As someone who’s spent a lifetime listening to people’s stories, I’ve learned that what we often admire most in others—their creative voice, passion, and impact—is born out of pain. It’s not just talent or opportunity. It’s what they do with difficulty.
I recommend a powerful two-part podcast interview with National Geographic photographer Cory Richards, hosted by Simon Sinek. Cory’s story is filled with raw honesty about success, struggle, depression, and finding purpose through a camera lens. It’s not just about photography. It’s about being human.
What stuck with me were Cory’s outlines of a four-part process he’s developed to stay grounded when life—and identity—begin to unravel. He calls it his framework for agency, and it’s something every creative, every missionary, and every person in ministry or leadership could benefit from reflecting on.
Cory Richards’ 4-Point Resilience Framework
1. Agency Is Everything
When things go wrong, the temptation is to blame or collapse. Cory talks about choosing not to live as a victim, even when the pain is real. Instead, he focuses on what I can do next. This isn’t about ignoring the hurt. It’s about reclaiming the power to respond.
2. Discovery Demands Discomfort
Growth doesn’t happen in our comfort zones. Cory reminds us to lean into the pain—because that’s often where the real learning begins. Whether it’s grief, burnout, or self-doubt, we can’t grow if we don’t face what hurts.
3. Certainty Kills Curiosity
The more sure we are, the less we tend to ask questions. Cory points out how dangerous that can be, especially in storytelling. Curiosity—about people, places, even ourselves—keeps our work fresh and connected.
4. Adaptation Leads to Evolution
When life changes (as it always does), we have two choices: cling to what was or grow into what could be. After experiencing a personal and professional collapse, Cory learned to reimagine his role and purpose. That’s when transformation began.
Why This Matters for Storytellers
Whether you’re a photographer, filmmaker, missionary, or nonprofit communicator, this framework speaks to more than mental health. It speaks to the soul of why we tell stories in the first place.
Many of us teach, mentor, and work alongside people trying to make a difference. But we can’t guide others if we’re not also doing the work within ourselves. Cory’s process reminds us that even in our lowest moments, we are still capable of purpose.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the tension of trying to do meaningful work while fighting your own internal battles, I hope this interview gives you language, perspective, and hope. I know it did for me.
Let me know what speaks to you after you listen. This is one of those conversations that lingers.