Growing Through Discomfort: Lessons from Lucien Zeigler

Once per month on a Saturday, Al Jalees joins CreativeMornings Riyadh for a beautiful breakfast talk featuring a different guest and theme on each visit.

November's guest at CreativeMornings Riyadh is Lucien Zeigler, a strategist and speaker known for his work in innovation, economic development, and creative leadership across the Middle East. The topic this month at the global breakfast series is Growth, chosen by the CreativeMornings Sacramento chapter. While many cities explored the theme from different angles, the Riyadh chapter focused on the reality behind growth: the discomfort, risk, and honesty it requires, inviting Lucien Zeigler to share his insights and experience.

Al Jalees analyzed Lucien’s talk from a literary perspective as part of our creative partnership with CreativeMornings — and here is what we learned from him.

What is Growth?

For many of us, the meaning and scale of growth differ widely. We asked Lucien to share his personal insight into what growth means to him, and his answer was both deep and thought-provoking.

“I define growth as expanding one’s own capacity and capability. Too often we associate accomplishments and growth — they’re just not the same thing. Success means you have grown, but isn’t growth itself. Success and accomplishments do not make you stronger, more resilient, more experienced, or talented. What happens between where you start and where you end up — that is growth. That is why my talk at CreativeMornings in Riyadh focused on discomfort and risk. When you’re feeling discomfort or taking a risk, you’re growing. And the only way to see real growth is through embracing a unique-for-you blend of discomfort and risk to achieve your goals. If something is easy, everyone will do it, and therefore, it’s not really a success. To achieve what you want in work, your social life, or your fitness, you have to learn to be comfortable with discomfort. If you’re comfortable, you’re just not growing.”

The Reality of Growth and Discomfort

Growth is universally admired and sought after, yet the path to it is rarely glamorous. True growth demands discomfort, risk, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone into unfamiliar ground.

Lucien illustrated this with a personal story from five years ago — the moment he realized comfort was holding him back:

“A dear Saudi friend of mine sat me down about 5 years ago and said it directly to my face. He asked me, ‘What’s your plan to grow?’ My answer was weak, and he told me plainly, ‘You’re too comfortable. You will never grow from where you are today by staying comfortable.’ I took that to heart. I looked at my career and realized that if I wanted my dreams — not just goals — I had to learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable.

He adds.

"I took serious, calculated risks. There was a lot of discomfort. But every time I felt it, I reminded myself it meant I was on the right path. A few years later, when I reached what I wanted, I knew it was time again to take new risks. In your growth journey, you will face rejection, disbelief, the feeling of failure — but you keep going.”

Lessons from Venture Capital and Business

The world of venture capital (VC) mirrors this reality perfectly. VC is built on the understanding that most startups will fail and only a small percentage will lead to success — yet those few successes reshape industries.

Lucien emphasized that even in complex sectors like defense, entering unfamiliar territory can unlock unexpected opportunities. Many leaders thrive not because they know everything, but because they are willing to try, learn, adapt, and take risks.

He added:

“Citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia, and indeed the world, are fortunate that HRH The Crown Prince is that rare leader who understands the power of vision and determination. I have no doubt that he sees the inherent discomfort in real growth not as something to fear, but as something essential.”

Risk-taking and resilience — not certainty — are what separate successful entrepreneurs from the rest.

Practical Application in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia itself is a living example of this principle. The Kingdom is undergoing one of the fastest and boldest transformations in the world — embracing unknowns, challenging decades of comfort, and accepting that not every initiative will succeed.

Lucien referenced Vision 2030 as a national case study in embracing discomfort:

“The launch of the Vision was met with skepticism — the same kind of skepticism you face when taking a big personal risk. But the progress we witness today is the result of real, high-stakes determination and decision-making led by HRH The Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.”

Saudi Arabia’s transformation shows how discomfort can become a powerful catalyst for growth.

Personal and Professional Advice

We asked Lucien: If someone wants to grow this year, what is the single best piece of advice you would give them? His answer:

“You need to have goals. Even if the goal is simply to grow — that counts. Start by introducing small challenges right outside your comfort zone. Take meetings that seem irrelevant. Socialize when you want to stay home. Attend networking events outside your field.

He adds.

"If you want to grow toward something specific, define it clearly. Say it out loud. Write it down. With a clear goal — even one that feels out of reach — you will grow toward realizing it. The path won’t be straight, but every twist and turn is a growth point.”

Lucien also shared that speaking at CreativeMornings was a personal act of discomfort:

“All my public speaking has been about work, not about myself. I had never spoken about my personal growth journey. So I took this as a chance to embrace discomfort. It was an honor — and I look forward to attending next month.”

The Literary Aspect of Growth

At Al Jalees, we never close an article without books. Lucien recommended the works of James Michener, whose novels follow characters across sweeping historical landscapes.

“Pick up any one of his books and go coast-to-coast with it,” he said. “You’ll admire how his characters grow in their unique circumstances and appreciate how discomfort was essential for them, too.”

Some Ways You Can Take Action

• Identify areas where you feel overly comfortable and introduce healthy challenges.
• Attend new events, meetings, or gatherings to broaden your horizons.
• Treat everyone with respect — everyone is growing, just at different stages.
• Seek honest, challenging feedback from mentors or peers.
• Take calculated risks even when you feel unqualified; growth rarely happens in certainty.

Closing Thought

Growth is never straightforward or comfortable. It is a conscious choice to step forward rather than stay soothed by familiarity. When we embrace discomfort with purpose, transformation becomes possible — and possibilities become endless.