In this episode of Uncomfortable Growth Uncut, Rowena Millward sits down with Jason Tonelli (JT), CEO of Zenith Media Australia, for a raw conversation about the moments that shaped him, personally and professionally.
Jason opens up about three pivotal experiences in his teenage years: his parents’ sudden separation, struggling at school with undiagnosed ADHD, and a harsh piece of feedback that lit a fire in him to prove himself. These early challenges created a black-and-white worldview that helped him push forward but also made leadership difficult in his early career.
Over time, Jason shares how he learned to embrace the grey, invest in his own development, and shift his craft from media expertise to leadership. From feedback cultures to the importance of surrounding yourself with the right support crew, his story is about turning discomfort into growth and how doing the personal work is the foundation for becoming a better leader.
Ultimately, Jason’s journey is a testament to the idea that personal growth is an ongoing process. He encourages listeners to embrace discomfort as a pathway to growth, reminding us that knowing ourselves is the first step to helping others grow. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, personal development, and the power of feedback in shaping a successful career.
My three favourite quotes from Jason’s story are:
“If you want balance, you’ve got to define what balance looks like in your life and you need to talk to people about it.“
“I relish in getting uncomfortable. I actually chase it and I actually look for it and I look for people who are going to do that for me because that’s how I can get to the next level that I want to get to in leadership.”
“The human experience is something that can’t be taught because it’s yours and personal.”
Tune in now to explore the profound insights shared by Jason and discover how uncomfortable growth can lead to extraordinary leadership.
The world doesn’t need more stories of success; it needs honest conversations about hard challenges, vulnerability, and proof that trials can ultimately become triumphs.
That’s why the Uncomfortable Growth® Uncut podcast was born. It’s a reminder that struggle and success are intrinsically linked, that growth is rarely easy, and that the moments we feel most uncomfortable are where our greatest breakthroughs lie.