The Pain That Changed Everything: A Leader’s Wake-Up Call

What happens when a high-performing entrepreneur hits a wall he can’t outwork?

Justin Mink helped scale companies to billion-dollar valuations, until chronic illness forced him to stop everything.

In this episode of Inner Work, Justin shares the hidden reckoning behind his public success: the burnout he ignored, the pain he endured, and the radical mindset shift that transformed how he leads today.

Host MaryAnn Means-Dufrene guides this honest, revealing conversation about what it really takes to evolve; not just as a leader, but as a human being. If you've ever asked, “Is this all there is?”, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

• 00:24 Welcome and Introduction
• 01:51 Defining Leadership Today
• 03:38 The Shift: From Striving to Thriving
• 06:31 Personal Struggles and Transformation
• 07:20 The Role of Suffering in Growth
• 10:34 Integrating Personal and Professional Growth
• 23:44 The Power of Systems and Creativity
• 25:57 The Journey of Self-Development
• 28:50 Embracing Chronic Pain
• 31:40 Parenting and Positivity
• 34:05 The Philosophy of Acceptance
• 36:47 Building a Sustainable Business
• 43:29 Personal Growth and Practices

About the guest

Justin Mink is a seasoned entrepreneur and leadership advisor who has spent over two decades building and scaling high-growth companies; from zero to 1,000+ employees. After chronic illness brought his world to a halt in 2016, Justin redefined his path. Now, as a Certified EOS Implementer and Certified Outgrow Advisor, he guides leaders toward sustainable, human-centered growth, inside and out.

🔗 Connect with Justin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinmink/

🔗 Want to talk through your own leadership shift?
Book a 1:1 with MaryAnn: https://collectivegrowthleadership.com/book-call