#39: Why Discomfort is the Secret to Real Confidence with David Engel
Most people run from discomfort. But what if leaning into it was the key to confidence, growth, and joy? In this powerful conversation, David Engel shares decades of wisdom on how change shapes success, why failure can be your greatest teacher, and how relationships define a meaningful life.
What you’ll take away:
How to reframe discomfort as your fastest path to growth
The hidden link between confidence and trust
Why failure often teaches more than success
How to ask bolder questions that change everything
The mindset shifts that redefine what “success” really means
Guest Bio
David Engel is the visionary founder of Innovative HRT, the marketing innovation consultancy he established in 1995 following a distinguished 20-year career in direct mail marketing. As both CEO and Chief Innovation Officer, David has become renowned for pioneering proprietary, patent-backed solutions that consistently elevate customer acquisition, retention, and response rates—especially within the financial, retail, and loyalty sectors innovationhrt.com+6innovativehrt.com+6innovativehrt.com+6.
Over more than two decades, David has developed a reputation as a leading innovator in direct response marketing. His deep industry knowledge and forward-thinking approach have driven the creation of bespoke “innovation platforms” that supercharge client marketing efforts through an effective blend of creativity, technology, and strategic research innovativehrt.com+1.
Under David’s leadership, Innovative HRT offers clients enterprise-level guidance through a highly individualized process: global research, tailored technology scouting, and quarterly presentations of actionable, client-specific recommendations. This model has consistently produced improved marketing outcomes and performance well beyond baseline expectations innovativehrt.com+2innovativehrt.com+2.
David’s influence extends across the broader marketing community. He is an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Canadian Marketing Association (CMA) and has been honored with prestigious awards such as the CMA’s Director’s Choice Award and the RSVP Award for Resource Partner Innovation, affirming his contributions to advancing marketing education and innovation
Resources & Mentions
Natural Born Heroes by Christopher McDougall