Chris Cathers and John Gamades bring you Grit Meets Growth... The podcast where we explore the power of getting uncomfortable, making things happen, and creating a magnetic life. Are you ready?
Chris Cathers is the co-founder and CEO of Octellient, an information security expert, advisor and coach, and a cancer survivor.
John Gamades is a co-founder and partner at the marketing agency OrangeBall Creative and the author of the Depth Not Width blog.
Both are proud husbands, dads, and leaders in all they do. Having experienced adversity, challenges, the pressure of being entrepreneurs, Grit Meets Growth is the authentic and raw sharing of their journeys.
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Chris Cathers and John Gamades bring you Grit Meets Growth... The podcast where we explore the power of getting uncomfortable, making things happen, and creating a magnetic life. Are you ready?
Chris Cathers is the co-founder and CEO of Octellient, an information security expert, advisor and coach, and a cancer survivor.
John Gamades is a co-founder and partner at the marketing agency OrangeBall Creative and the author of the Depth Not Width blog.
Both are proud husbands, dads, and leaders in all they do. Having experienced adversity, challenges, the pressure of being entrepreneurs, Grit Meets Growth is the authentic and raw sharing of their journeys.
Forged in the Fire: The Messy Side of Resilience - Episode 117
Grit Meets Growth
35 minutes
3 weeks ago
Forged in the Fire: The Messy Side of Resilience - Episode 117
When life hits hard, resilience becomes more than a buzzword—it’s a lifeline. In this episode of the Grit Meets Growth podcast, we dive deep into what it really means to walk through the storm and keep moving forward. From personal stories of injury, setback, and shifting priorities, to the raw honesty of confronting ego, fear, and mental clutter, this conversation unpacks what resilience looks like when life gets messy. You’ll hear about strength forged in fire, faith tested in the chaos, and the power of showing up when quitting feels easier. If you’re walking through your own hard season, or standing beside someone who is, this one will hit home.
Five insights from this episode:
Resilience isn’t clean—it’s messy. It’s not about bouncing back instantly or pretending to be strong all the time. Real resilience often looks like breaking down, admitting weakness, apologizing when you lose your cool, and still choosing to get back up. The path to growth is full of missteps, humility, and grace.
Action is the antidote to pain. When life knocks you flat, staying in motion—no matter how small the steps—keeps you from getting stuck. Taking action, even imperfect action, is the beginning of healing and rebuilding strength.
Brotherhood and support matter. You can’t carry every load alone. Surrounding yourself with people who will lift you up when you can’t stand on your own is a critical part of resilience. Asking for help doesn’t weaken you—it multiplies your strength.
Your identity isn’t what you do. When everything gets stripped away—titles, business plans, success—the question remains: who are you really? This episode reminds us that true identity is found in faith, family, and the roles that matter most, not in work or achievement.
Strength is forged in the struggle. Resilience doesn’t grow in comfort. It’s built in the fire—when you’re tested, stretched, and forced to let go of ego and pride. Every storm has the potential to shape you into someone stronger, more grounded, and more faithful.
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One Truth: Resilience isn’t built in the easy seasons. It’s forged in the fire when everything falls apart and you choose to stand back up anyway.
Grit Meets Growth
Chris Cathers and John Gamades bring you Grit Meets Growth... The podcast where we explore the power of getting uncomfortable, making things happen, and creating a magnetic life. Are you ready?
Chris Cathers is the co-founder and CEO of Octellient, an information security expert, advisor and coach, and a cancer survivor.
John Gamades is a co-founder and partner at the marketing agency OrangeBall Creative and the author of the Depth Not Width blog.
Both are proud husbands, dads, and leaders in all they do. Having experienced adversity, challenges, the pressure of being entrepreneurs, Grit Meets Growth is the authentic and raw sharing of their journeys.
