Yext Talks: Beth Comstock, Author of Imagine It Forward

Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting Beth Comstock, former Vice Chair of GE, and author of Imagine It Forward: Courage, Creativity, and the Power of Change for a Yext Talk. Comstock sat down with our own Howard Lerman to discuss working (and living) on the front lines of change.

By cultivating a habit of seeking out new ideas, people, and places, Comstock's mission is to understand what's next, push herself to grow, and help people and organizations do the same. When asked how to get comfortable with unpredictability, especially in the professional sphere, Comstock noted that change was inevitable. "You can't avoid change," she noted, "you have to give yourself permission and welcome it in. You need to own the change to make that happen."

In order to successfully grapple with the challenges that we face every day, Comstock gave the following advice:

1. You have to give yourself permission to take risks and try new things.
2. Constantly get out in the world and seek inspiration. Make room for discovery.
3. Invite conflict in and get outside perspectives.

By adhering to these traits, personally or professionally, one will actively be challenging the conversation with curiosity. "This won't make you a fortune teller" Comstock notes, "but you'll be more comfortable with the change when it happens."

Imagine It Forward is an inspiring, candid, and personal book about confronting the challenges to change that we face every day. Combining big-picture concepts and Comstock's personal story, this book is for all those looking to spearhead change in their companies and careers, and reinvent "the way things are done."

Read more about our team culture and check out our open positions.