The Art of Risk: Turning Small Steps into Big Impact

The Art of Risk: Turning Small Steps into Big Impact

"Your success depends on the risks you take. Your survival depends on the risks you avoid."

James Clear’s words ring true in every keynote I give, because they mirror the very steps that shaped my career. Whether I was aligning with the Centennial Creations of the Biltmore Estate or serving as the Official Artist for the Men’s and Women’s U.S. Open, each opportunity began as a moment of choice—one small risk that could have gone either way.

Why This Matters for Your Audience
Audiences don’t just want to hear about what I’ve accomplished—they want to know how they can translate those lessons into their own lives and organizations. The truth is, every major breakthrough is born from dozens of small, intentional risks. The first phone call. The email that feels like a long shot. The willingness to say, “I’ll try.”

3 Takeaways for Leaders and Teams

1. Small Starts Matter – Just like a single sentence is closer to a book than no words at all, your early efforts—no matter how modest—are the starting point for long-term wins.

2. Trajectory Beats Position – It’s not where you are now, but where you’re aiming that counts. Doing nothing builds nothing.

3. Calculated Risk Creates Opportunity – The greatest projects and partnerships are often born from stepping just outside your comfort zone.

Closing Thought
The risks you take today are the brushstrokes that define tomorrow’s picture. As leaders, your influence isn’t just in managing the present—it’s in inspiring the people around you to take that next bold step.