What is Great Leaders Take Risks?

We’re in an incredibly stressful moment for leaders. How are we supposed to make confident decisions when the world is more uncertain than ever?

Often that’s where leaders get stuck. They want to be sure they’re making the right decisions, but there are no sure things—in life or leadership! It’s scary making those calls, and even worse owning it when they’re wrong.

I believe great leaders take risks. Day after day, they dare to experiment with change instead of sticking with what’s comfortable. That’s why I help startup founders and execs find the courage to take risks and grow as leaders—without burning out from stress. Instead of waiting to be sure, they make the hard calls that matter:

1. Asking for what they want instead of settling for less

2. Having the hard conversation instead of avoiding it

3. Listening to tough feedback instead of ignoring it

4. Changing course when things aren’t working

5. Protecting their time for their highest priorities

6. Managing their stress instead of ignoring it

7. Staying true to their values even under pressure

8. Building a distinct, opinionated, intentional culture

Great Leaders Take Risks (GLTR) is a framework of proven tools for embracing these risks, drawn from my decades of experience as a founder, operator, and executive coach. This newsletter is your definitive source for how to put those tools into practice in your work and life, with practical how-tos, stories both hilarious and heart-wrenching, and the deep thinking underlying the GLTR philosophy.

So what risks stand between you and greatness? You can learn more about the core GLTR tools here, formerly known as Ask For What You Want:

1. Great Leaders Take Risks

2. How to Articulate What You Want with Curiosity

3. How to Ask for What You Want with Pride

4. How to Accept a No with Grace