Uncomfortable Growth® Uncut. Season 4, Episode 5 - Andrew Howie
“I think as you get older, you not only get wiser, but you're more experienced. And so you sit in a situation and you know when to shut up.”
In the latest episode of Uncomfortable Growth® Uncut, Rowena Millward welcomes Andrew Howie, a highly regarded CMO and founder of Gallant Creative Advisory. Their conversation dives into the uncomfortable growth moments that have shaped Andrew's career, offering listeners valuable insights into resilience, leadership, and the importance of self-awareness
Andrew's journey is a testament to the unpredictable nature of career paths. He reflects on his early aspirations of becoming a ski instructor, a dream abruptly cut short by his father's insistence that he complete his degree. This pivotal moment set the stage for a career in marketing, where he found himself navigating the challenges of the Global Financial Crisis at a young age.
Andrew candidly shares his experiences of being made redundant and the emotional turmoil that accompanied it, highlighting the importance of understanding the distinction between external circumstances and personal capabilities.
He talks about learning to pause before reacting, leading with honesty (even when it’s hard), and letting go of people-pleasing in favor of being authentic. Now in his 40s, he’s more grounded, self-aware, and focused on creating space for others to grow — even if that means having the tough conversations.
My three favourite quotes from Andrew’s story are:
“It's impossible to make everyone happy and, you know, people pleasing is just dumb.”
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“The mark of a leader is determined by the leaders that they create and develop themselves.”
“I think as you get older, you not only get wiser, but you're more experienced. And so you sit in a situation and you know when to shut up.”
Don't miss this episode. It’s a refreshingly candid conversation about resilience, self-awareness, and the power of growing through the messy middle of your career and life.
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.
