In this episode of the Arete Podcast, I sit down with long-time colleague Darren Finkelstein to talk all things accountability, and how it drives performance, reduces overwhelm, and creates real behavioural change in teams and individuals.
We reflect on Darren’s fascinating journey from Apple executive to boating entrepreneur, and now to becoming one of Australia’s most respected accountability coaches. We unpack what accountability really means (hint: it’s not the same as responsibility), why frequent check-ins matter far more than annual reviews, and how Darren’s “seven steps to success” framework can lift goal achievement rates to as high as 95%.
We also dive into Darren’s latest book, NO: Building a Life of Choice Without Obligation, and why learning to say no, properly and respectfully, is a critical leadership skill for avoiding burnout and staying focused on what really matters.
TIME STAMPS:
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 – I reflect on my own experience working with Darren
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