your mind

The ability to deal with increased responsibility, complexity and pressure comes with a cost—one that directly impacts physical and mental well-being if not prioritized. Many executives I work with find engaging in a sport or consistent physical activity helps them sharpen their focus, manage stress and improve decision-making. It’s not just about staying fit, but rather, it’s about discipline, energy management, relieving pressure and mental clarity.

Yet, I also see the reverse situations where executives push activity aside because of demanding schedules and busyness. The idea is to build habits that fit your needs and help you recharge your energy and recover faster from those long hours.

Neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki reinforces this in her research, showing that regular exercise doesn’t just benefit the body, it strengthens the brain. Even 10 minutes of movement can boost mood and focus, while 30 minutes three times a week improves cognitive function and protects against mental decline. Think of movement not as another task, but as a means and an investment to perform at your best with mental sharpness, resilience and longevity.

One small but effective habit to try? Take 10-minute movement breaks throughout the day—walk, stretch, or step outside (if possible) every 90 minutes. A short reset can improve focus, reduce stress and restore energy.

Even pausing for a minute to rest the mind when transitioning between commitments can restore balance and create the mental space for inspiration and problem solving. Juliet Waters, a former Chief Learning Officer who now teaches meditation, highlights the power of presence: “Great leaders never stop learning, but real growth isn’t just about gaining knowledge—it’s about mastering presence. When the pace is relentless, try this 60-second Reset: Pause. Take a deep breath. Feel your feet on the ground. Then ask yourself: What’s the most skillful way to meet this moment? This micro-meditation can help leaders reboot and move forward with clarity—anytime, anywhere.”

3. Learn from those who see the world differently

An underestimated way to grow is to engage with younger professionals actively. I hear so many comments about the younger generation that are disheartening and untrue. There is a lot to learn from the digital generation that can help us adapt to the new AI reality. Being a mentor—or even reversing the mentorship dynamic by learning from them—forces you to see things differently.

Personally, I currently mentor two young professionals in very different fields, and through our exchanges, I learn so much and I greatly value their perspectives. It helps me refine my own thinking but mostly, it pushes me out of my comfort zone as we think differently.

Want a simple way to start? Ask a younger colleague what they’re currently learning or working on. Engage with their perspective without judgment—you might be surprised by what you gain. The best leaders don’t just share knowledge; they absorb new perspectives to stay ahead.

The best never stop growing

Growth isn’t about reaching a destination—it’s about constantly refining how you think, act, and lead.

Like Louis Lizotte CFA, FRM shared my podcast Talent AU SOMMET : ‘’I think in life you have to realize that the journey is a process. Every step is an opportunity to learn. It’s an adventure, and I think it’s essential to focus on the journey rather than the final destination.”

Top leaders don’t leave growth to chance. They build the right support, they invest in themselves, they seek out fresh perspectives and they create space to think differently. They push beyond their limits because they know that staying still is never an option.

So… who is challenging you to be better?

If you don’t have an answer, it’s time to find one.

If you are ready to challenge yourself and reach your next level, let’s talk. My coaching is meant to help you step out of your comfort zone, gain clarity and perspective, and to step up.

Your next level starts with one coaching conversation.

Want to hear how top leaders and athletes stay at the top of their game? Tune in to my PEAK Talent podcast and get insights from:

🎙 John Limniatis – Leading on and off the field [🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6edzukALLZE&t=179s]

🎙 Susan Handrigan – Athlete, leaders, advocate: Navigating success from the field to the boardroom [🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xg7LMS4Jy9k&t=6s]

🎙 Kate Arthur, MBA – Leading in a world disrupted by AI [🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPjO9LIZpfg]

🎙 Louis Lizotte – Leadership et sport : un même parcours ? [🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6z3MxEqRUs&t=120s]

References

Hayes, J. (2024). Disney CEO Bob Iger On Why Fit Leaders Make Better CEOs. Forbes.

Gaskell, T. (2024, December 1). Measuring the ROI of Coaching: A Pragmatic Approach for Coaches. Retrieved from [insert URL if available].

Suzuki, W. (2021). A neuroscientist shares the 4 brain-changing benefits of exercise—and how much she does every week. CNBC Make It.

👉🏻 Subscribe to our Piicco Talents ouTube Chain and PEAK Talent Podcast 🎙 https://www.youtube.com/@piiccotalents/podcasts