One Year Out of the Comfort Zone — A Leap That Changed Everything
- Deniz Kayadelen
- Sep 8
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 12
One year ago, I stood at the edge of one of the scariest decisions of my life.
I had a stable career at a Big 4 consulting firm. A clear partner track. Financial security. Everything looked “safe” on paper. And yet — I felt restless inside.
The thought of leaving all of that behind terrified me. What if I failed? What if I lost my stability? What if the unknown swallowed me?
I know many of you have felt the same — standing at a crossroad, wondering whether to follow security or step into something uncertain but deeply calling you.
In the end, I chose the unknown. Not because I wasn’t afraid — but because I realized fear could be my compass.
From Corporate to Courage
For years, I had built Out of Comfort Zone as a passion project, inspired by my swims across icy waters and the belief that transformation begins when we step beyond what feels safe.
The turning point came when I said yes to an expedition that few would even dare to imagine: attempting the world’s highest altitude ice swim at 6,400 meters in the Himalayas.
That moment — standing at the edge of the unknown, gasping for air, pushing beyond what my body believed possible — mirrored the choice I would soon make in my professional life.
What Happened Since
This past year has been the most courageous, humbling, and expansive chapter of my life.
I poured my heart into creating spaces where people could unlock their own courage and potential:
1:1 Coaching Journeys — guiding leaders and individuals through fear into clarity and courage.
Leadership Trainings & Consulting — supporting organizations in times of change and growth.
Keynote Speeches — sharing stories and tools of resilience on global stages.
Immersive Retreats & Cold-Water Bootcamps — combining body, mind, and spirit in nature.
Podcast & Community — offering free resources, stories, and inspiration.
Book Writing — shaping my next guide: From Fear to Peak Flow.
Here is a short video that highlights my one-year journey
One Year in Numbers
Here’s a snapshot of what unfolded in just 12 months:
100+ coaching sessions
30+ keynotes & speeches worldwide
8+ countries where I facilitated leadership trainings
10+ retreats & cold-water bootcamps
1 podcast launched (Spotify & YouTube)
1 world championship title achieved — while one month pregnant
3 documentaries & 5+ international media features
Named among the Top 100 Speakers in Germany
What I Learned
This year wasn’t just about milestones — it was about lessons:
Fear is not an obstacle. It’s a compass pointing toward growth.
No leap is ever done alone. Support systems are everything.
True power lies in surrendering control and trusting the process.
Purpose is not found overnight — it’s built step by step, with courage.
Coaching reflection for you:
Where in your life are you still choosing safety over growth?
What leap is calling you — and what support would help you take it?
Voices From the Journey
“Deniz has an incredible way of transforming fear into courage. Her coaching gave me the clarity and push I needed to finally launch my business.”
— Coaching Client, Switzerland
“Her story of resilience inspired our whole leadership team. Deniz doesn’t just talk about transformation — she makes you feel it.”
— Leadership Training Participant, Germany
“After her keynote, I finally stopped postponing my dream project. Her energy is contagious!”
— Conference Attendee, Paris
Thank You!
To my clients, subscribers, and community: thank you.
Thank you for your trust, your courage, and your energy.
Every message, every collaboration, every step together made this journey real.
Together, we are stronger.
Looking Ahead
This first year of stepping fully into the unknown showed me what’s possible when we choose courage over comfort. And it’s only the beginning.
In the months ahead, I am:
Writing my new book From Fear to Peak Flow — a guide to help you stop overthinking, release stress, and reach your highest potential with more ease and flow. Early-bird members will get a free Peak Flow guide, self-assessment, and first access to the launch.
Expanding my coaching practice — continuing to guide individuals and leaders who want to move past fear and step into clarity, resilience, and aligned action.
Designing new retreats & cold-water Bootcamps — immersive experiences in nature where body, mind, and spirit connect. These retreats are not just about cold water, but about finding strength in unexpected places.
Speaking on global stages — bringing stories of resilience, courage, and transformation to conferences and companies. If your team or event needs inspiration with practical tools, I’d love to connect.
Growing the Out of Comfort Zone community — through my podcast and YouTube channel, where I share tools, stories, and insights for anyone navigating their own leap.
Final Thought
One year ago, I was afraid of losing financial stability. Afraid of failing. Afraid of the unknown.
But the truth is: the unknown was the only place where I could find who I really was — and what I was capable of.
So if you are standing at your own edge — maybe considering entrepreneurship, a new role, a move, or simply daring to try something new — let this be your reminder:
You are more ready than you think.
Fear is not a stop sign. It’s an invitation.
Together, we are stronger. Together, we can step into the unknown and create lives aligned with purpose, courage, and flow.
Here’s to your leap!
Watch or listen to my podcast “Out of Comfort Zone” on Spotify and YouTube, where I dive into stories of resilience, flow, and peak performance.
Comments