Filling the Vessel : Why Efficiency Alone Won’t Save You

A reflection on family, work, and the trap of always filling the vessel with more.

We’re gearing up for an adventure! I’ve been ruminating on it for days, eager to create a memorable experience for my wife and daughter. With my wife’s birthday approaching, the clock is ticking. Planning for birthdays isn’t typically my forte, and I recognize that this oversight is one of my less admirable traits.

Meanwhile, she’s been browsing Disney, quaint restaurants, and local excursions—her subtle reminder that I often miss the mark in celebrating her.

So, I proposed we escape for a bit. It’s been ages since we reconnected with family and friends. The moment I voiced it, she sprang into action, reaching out, coordinating, and making sure it actually happens.

Why did I hesitate for so long?

Part of me felt it was irresponsible. We’re still building our businesses, and financially, we’re not thriving. Shouldn’t I keep grinding? Shouldn’t I hunker down until the dust settles?

Yet another part whispered: if we say no to life, what’s the point of the hustle? It would reduce my existence to the same grind as before – to busy to actually live.

The job wasn’t the barrier. My mindset was.

This trip feels like a choice, yes to family, yes to experiences, and yes to a life worth living.

The Workaholic’s Dilemma

The last few months have been enlightening. I’ve penned countless words and discovered new paths for connection. While I haven’t found the magic formula for a larger audience, but I don’t want tricks. I crave genuine growth who find value in what I share.

Yet, I grapple with conflicting thoughts.

I tell myself I’m being “kind” when I cut myself some slack. But am I really being kind, or just letting myself off the hook?

The reality is that I’ve become remarkably efficient. Tasks that once devoured five hours now fit into one. Yet instead of making room for life, I merely cram in more work. The vessel just fills again.

That isn’t discipline; it’s dependency.

I sidestep the essentials of living—health, family, rest—out of unwavering loyalty to earning a living. And this loyalty consumes everything around it.

The Dance of Grace and Grit

Herein lies the paradox:

  • Too much self-compassion, and I drift aimlessly.
  • Too much discipline, and I face burnout.

What I seek isn’t indulgence or punishment—it’s harmony. A way of living where my efforts align with the life I aspire to create.

This means pausing when the vessel is full. It means embracing family commitments, even when it feels “irresponsible.” It means understanding that efficiency is futile if it doesn’t carve out space for what truly matters.

The Journey Ahead

So, we’re taking a break—not just to celebrate, not just to reconnect with people we love—but to practice the life I claim to be building. To learn how to carry work and family together, without letting one eclipse the other.

Perhaps true discipline lies not in stuffing every crevice with more work, but in resisting the urge to let work become the only vessel I fill.

👉 For readers: When efficiency gifts you time, do you spend it on life – or just keep pouring in more to the vessel?

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The Dream of the Office Maze

I jolted awake at 3:30am, my mind a buzzing with dreams. A nagging headache warned that sleep wouldn’t return. So, I got up and started my day with simple rituals.

Did my headache provoke the dreams, or did they ignite the pain? Maybe they’re cosmic dance partners.

These dreams unfolded in a surreal corporate world echoing one of my old corporate companies where I’d worked at for over a decade. A vast office labyrinth filled with relics from my past : computers, surround sound systems, digital printers, and bookshelves overflowing with old and new treasures. I clocked hours there, but not truly working. Some thought I’d quit; others thought I was a contractor. I remember being there so many times. Always returning. Trapped without purpose. Now, for the first time I craved a clean break.

In one vivid scene, a figure of authority bought my gear for an outrageous sum. They craved appearing fair, sidestepping guilt over using my cherished possessions. As I sifted through books, magazines and notebooks, I hunted for hidden gems I wasn’t ready to to surrender.

There had to be something of value amongst all of this.

This bizarre office has haunted my dreams for years. The more I wake, the more I recall that suffocating sensation. With each visit, the building swells, morphs- becoming unrecognizable, familiarity fades like whispers in the wind.

Upon waking, I feel a pull to simplify my existence. It’s as if something precious slips away, or I’ve forgotten a vital puzzle piece. Mostly, I dread leaving chaos in my wake and misplacing what truly matters.

On the surface, the dream points me toward decluttering. But beneath it lies something richer: the weight of inheritance, memory, and legacy.

Recently, I downsized from excessively spending on storage units scattered across my past cities to one unit and a truckload returned home. Each item is both burden and tether. Without them, does the past lose meaning? My parents lived in this same tension. Their home became a museum of memory, each object tied to its own story. Ultimately, most of it couldn’t be saved.

And here I stand, caught between two truths: knowing that clutter drags me down, yet fearing that letting go erases what matters. It’s not the shelves or the printers I fear losing – it’s the hidden gems, the writing and ideas that might languish in boxes until lost or forgotten.

If I don’t breath life into them – books, essays, something vibrant – then they risk dissolving into the same clutter I aim to escape. Perhaps that’s why I woke knowing my time is short.

Not just in the morbid sense, but in the urgent way : the maze of the past is closing in. The task now isn’t just to clean – it’s to curate, to crystallize, to leave clarity instead of chaos.

Time is short. But the work, if I embrace it, can be timeless.

The Productivity Myth That’s Keeping You Stuck

We’ve all been sold a lie about productivity—the idea that working harder, longer, and faster is the key to success.

But here’s the truth: Productivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters. If you’re constantly busy but not making real progress, you might be trapped in the productivity myth.

My Personal Journey: From Busyness to Effectiveness

I used to measure my success by how much I checked off my to-do list. The more I accomplished, the more productive I felt. But I wasn’t actually getting closer to my real goals—I was just staying busy.

The moment I stopped equating productivity with sheer output and started focusing on impact, everything changed.

For years, I believed that being busy meant being productive. If I was working nonstop, I must be making progress, right?

Wrong.

I was drowning in emails, constantly context-switching, and ending each day exhausted—but without truly moving forward.

And here’s the thing: I love working. I love solving problems, partnering with a team, creating simple solutions to complex challenges, writing content that teaches, building sustainable systems, coaching others to better outcomes, and strategizing for growth.

But when my calendar is filled with meetings, my time is dictated by others’ priorities, and I’m constantly firefighting without a strategic plan—I’m not at my best.

That’s when I made a shift that changed everything:

I stopped measuring my success by how much I did—and started measuring it by what I accomplished.

The Science Behind True Productivity

  • Harvard Business Review reports that focusing on fewer, high-impact tasks leads to better results than multitasking.
  • Cal Newport, author of Deep Work, emphasizes that: “Busyness is not a proxy for productivity. Focused work produces meaningful progress.”
  • Studies show that people who prioritize their most important tasks first experience higher satisfaction and achievement.

Breaking Free from the Productivity Myth

  • Prioritize Outcomes Over Outputs – Focus on what moves the needle, not just what fills your schedule.
  • Eliminate Low-Value Tasks – Just because something is urgent doesn’t mean it’s important.
  • Work in Deep Focus Blocks – Set aside uninterrupted time for your most impactful work.
  • Measure Success Differently – Instead of tracking hours worked, track progress made on key goals.
  • Protect Your Energy – Productivity isn’t about working longer; it’s about working smarter.

Further Resources

Busy isn’t the same as productive. What’s one thing you’ve stopped doing to focus on what really matters?

🚀 Drop your best productivity tip in the comments!

—

📌 Enjoyed this? Check out my other posts on leadership, execution, and mindset shifts here: Development Geek or for some of my most popular Linkedin articles :

Relentless Action : Never Give Up, Never Surrender

Self Management : First Lead and Inspire Yourself

or this fun post – Be Radical – Make a 1% Improvement Everyday

I Haven’t Always Been A Good Leader

There’s a moment every leader faces.

You step into the role, believe you’ll do things differently – only to realize it isn’t so easy.

I haven’t always been the best leader for everyone I’ve served.

Sometimes it’s personality differences—I know I’m not everyone’s cup of tea.

Sometimes it’s the weight of decisions I don’t fully agree with but must carry out.

Sometimes it’s because leadership, at its core, is imperfect.

I work on it. Every single day. I test out different ways of doing things. I get lots of feedback and deeply listen. I try to never take it personally, even when it hurts. Leadership isn’t a destination- it’s a practice.

Not Always My Fault, Always My Responsibility

Despite my flaws, I always fight for my people behind closed doors. They don’t always know it—I don’t believe in broadcasting the body blows I take on their behalf. Leadership isn’t about making sure people see the struggle; it’s about ensuring they have what they need to succeed.

I’ve been the face of decisions that weren’t mine to make. The ones that didn’t sit well with my team. The ones I had to implement while standing between them and the higher-ups who wanted it done a certain way.

But I never pushed blame onto those above me. That’s the job.

A leader speaks truth to power behind closed doors and executes in public with one voice.

It’s not about taking credit. It’s not about shifting blame. It’s about ownership.

And while these challenges are not always my fault, they are always my responsibility.

The Hardest Lessons

I haven’t always been my best self.

I’ve worked myself into places, contorted myself into knots, until I was a pretzel trying to be everything, to everyone. Until I no longer recognized who I was.

I’ve questioned if I should be coaching others when I’ve made so many mistakes myself.

I’ve watched others rise faster, climb higher, and make politically expedient choices that I never could. I’ve kept my principles intact—sometimes at the cost of opportunities.

Showing Failure

I see leaders who say they embrace failure – but never actually show it.

Leadership isn’t just about saying failure is a learning opportunity – it’s about showing your mistakes and how you grew from them.

For a long time, I wondered – am I the only one who thinks like this?

But I know, I’m not alone. And if you’ve felt this way – you’re not alone either.

What Leadership Is REALLY About

I think I’ve gotten more right than wrong.

Some would say the measure is in the results —I’ve helped many companies make millions and millions of dollars. Top line revenue growth, month over month increases, reduced millions in spend, improved bottom line profitability double digits.

But my mission isn’t just to build profitable companies—it’s to build better leaders.

The best leaders don’t demand perfection – they cultivate growth.

They don’t expect people to follow them blindly. They help others unlock their strengths.

They don’t chase control. They create environments where others thrive.

My Measure

My greatest measure of success will always be the people I’ve helped grow. Nothing excites me more than seeing those I’ve mentored rise, knowing I played a small part in their journey. Watching them step into new levels of leadership—proving that the right way does work—and carrying forward the lessons we built together, that’s the legacy that matters.

And that means unlocking people’s strengths- helping them see what they’re capable of, even before they believe it themselves.

The Future Of Leadership Won’t Be Build On Ego, Bravado, Or Dominance

I’ve coached and taught leaders who now lead others.

Not the ones who climb to the top at any cost, leaving wreckage behind.

Not the ones who chase power without responsibility.

Because leadership isn’t about power – it’s about responsibility. It’s about standing for what’s right even when it’s inconvenient. I’ve made choices that weren’t the easiest, but they were the right ones. And that’s a leadership hill I’ll die on.

But the ones who believe leadership is about service, accountability, and doing the right thing—even when no one is watching.

The Leadership We Need

I won’t pretend the ones I’ve failed don’t weigh on me. They do. They always will.

But I carry them with me as a reminder to be better.

Every mistake has been a lesson. Every setback has sharpened my leadership.

I don’t just carry them with me – I apply them.

The leaders I coach don’t need perfection. They need a guide who’s been in the fire and learned how to walk through it stronger.

I Suit Up Every Day With One Goal

To help someone else avoid hitting the same walls I did.

To teach what I’ve learned the hard way.

To remind someone out there that they are not alone.

Because leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about helping others discover their own.

The Future Of Leadership Will Be Built By Those Who Elevate Others

It will be built by those who elevate others, not themselves – by those who create real impact, not just chase titles.

We don’t need more leaders who crave power. We need leaders who understand that power is a responsibility. And those who use it well – change everything.

It’s about standing in the fire, owning your mistakes, and fighting for what’s right—even when it’s hard. That’s the leader I am, and am still becoming. And if you’re reading this- you are too.

This is why I keep showing up. To help others build breakthroughs and lead with integrity, with impact, and with heart. That’s the leader I’m still becoming.

If you’ve ever struggled with leadership—if you’ve ever felt the weight of getting it right—I see you. Let’s talk about what real leadership looks like. Drop a comment: What’s one lesson leadership has taught you?

How to Lead When You Don’t Feel Ready (Because You Never Will)

If you’re waiting to feel “ready” before stepping up as a leader, you’ll be waiting forever. The truth is, no one ever feels 100% prepared for leadership.

Most of the best leaders started out with doubt, uncertainty, and imposter syndrome. The difference? They led anyway.

I Thought I Had to Be Ready—Until I Realized This

I remember my first leadership role. I was excited—but also terrified. I kept thinking, What if I fail? What if I don’t have all the answers?

But I quickly realized something: Leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about learning, adapting, and taking action despite the fear.

If I had waited to feel “ready,” I never would have taken the opportunity. And I would have missed out on everything I’ve learned since.

The Science of Stepping Up Before You Feel Ready

🔹 Harvard Business Review found that 60% of new managers feel unprepared for their roles.
🔹 Adam Grant (Think Again) says: “Confidence is a result of taking action, not a prerequisite for it.”
🔹 Imposter syndrome affects 70% of professionals—including some of the most successful leaders in the world.

How to Lead Even When You Don’t Feel Ready

If you’re feeling hesitant about stepping into leadership, here’s what will help:

✅ Reframe Doubt as Growth – If you’re uncomfortable, you’re learning. That’s leadership in action.
✅ Act First, Confidence Follows – You don’t become confident and then lead; you lead, and confidence comes later.
✅ Seek Guidance, Not Perfection – No leader has all the answers. Learn from mentors, peers, and experience.
✅ Own What You Know, Admit What You Don’t – Leadership isn’t about pretending—it’s about problem-solving.
✅ Take Small Steps Forward – Leadership isn’t one big leap; it’s a series of small, consistent actions.

Resources to Help You Step Into Leadership

🔹 Watch this TED Talk : Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are | Amy Cuddy
🔹 Read more on “Why The Best Leaders Let Themselves Be Vulnerable With Others” by Time

Final Thought

You may never feel fully “ready” to lead—but that doesn’t mean you’re not capable. Leadership happens when you take action, not when you feel perfectly prepared.

🚀 What’s one leadership moment where you stepped up despite self-doubt? Drop it in the comments!

Leadership is evolving, and it’s time to challenge the way we think about it. Let’s continue the conversation:

📲 Join the discussion on Instagram: The Future of Leadership is Changing
🌐 Explore more insights & resources: Ad Solutus
💬 Engage with today’s LinkedIn conversation: Read & Comment

Let’s build breakthrough leadership—together.

Forget Motivation – Here’s How to Build Consistency That Lasts

We’ve all been there—feeling fired up about a goal one day, only to lose steam a week later. The problem? Motivation is unreliable.

People think they need more motivation to be successful. They don’t. What they really need is consistency.

I used to chase motivation like it was the key to success. If I wasn’t “feeling it,” I’d wait until I did. But that wait often turned into days, weeks, even months of inaction.

The turning point? Turning to my strengths and recognizing my ability to build systems that can make taking action automatic. I still love to be inspired, to get motivated, it provides extra fuel to my thoughts – but I don’t rely on it.

Why Motivation Fails

Motivation is like a battery—it drains quickly, especially when life gets hard.

🔹 BJ Fogg, a behavioral scientist at Stanford, found that motivation fluctuates, but habits stick.

🔹 James Clear (Atomic Habits) puts it best: “You don’t need motivation; you need a system that makes success inevitable.”

The key to long-term success isn’t waiting to feel inspired—it’s designing a life where action happens whether you’re motivated or not.

How to Build Consistency That Lasts

Instead of chasing motivation, use these strategies to create a system that makes action automatic:

✅ Lower the Barrier to Action – Make starting so easy you can’t say no. (Example: Want to work out? Start with 5 minutes.)

✅ Create Non-Negotiable Habits – Anchor habits to something you already do. (Example: After brushing your teeth, read one page of a book.)

✅ Use Environmental Design – Set up your space to make action effortless. (Example: Lay out workout clothes the night before.)

✅ Track Progress, Not Perfection – Focus on showing up, not being perfect. (Example: “Did I write today? Yes or no.”)

Resources to Take This Further

🔹 Watch this TED Podcast Talk on habit formation: How to develop the habits you want – and get rid of the ones you don’t w/James Clear

🔹 Read more on creating a fitness routine : How to Start Working Out:; A No-BS Guide from a Certified Trainer and Sports Nutritionist

Final Thought: Success Is Built on Systems, Not Willpower

Motivation fades, but consistency builds results. The key isn’t feeling inspired—it’s creating a structure where action happens by default. And when you are ready to take it to the next level hink about not just the habits and actions but also who you believe yourself to be.

Lasting consistency isn’t just about what you do- it’s about who you are. And we will dive into how the Role of Identity in Consistency may be the next level thinking you need to couple with the best habits and routines.

🚀 What’s one habit you’ve built that doesn’t rely on motivation? Drop it in the comments!

📖 Want more strategies for growth and leadership?

Check out more of my insights at Ad Solutus or Development Geek- **JMarcusRoss.com**

How to Make People Actually Listen When You Speak

You’ve been there—you say something in a meeting, and it gets ignored.

Minutes later, someone else repeats it, and suddenly, it’s a brilliant idea.

The problem isn’t just what you’re saying—it’s how you’re saying it.

If you want people to listen, you need to speak with impact.

Why Are You Being Ignored?

Early in my career, I struggled to get my voice heard. I had ideas, but they got lost in conversations. It wasn’t until I changed how I spoke—clear, confident, and intentional—that people started paying attention.

I learned that being heard isn’t about talking more—it’s about talking better.

The Science of Speaking with Impact

🔹 Harvard Business Review found that the most influential communicators use brevity, clarity, and strong body language.

🔹 Amy Cuddy (Presence) explains that confidence and authenticity make people more likely to engage with what you’re saying.

🔹 Studies show that storytelling increases message retention by up to 22% compared to facts alone.

Want to make sure people actually listen when you speak? Here’s how:

5 Ways to Get People to Listen

✅ Start Strong – People decide in seconds whether to tune in. Open with something compelling—a statistic, a question, or a bold statement.

✅ Be Clear and Concise – Say what you need to say, then stop talking. The more you over-explain, the less impact your words have.

✅ Use the Power of Storytelling – Facts inform, but stories persuade and make ideas stick. Frame your message with a short, relevant story.

✅ Own Your Space – Confident posture, eye contact, and presence command attention before you even open your mouth.

✅ Ask for Engagement – If you want people to listen, make them part of the conversation. Pause. Ask a question. Let them process your words.

Want to Improve Your Speaking Presence?

🔹 Watch this TED Talk on how to speak so people listen: Julian Treasure’s TED Talk: “How to Speak So That People Want to Listen”

🔹 Read more about how effective leaders communicate clearly: Harvard Business Review – “How to Communicate with Greater Impact”

Final Thought: Your Words Have Power—If You Use Them Well

If you’ve ever felt unheard, remember: communication is a skill, not a talent.

You can train yourself to speak with impact—and when you do, you’ll notice people start paying attention.

🚀 What’s one communication trick that’s helped you be heard? Drop it in the comments!

🔥 What’s Next?

Looking to sharpen your leadership communication? Check out more content here:

➡ Ad Solutus Website

➡ Linkedin Carousel – Make Them Listen

Mistakes Don’t Define You – Your Response Does

Everyone makes mistakes. But mistakes don’t ruin careers, reputations, or opportunities—poor responses do.

For a long time, I was terrified of getting things wrong. I believed that if I made a mistake, it would stick to me—that it would define me. I’ve worked in too many places where mistakes cost people their jobs. That belief was holding me back. Forcing me to perfect things, to take too long, and at times, to still get it wrong.

Until one mistake changed everything.

I Learned This the Hard Way

Years ago, I made a decision that backfired spectacularly. I had been tasked with rolling out a new process, and I was so convinced I had thought of everything and from all the feedback I’d received along the way.

The result? Total disaster. The process was inefficient, people struggled to adopt it, and I could see frustration building.

At first, I did what most people do—I justified my choices. I told myself, “They just need time to adjust,” or “They aren’t seeing the bigger picture.” But deep down, I knew the truth.

I had made a mistake. And worse—if I didn’t admit it and move on, then protecting my ego was going to cost actually fixing the problem.

Then I made a choice: I owned it.

I called a meeting, admitted that I had made a mistake, and asked my team, “What would actually work better?”

I expected skepticism. I expected blame. But what I got was collaboration and possibly more trust. The moment I stopped defending myself and started listening, my team stepped up. We rebuilt the process together, and the result was 10x better than the original.

That mistake—one I had feared would define me—became a turning point. Because mistakes don’t destroy credibility. Defensiveness does.

The Science of Turning Mistakes Into Strength

📌 Harvard Business Review found that leaders who own their mistakes and learn from them build stronger teams and trust.

📌 Psychologists say that resilience—the ability to recover from mistakes—is a greater predictor of success than intelligence or talent.

📌 Brené Brown states: “Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.”

How to Turn Mistakes Into Growth Opportunities

✅ Own It Immediately – Acknowledge the mistake without excuses or shifting blame.

✅ Analyze Without Shame – Look at what went wrong and why, without beating yourself up.

✅ Communicate Transparently – If others are involved, address it openly and honestly.

✅ Course-Correct Quickly – Take action to fix what can be fixed and prevent future missteps.

✅ Rebuild & Move Forward – Learn, adjust, and focus on what’s next rather than dwelling on failure.

Final Thought:

Your mistakes don’t define you—how you handle them does.

The best leaders, entrepreneurs, and high performers? They fail, learn, and keep going.

🔹 Watch this TED Talk on resilience and learning from failure: Raphael Rose: How Failure Cultivates Resilience

🔹 Read more on why emotional intelligence matters in handling mistakes: What Is Emotional Intelligence and Why Does It Matter?

🚀 What’s one lesson you’ve learned from a past mistake? Share it in the comments!

📌 To keep learning:

✔️ Explore my latest insights → Development Geek Blog

✔️ Visit Ad Solutus for more leadership resources → Ad Solutus

✔️ Join the community & connect → Linkedin

The Science of Deep Work: Getting More Done Without Working More

Most people spend their days bouncing between emails, meetings, and distractions—yet wonder why they never make real progress. The secret to high performance isn’t working more—it’s working deeply.

Understanding Deep Work

Deep Work is the ability to focus without distraction on cognitively demanding tasks. Mastering it means producing better results in less time.

My Personal Journey from Busyness to Effectiveness

I used to think productivity was about doing as much as possible. It can be almost a sickness. Filling every slot on the calendar. Multiple projects in various states of completion. Task lists that grow faster than the rate I can complete everything. Until I realized that being busy isn’t the same as being effective.

When I practice Deep Work—blocking out distractions and focusing fully on important tasks—I accomplish more in a few focused hours than some entire days.

The Science Behind Deep Work

  • Cal Newport, in his book Deep Work, found that people who cultivate focused work sessions produce higher-quality output in less time. samuelthomasdavies.com
  • Harvard Business Review reports that the average knowledge worker spends 60% of their time on shallow tasks, reducing overall effectiveness. kairosfuture.com
  • Studies show that multitasking lowers productivity by up to 40% due to cognitive switching costs.

Strategies to Harness Deep Work and Maximize Productivity

  • Schedule Deep Work Blocks – Dedicate uninterrupted time for focus-intensive tasks.
  • Eliminate Distractions – Turn off notifications, close tabs, and create a distraction-free workspace.
  • Work in Time Intervals – Use techniques like the Pomodoro method or 90-minute focus cycles.
  • Prioritize Meaningful Work – Focus on tasks that generate real impact, not just busywork.
  • Train Your Focus Muscle – Like any skill, deep work improves with consistent practice over time.

Further Reading and Resources

Shallow work keeps you busy—deep work moves you forward.

Enjoyed this post? There’s more where that came from! 🎯 If you’re looking to level up your leadership and mindset, check out my other articles and explore everything we’re building at Ad Solutus.

📚 Read More:

🔹 How to Listen Twice As Well As You Speak

🔹 Leadership Isn’t One Size Fits All – Learn how to adapt your style to empower your team

🔹 Remove Complaining From Your Mindset in 3 Simple Steps

💡 Join the conversation & explore leadership insights at → Ad Solutus

What’s one way you practice deep focus in your work? Share your strategy in the comments!

The Hidden Cost of Playing It Safe—Why Leaders Must Take More Risks

Playing it safe feels responsible—but in leadership, avoiding risk is the riskiest move of all.

The best leaders don’t succeed by maintaining the status quo—they create breakthroughs by stepping into uncertainty. If you’re not taking strategic risks, you’re falling behind.

I Learned This the Hard Way.

I’m not exactly proud of it, but at times I thought playing it safe would protect me. Especially when I was in command and control environments where there was no reward for speaking up.
I stayed in my lane and waited for opportunities instead of creating them.
I avoided speaking up, thinking that keeping my head down was the smarter move.

I was wrong. Playing it safe didn’t protect me—it stalled my growth. And didn’t match my principles.

Whenever I started taking calculated risks—whether it was speaking up in meetings, making bold decisions, or stepping into the unknown—everything changed. Yes, it was riskier, and at times I paid the price for speaking up. Ultimately, that price was always worth it.

Risk-taking isn’t about recklessness—it’s about courage.

The Research is Clear:

📌 Harvard Business Review found that companies that encourage calculated risk-taking outperform competitors in innovation and revenue growth.
📌 McKinsey research shows that leaders who take proactive risks are more likely to advance their careers and drive business success.
📌 Richard Branson: “The biggest risk is not taking any risk. In a world that’s changing quickly, the only strategy guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.”

How to Take Smarter Risks as a Leader

✅ Reframe Risk as Opportunity – Instead of fearing failure, focus on what you stand to gain.
✅ Start Small & Scale Up – Test new ideas in a controlled way before making big leaps.
✅ Embrace Uncertainty – Growth requires stepping into discomfort and trusting the learning process.
✅ Learn from Failures Quickly – Take risks, analyze outcomes, and adjust as needed.
✅ Encourage Risk-Taking in Your Team – Create an environment where innovation and bold decisions are valued.

Final Thought:

The biggest regret of most professionals isn’t the risks they took—it’s the ones they didn’t. Growth, innovation, and success all come from stepping outside of what’s comfortable. If you wait for the “perfect” time to take action, you’ll always be behind.

The best leaders aren’t the ones who never fail—they’re the ones who learn, adapt, and keep pushing forward. Because in today’s world, playing it safe isn’t actually safe at all.

🔹 Watch this TED Talk on risk-taking and leadership: Forget the corporate ladder — winners take risks by Molly Graham
🔹 Read more about how great leaders leverage risk: How Great Leaders Use Risk Intelligence To Drive Winning Results by Brent Gleeson

📌 Enjoyed this? Check out my other posts on leadership, execution, and mindset shifts here: Development Geek or more on the upcoming book Beyond Leadership : Becoming the Architect

🚀 What’s one risk you took that paid off? Drop it in the comments!