11 women executives on the greatest risk they ever took
From moving across the country to risking millions, and having the guts to say “yes” before they were ready, let these risk takers inspire you.
BY LINDSAY TIGAR
The idioms and mantras all sing the same tune: Taking a risk is often the turning point that leads to success. Whether your decision to quit a steady job for a new industry leads to a face-plant or to a few more zeros on your paycheck, the lessons you log along the way often end up being the most important outcome.
For these successful executives, the question wasn’t whether or not to jump in-it was about how high they were willing to leap and how low they were willing to fall. From leading global rebrands and walking away from promising contracts to moving across the country in pursuit of opportunity, let these stories inspire you to, well, go for it already.
SHE PARTNERED WITH HER DAUGHTER
Going into business with your best friend, your partner, or your family is tricky. Is it worth the personal and professional risk? According to Val Griffith, cofounder and creative director of snack company Skinny Dipped, partnering with her 26-year-old daughter Breezy was anxiety inducing yet reaped rewards. “I was still paying her cell phone bill, but had to decide if I could trust her at the helm and keep the ship afloat, which she has done with a facility, aptitude, and grace that takes my breath away,” she says.
She decided to follow her gut and see what her daughter was truly capable of executing. She’s glad she did, since four years later, this dynamic duo continues to grow the company into a thriving business.