Beyond Safety – The Transformative Power Of Risk In Women’s Leadership
- Sep 23, 2024
- 4 min read
Wanjiku Kiarie is a certified coach specializing in clarity, purpose, and mindset transformation. Her compassionate approach has helped many unlock their potential and achieve their goals. Discover your path to success with Wanjiku's expert guidance.
One of the biggest risks I ever took as a young lady was when I declined a government-allocated university course that my parents desperately wanted me to accept. In the community where I grew up, we didn’t have much, and education was seen as the only way to break the cycle of hardship. My parents, being primary school teachers themselves, saw that university opportunity as my one shot at success and urged me to take it, even though I knew deep down it wasn’t the right path for me. The option of taking a self-sponsored course wasn’t even on the table; realistically, where would the money come from? The resistance I faced came mostly from fear: if I lost this government-sponsored opportunity, I’d be doomed, as my family simply couldn’t afford to support me through university on their own. It wasn’t easy, saying no to what was essentially a golden ticket out of poverty, but I knew that pursuing a course I wasn’t passionate about would have stifled me.
So, I took a chance, looked for ways to find a course that aligned with my strengths and interests and shifted to a different university that gave me access to broader opportunities. It wasn’t easy to navigate this change; I had to face the admissions panel of the new university and convince them why it was important to take a chance on me and admit me to the course I really wanted and under the same government sponsorship program. After what felt like an eternity of waiting, I received my acceptance letter just a few days before the reporting date. When I travelled back home and handed it to my parents, they couldn’t believe I had pulled it off. I will never forget how, on that reporting day, both my parents accompanied me to the university, with my dad proudly carrying my suitcase on his shoulders. It was a risky move, but it paid off in ways my younger self could only have dreamt of.
Over the years, I have taken more risks, especially in my career, but I cannot help but reflect on the notion that women are often viewed as more risk-averse than men. In many cases, this stereotype holds true. Whether it's due to societal conditioning, family expectations, or a natural inclination toward security, many women tend to play it safe. We’re taught to be cautious, to avoid failure at all costs, and to stick with what’s certain. But what my experience has taught me, and what countless stories of successful women leaders affirm, is that when women take risks, the results can be nothing short of incredible.
Choosing to step out of my comfort zone and pursue a different path wasn’t just about career choices; it was about challenging the narrative that women should settle for what’s handed to them. It’s in taking these risks, whether by pursuing a leadership role, starting a new business, or advocating for an innovative idea, that women break through not only professional barriers but also the societal ones. When we choose the path less travelled, we don’t just advance our careers; we redefine what’s possible for ourselves and for those watching us.
Women who take risks drive innovation and change in their own lives and the organizations they lead. While the fear of failure is a significant barrier for many women, including myself, I’ve learned that failure isn’t the end; it’s often a catalyst for growth. By reframing failure as a part of the journey rather than a final destination, I’ve been able to take risks without being paralyzed by fear. Every risk, whether successful or not, has taught me valuable lessons and built my confidence.
The most powerful outcome of risk-taking is the confidence it cultivates. Each successful risk deepens our belief in our capabilities, creating a cycle where taking more risks becomes not only easier but also essential for growth. This newfound confidence establishes us as leaders and inspires those around us to step out of their comfort zones. When women in leadership embrace risk, we foster a culture that celebrates bold actions and acknowledges that growth occurs when we dare to step into the unknown.
Ultimately, taking risks isn’t about being reckless; it’s about recognizing opportunities that resonate with our values and strengths and having the courage to pursue them, even in uncertainty. By embracing risk, we create a legacy of possibility, not just for ourselves, but for future generations. In doing so, we uncover the true power of leadership, inspiring others to follow in our footsteps and championing a path toward collective success.
Wanjiku Kiarie, Clarity, Mindset & Purpose Coach
As a certified clarity, purpose, and mindset coach, Wanjiku has a passion for helping individuals realize their fullest potential. With her nurturing demeanor and strategic insights, she assists clients in setting clear goals, developing a positive mindset, and navigating life's challenges. Wanjiku’s coaching philosophy is rooted in empowerment and personal growth, making her an invaluable ally on your journey to success.
