Comfort Drives Performance with Richard Fisher

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“I think what good leaders and good companies understand is before you can grow, before you can get those stretch assignments, you have to create a comfortable environment.”

— Richard Fisher, Director of Operations, Crate and Barrel

You’ve heard all the clichés: “Get out of your comfort zone.” “Push harder.” “We need it yesterday.”

But what if the real key to creating engaged, high-performing teams is actually the opposite?

What if the first job of a leader is to create comfort?

That’s exactly where my conversation went when I sat down with Richard Fisher, Director of Operations at Crate and Barrel, and three-decade leader in the retail and supply-chain world. Richard walked me through a leadership mindset that most companies completely miss, and it might be the missing piece in how you’re developing your people.

Here are 3 can’t-miss moments from this episode:

1. Before growth, you must create comfort.

Richard breaks down why psychological safety is the foundation for initiative, ownership, and real performance. This alone will change the way you look at leadership.

2. How to slow down in order to move faster.

We talk about the trap leaders fall into when they’re given 17 initiatives and told to “go faster.” Richard’s framework for simplifying the chaos is one I wish I had 20 years ago.

3. The future of retail and what every leader (in any industry) can learn from it.

Even if you’re not in retail, Richard gives a behind-the-scenes look at how customer expectations are shifting and why leaders must evolve just as quickly.

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This episode is packed with practical, real-world leadership takeaways you can apply today.

My challenge to you? Don’t just listen. Pick one idea Richard shares and put it into practice this week. Small shifts can create massive momentum.

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