Tips for Taking Career Risks for Growth

Recently I came across a wonderful article: “Playing it safe is the riskiest career move.” That last point in that article hits home: "Growth rarely comes from staying safe." So true. In my career, I've found that the most significant leaps forward came not from one giant, reckless gamble, but from a series of intentional, calculated micro-risks. These are the moments that build the muscle of leadership. The post mentions taking on a struggling project for a turnaround. This resonates deeply. Early in my career, I was asked to lead a team that was struggling with morale, velocity, and quality. The safe move would have been to apply incremental fixes. The micro-risk was to bet on a complete cultural and operational transformation. We introduced Agile/DevOps from the ground up (agile methodology was in its early days at that time), restructured teams into empowered units, and fostered a culture of radical transparency and accountability. It was uncomfortable and challenging existing norms. The payoff? We transformed it into a high-performance unit, delivering a product recognized globally, while reducing voluntary attrition to a negligible level. Another micro-risk that has paid dividends is "Hiring people smarter than you." As a leader, your success is multiplied by the strength of your team. At another organization, while building a 150+ member Product Engineering team from scratch, I consciously hired domain experts in Data Science, Cloud Architecture, and Product Management who were far more knowledgeable in their specific fields than I was. This wasn't about ego; it was about assembling the best possible team to incubate and commercialize an award-winning platform, which went on to generate significant revenue. Their expertise elevated the entire organization. Finally, "Speaking up with a contrarian point of view" is a risk that demands courage but builds credibility. In executive meetings, challenging the prevailing strategy with data and a well-articulated alternative vision might feel risky, but it’s often the catalyst for breakthrough innovation. This approach has been key in roles from large organizations to advising startups, where asking "what if?" has helped pivot strategies toward greater impact. The compound effect of these micro-risks is a career defined not by safety, but by transformative growth and tangible impact. What’s a micro-risk you’ve taken that paid off? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments. #CareerGrowth #Leadership #MicroRisks #ProfessionalDevelopment #Transformation

Stuck isn’t a place—it’s a mindset. For years, I thought the perfect career would simply find me. Spoiler: it didn’t. It took courage, curiosity, and a few missteps to realize that staying stuck wasn’t an option—and neither is it for you. Here’s the truth: you have the power to rewrite your story. If 2025 feels like the year to pivot, explore, or reignite your passion, here are 25 practical ways to get started: 1. Align with your values: What truly matters to you? 2. Get curious: What sparks your interest? Follow that thread. 3. Reconnect with your network: Reach out to mentors, colleagues, or peers. 4. Experiment: Test-drive new roles or skills through freelance work or volunteering. 5. Create a side project: Showcase your talents on your terms. 6. Invest in learning: Take a course, read a book, or attend a workshop. 7. Job shadow: Observe someone in a role you aspire to. 8. Update your CV and LinkedIn: Tell your story clearly and authentically. 9. Explore new industries: What field has always intrigued you? Dive in. 10. Set realistic goals: Start with small, actionable steps. 11. Join communities: Surround yourself with people who inspire you. 12. Reflect often: Ask yourself, “What’s working? What’s not?” 13. Prioritize self-care: Don’t let burnout derail your journey. 14. Ask for feedback: From colleagues or trusted friends—it’s invaluable. 15. Attend industry events: Meet people and learn what’s trending. 16. Embrace imperfections: No job (or career pivot) will be flawless. 17. Find a mentor: A guide can make all the difference. 18. Use online resources: Platforms like LinkedIn Learning or Coursera are gold mines. 19. Research company cultures: Do they align with your values? 20. Develop soft skills: Communication, adaptability, and empathy are timeless. 21. Track your progress: Celebrate every step forward. 22. Stay flexible: Your dream job might look different than you imagine. 23. Consider coaching: A career coach can provide clarity and structure. 24. Take risks: Growth lives outside your comfort zone. 25. Keep going: The journey to your dream career is worth it. I’ve seen it firsthand: when you take brave, intentional steps, amazing opportunities unfold. So, if you’re feeling stuck, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Take one small step today. Who knows? Your next big adventure might be closer than you think. 💬 What’s one thing you’ve done to get ‘unstuck’ in your career? ♻️ Think this post could help someone in your network? Share it! 👋🏼 Hey, I’m Utkarsh—Executive Coach and lifelong learner. I share insights on leadership, growth, and living courageously. Follow along for more thoughts and strategies.

I walked away from the company I built to chase a 'crazy' dream. Risky? Sure. Worth it? Absolutely. Here's the thing: sometimes the biggest risk is not taking one at all. And so I left comfort, security, and everything I knew to pursue a new venture: buying and growing small businesses with a strong marketing emphasis (a huge passion of mine). Here’s what I learned: 1. Your Enthusiasm is Your Compass: It'll guide you to where you should be. 2. Discomfort is Growth in Disguise: Embrace it. It's where the magic happens. 3. Old Skills, New Tricks: Every experience is an asset. My staffing background? Pure gold in understanding business operations. Want to Take the Leap? Here's Your Parachute: 1. Recession-Proof Your Move: Find a product or service that's always in demand. (Hint: Marketing and Sales isn't going anywhere) 2. Start Small, Dream Big: Side hustles are your friend. Test the waters before the big dive. 3. Network Like Your Career Depends on It (Because It Does): Build connections in your target field. Yesterday. 4. Become a Learning Machine: Courses, certifications, mentors - absorb it all. 5. Financial Runway is Key: Aim for 6-12 months of savings. Peace of mind is priceless. 6. Spot the Gaps: Find what's missing in your dream industry. That's your entry point. 7. Plan the Work, Work the Plan: Set clear milestones for your transition. Then crush them. Remember, the only 'right time' is now. Your future self will thank you for having the courage to leap. #CareerRevolution #LeapOfFaith #EntrepreneurialSpirit #RecessionProofDreams #BeYourOwnBoss

After 27 years as an executive leadership coach, one truth stands out…. Careers rarely stall due to lack of talent. They stall because of fear. Fear of change, fear of failure, or fear of stepping outside what feels safe. 💫 Growth and comfort can’t sit in the same seat. If you’re too comfortable, you’re probably not growing. High performers don’t wait for the perfect moment, they stretch themselves before they feel ready. They take intelligent risks, seek uncomfortable feedback, and pursue challenges that force them to evolve. So how do you move forward when fear is holding you back? Here are 4 actionable steps: ⚫️ Get radically honest about what you’re avoiding. Fear hides behind busyness and excuses. Identify the tough conversations, new responsibilities, or stretch roles you’ve been resisting. 🟠 Build a courage habit. Do one uncomfortable thing every week that supports your growth. Speak up in a meeting, ask for feedback, and reach out to a mentor. ⚫️ Reframe failure as data. Stop viewing mistakes as setbacks and start seeing them as intel. What did you learn? What would you do differently next time? That’s progress. 🟠 Invest in your evolution. Read books, get coaching, attend workshops, or surround yourself with people who challenge your thinking. You are your greatest asset so invest accordingly. Your comfort zone is not your career path. If you want to grow, you have to get uncomfortable (consistently, intentionally, and with purpose). 💬What’s one bold move you’ve been putting off? #Leadership #CareerGrowth #ExecutiveCoaching #GrowthMindset

Take the leap 🚀 Golden handcuffs pose a significant barrier to realising our full potential. They come in various forms such as a steady salary, sticking to routine, remaining within our local area, and more. Often, we choose certainty over embracing the unknown, without fully understanding why. I've certainly been guilty of this myself 😅, and that inclination still lurks within me. However, altering our attitude towards risk and failure could be the key to unlocking a more fulfilling life. Here are some tangible steps to help you become more comfortable with taking the leap: * Reflect on Your Values: Take the time to identify what truly matters to you and what you want to achieve in life. Understanding your values can provide clarity and motivation to pursue your goals despite the uncertainties. * Set Clear Goals: Define specific, achievable goals that align with your values. Break them down into smaller, manageable steps to make the journey less daunting and more achievable. * Challenge Comfort Zones: Regularly challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone, whether it's trying new experiences, taking on new responsibilities, or pursuing unfamiliar opportunities. Each small step builds confidence and resilience. * Embrace Failure as Growth: Shift your perspective on failure from something to be avoided to an inevitable part of the learning process. View failures as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than as setbacks. * Seek Support: Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, mentors, and peers who encourage and inspire you to pursue your aspirations. Their guidance and encouragement can provide invaluable support during times of uncertainty. * Develop Resilience: Cultivate resilience by practising mindfulness, self-compassion, and positive self-talk. Building emotional strength and adaptability can help you navigate challenges and setbacks more effectively. * Take Calculated Risks: Assess the potential risks and rewards of different opportunities carefully. While it's essential to embrace uncertainty, it's also crucial to make informed decisions and take calculated risks rather than reckless ones. * Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Recognising your progress reinforces your confidence and motivates you to continue pursuing your goals. 💡Steven Bartlett

“I want to change careers. But I don’t want to leave my current job before ensuring I can land my target role.” I've heard this dilemma from mid-career professionals too many times to count. It’s understandable – most people don’t want to risk losing what they have, for something they aren’t sure they can achieve. The reason people don't take such risks is uncertainty. Because the less we know about something, the more hesitant we are to do it. So, here's what I tell people in such cases. There are 3 simple yet effective ways to tackle uncertainty, especially during career change: 1. Small steps > Herculean efforts - Taking consistent micro-steps towards your goal is always better than working on the end goal right away - Eg, if you want to switch to data analytics, take a short course or speak with analytics experts before refreshing your resume and applying to 100s of roles - If you want to start a startup, build an MVP before launching a full-fledged business 2. Calculated risk > Leap of faith - If there’s a low chance of landing your target role, consider finding a role that's midway between your current and target role - Eg, if you want to switch from HR to product management, first find an HR role at a startup (ideally HRtech) and transition to a PM role afterward - This way, you make two smaller pivots that are easier versus one large pivot that’s harder 3. Hedging your bets > Hoping for the best - Stay put in your current role if you have the bandwidth to work on your transition on weeknights and weekends - Make sure you have sufficient savings for the transition period while you are in between jobs - It’s also wise to have a backup plan to find another more achievable role or return to your previous career, if needed ------------------------- Uncertainty is part of all career transitions. The above strategies can help improve your chances of making a successful shift, while keeping your options open in case things don’t work out. What steps have helped you navigate turbulence in your career?   #careerchange #careerswitch #planning

If I could give my younger self one career tip, it would be this: “Bet on yourself, even when no one else does.” I spent years second-guessing my worth—playing small, waiting for external validation, and thinking opportunities were only for the most qualified or the most confident. But here’s what I wish I had known sooner: 🔹 You don’t need to have it all figured out to take the next step. 🔹 Skills can be learned, but self-belief is what gets you in the door. 🔹 Every “no” is just redirection, not rejection. 🔹 The scariest moves—career changes, returning to work, starting a business—often lead to the greatest growth. 🔹 Confidence isn’t something you wait to feel; it’s something you build through action. Looking back, I see how many times I held myself back because I didn’t think I was “ready.” Truth is, you’ll never feel 100% ready. But if you don’t take a chance on yourself, who will? So to my younger self—and to anyone who needs this reminder today—take the leap. Your future self will thank you. #CareerGrowth #LessonsLearned #CareerAdvice

One piece of advice I would give from my career would be to continually challenge yourself, be curious, be flexible and be prepared to take personal risk… but make sure its managed and understood risk and that you have the support of the organisation and the people around you when you do it. This will help them support you, understand how you feel, help you manage the risks in an effective way and enable the company you work in to create those guard rails and safe environment in which you can challenge yourself, thrive and prosper. I have always tried to take this approach to challenge the norm and try new things whichever role I have been in. These calculated risks have been done in a way where I had safety blankets around me so I wasn't going to completely trash my career, but equally I was putting myself out there a bit and continually learning. This will give you the freedom to safely make some mistakes, which are vital for your development too. Why? Because it builds that broader experiential journey that you're on. Without mistakes, without problems, without failures, you'll find that you don't learn as quickly. #CareerAdvice #Development #TakeRisks

Your Career Is Like Investing—Take Risks, Stay Consistent, and Watch It Grow. This International Women’s Day, I was invited by Cripps, the law firm, to share career advice for women navigating male-dominated industries. The key? Take bold steps, say yes to opportunities, and keep showing up. I often compare career growth to investing—success isn’t about one big move but consistent, long-term action. Just as ‘pound cost averaging’ helps build wealth over time, regularly stepping forward—whether on panels, in meetings, or on podcasts—compounds into career momentum. Here’s my advice: ✅ Put yourself forward—volunteer to speak, share your ideas, and lead. ✅ Take risks—growth happens outside your comfort zone. ✅ Consistency beats perfection—small, regular steps create the biggest impact. ✅ Preparation & practice—confidence is built, not born. ✅ Support each other—lifting others up strengthens your journey, too. I’ve seen incredible women transform their careers by adopting this mindset. What bold move will you make this year? 🚀 📽️ Watch the video and let me know what you think. Be audacious. Be bold. Be badass. 👊 #InternationalWomensDay #CareerGrowth #WomenInLeadership #IWD2025

The safest career path is often the riskiest one. Here's what most people won't tell you about career growth: When you always choose the "safe" option: You stop learning You stop growing You stop evolving You get too comfortable Your skills get stale The most successful people I know: 👉 Take calculated risks Not just for the sake of risk, but because they're hungry to learn. 👉 Value growth over titles They'll take a step "down" if it means learning something new. 👉 See failures as data Every "mistake" is just information about what to try next. 👉 Choose discomfort They know growth requires moving out of your comfort zone. 👉 Follow their curiosity Even when it leads them down unexpected paths. The truth is: Your "unusual" background is an advantage Your diverse experiences make you adaptable Your battle scars make you resilient Your curiosity makes you valuable Your willingness to learn makes you unstoppable I've been: A receptionist A Spanish interpreter A market research analyst A product development manager A marketing leader Each role taught me something valuable. Each "career pivot" made me stronger. Each challenge made me more adaptable. Don't let anyone tell you that your path needs to be linear. The most interesting careers rarely are. The safest career strategy? Always choose growth. (Image credit: Dr. Joerg Storm) ♻️ Liked this? Share it. 🔔 Follow me (Nataly Kelly) for more.