An ex-consultant quit his 6-figure job after reading 'Dare to Lead.' Here are the 4 lessons from the book that motivated him.

Core Insights - The article discusses AJ Eckstein's career transformation after reading "Dare to Lead" by Brené Brown, which prompted him to pursue his own entrepreneurial path instead of conforming to traditional career expectations [4][5][6]. Group 1: Career Transition - Eckstein initially followed a conventional career path, achieving rapid promotions and a six-figure salary at a consulting firm, but felt unfulfilled and like a "tiny, expendable cog" in a large organization [2][5]. - The turning point came when Eckstein decided to leave his stable job to launch his own venture, Creator Match, which connects brands with LinkedIn creators, aligning with his core values of entrepreneurship and autonomy [5][6]. Group 2: Embracing Challenges - After starting his business, Eckstein faced significant challenges, including long hours, self-doubt, and the need to make decisions with limited data, which required him to step out of his comfort zone [7][8]. - The lessons from "Dare to Lead" emphasized the importance of confronting discomfort and taking risks as essential for growth and opportunity [8]. Group 3: Living Values - Eckstein learned to "live into his values," which involved actively practicing his core beliefs rather than merely acknowledging them, such as inspiring others to pursue their authenticity [9][10]. - He took a courageous step by accepting an invitation to speak at a TEDx Talk, which he viewed as a way to empower others while embodying his values [10]. Group 4: Vulnerability in Leadership - The book taught Eckstein that effective leadership is not about perfection but about practicing values through vulnerability, which he found to be crucial for personal and professional growth [11][12]. - By embracing uncertainty and seeking help, Eckstein realized that authenticity and a willingness to learn are key to building a fulfilling career [12].