In this episode, Richard Triggs interviews long-time colleague Darren Finkelstein on how accountability drives performance, reduces overwhelm, and creates real behavioural change in teams and individuals. They reflect on Darren’s pivot from Apple executive to boating entrepreneur to becoming a sought-after accountability coach. The discussion highlights how leaders can model accountability, why frequent check-ins outperform annual reviews, and how Darren’s “seven steps to success” framework can increase goal achievement by up to 95%.
They also explore themes from Darren’s latest book, NO: Building a Life of Choice Without Obligation, and why learning to say no is central to personal and professional effectiveness.
01:30 – Darren’s career pivot from Apple to boating to accountability coaching
08:00 – Accountability vs. responsibility: what’s the real difference?
13:45 – Why most leaders fail to create true accountability in their organisations
24:00 – Darren’s 7-step framework to increase goal achievement to 95%
32:30 – How to say “no” without guilt: insights from Darren’s book NO
36:45 – The impact of overwhelm and how to beat it with micro steps
41:00 – Tools, coaching options, and Darren’s free accountability scorecard
45:05 – Richard reflects on his own experience working with Darren
