Taking Risk

"I happen to love taking risks and pushing my own boundaries. But that doesn’t mean I never feel insecure, afraid, or uncomfortable in doing so." — Kara Gerson

Tory Burch ON Taking Risk

CEO & Designer, Tory Burch

Q: Usually reaching something great or grand in life requires taking a risk. What has been your greatest risk so far and how was it rewarding?

A: It was definitely a risk to launch this company as a lifestyle brand and a retail concept. We developed it in that way so consumers could experience the full breadth of merchandise in the setting we envisioned. That wouldn’t have been possible if we’d started out in a department store. Ultimately it’s a concept that set us apart from other ... READ MORE »

Manisha Thakor ON Taking Risk

Founder & CEO, MoneyZen Wealth Management, LLC

Q: How do you overcome feelings of insecurity, fear or discomfort when deciding to take a risk?

A: As someone who loves order and control - the anxiety that would arise from taking risk kept me from thinking I could ever be an entrepreneur for years. I used to think I had to eliminate ALL fear in order to move forward. My husband gave me a great visual a while back that totally changed my thinking. He suggested ... READ MORE »

Mimi Duvall ON Taking Risk

Life Coach & Designer, Dreams Will Come

Q: Usually reaching something great or grand in life requires taking a risk. What has been your greatest risk so far and how was it rewarding?

A: The biggest most rewarding risk has been forging my own career path. I do what I love in spite of the odds and the warnings I was given. I opted to follow my instincts rather than the traditional paths subscribed. I followed “the signs” and I listened to my heart. In my misguided youth, I allowed faith to lead. Though, ... READ MORE »

Alexia Vernon ON Taking Risk

Owner, Alexia Vernon Empowerment LLC

Q: How do you overcome feelings of insecurity, fear or discomfort when deciding to take a risk?

A: First, I keep a copy of Susan Jeffers’ Feel the Fear…And Do It Anyway on my desk at all times. Any time I feel myself going into a place of ick I read one of the many passages I’ve highlighted, and it always brings me back into my power. Second, I spend a lot of time using meditation and visualization ... READ MORE »

Giving New Meaning to How Women Can Climb Their Way to the Top

claudia ON Taking Risk

In February, I woke in the middle of the night panicking about S.H.E. Summit for three consecutive weeks. In April, my husband had an intervention with me because I was talking about S.H.E. Summit morning, noon and night. I talked about it over dinner with friends, during chats with local shopkeepers and even with our READ MORE »

Reshma Saujani ON Taking Risk

Founder, Girls Who Code

Q: Usually reaching something great or grand in life requires taking a risk. What has been your greatest risk so far and how was it rewarding?

A: My Congressional campaign was incredibly rewarding because it reaffirmed my commitment to public service. I knew I was finally on the right path and doing what I had always wanted to do. READ MORE »