Change is never easy, but for Kim Stone, it has been the driving force behind her remarkable career.
In this episode of the One Next Step podcast, Kim shared insights on stepping out of her comfort zone, embracing new challenges, and pursuing goals in unexpected ways.
Here are three key takeaways.
1. Recognize When It’s Time for a Change
For Kim, knowing when to take on a new challenge was simple: boredom.
“As soon as I got bored, I knew it was time for a challenge,” she shared.
She thrives on building, innovating, and creating but finds less fulfillment in maintaining the status quo. This self-awareness has allowed her to take bold steps in her career, moving between roles and organizations whenever she felt she had reached her full potential in a position.
While not everyone has the flexibility to pivot as soon as they feel stagnant, Kim’s perspective offers valuable insight. Change doesn’t have to mean a new job—it can be seeking new responsibilities, learning new skills, or finding fresh ways to contribute. Recognizing when you need growth and acting on it, even in small ways, keeps you engaged and moving forward.
2. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
Kim believes that the best things in life happen “on the other side of your comfort zone.”
She credits much of her success to a willingness to raise her hand and say, “I’ll try that.” This mindset led her to exciting opportunities, including working for the NBA at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics—a dream realized in an unexpected way.
Many people fear change because it’s uncomfortable, but Kim encourages others to start small. Whether it’s trying a new workout class, traveling to a new country, or taking on a new project at work, each step builds confidence. By stretching beyond what feels safe, you open doors to opportunities you may never have considered.
3. Give Yourself Grace in the Pursuit of Goals
One of the most powerful lessons Kim shared is the importance of giving yourself grace when pursuing your goals.
She originally dreamed of going to the Olympics as an athlete but instead found herself there as a professional, working behind the scenes. Rather than seeing this as a failure, she saw it as a win—she had still achieved her goal, just in a different way than she originally imagined.
Often, we get caught up in rigid expectations of how success should look. Kim’s story reminds us that sometimes, the path to achieving our dreams isn’t linear, and that’s okay. The key is to celebrate progress and remain open to new possibilities, even if they arrive in unexpected forms.
Your One Next Step
Kim Stone’s journey is a testament to the power of embracing change, stepping outside of comfort zones, and maintaining flexibility in the pursuit of goals. Whether you’re considering a career shift, taking on a new challenge, or simply looking for inspiration to grow, her story serves as a reminder that the best opportunities often come when you’re willing to take a leap. As Kim says, “You never know where that’s going to take you.”