An ex-consultant quit his 6-figure job after reading 'Dare to Lead.' Here are the 4 lessons from the book that motivated him.
Business Insider
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
AJ Eckstein was a successful management consultant earning a six-figure salary, but despite his professional achievements, he felt unfulfilled and like a "tiny, expendable cog" in a large machine. It all changed when he read Brené Brown's *Dare to Lead*, which inspired him to confront his fear of living inauthentically and prioritize his core values—entrepreneurship, autonomy, and authenticity. Motivated by the book’s teachings, Eckstein quit his job and founded Creator Match, a platform that connects brands with LinkedIn creators. His story highlights how aligning personal values with career choices can lead to meaningful success and fulfillment.
The first lesson from *Dare to Lead* was about betting on himself and leaving behind the safety of his corporate job. Eckstein realized that staying in his role was holding him back from living a life true to his values. The book taught him that courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to act despite it, leading him to take "the ultimate leap of faith" by starting his own venture. This decision, though difficult, allowed him to pursue a path where he could authentically lead and grow.
The second lesson was about embracing discomfort and choosing courage over comfort while scaling his business. Building Creator Match required Eckstein to make tough decisions with little data, take risks, and confront the fear of failure daily. The book’s emphasis on stepping out of one's comfort zone kept him resilient during these challenges, reminding him that growth lies in facing uncertainty.
The third lesson revolved around living into his values by authenticating his actions and inspiring others to do the same. Eckstein learned that true leadership involves more than just
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/22/2026