Before I was a speaker, author, and coach, I was a data analyst at a large insurance company, staring at Excel spreadsheets all day. I was an extrovert trapped in a cubicle, and I finally gathered the courage to ask my boss for a change. His answer? A blunt, "No, get back to work." In this episode, I share why that rejection was the best thing that ever happened to me, and the two critical lessons it holds for both individual contributors and leaders in 2026.

I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.