TAKING RISKS

As I’ve been putting together my new class for NYU called ‘The Business of Innovation’ as well as this event, I have had a lot of time to reflect on what is key to creating something “innovative.”

One thing that comes up over and over again is that willingness to be comfortable taking a risk. There are many different kinds of risks, but it comes down to the fact that that you know you don’t have all of the answers, but you move forward anyway.

Now taking a risk requires a certain amount of bravery. Or, at the very least, a really supportive environment. That could be a great boss, a great company culture, or a great community. An environment where those risks don’t feel as risky any more.

It is that reduction of anxiety around taking risks that motivates me to create this event. My belief that with the right group of good folks, everyone feels more comfortable being a little uncomfortable. That with the right people, making something new and unique becomes even more possible.

So a “Have you met _____?” at the event brings an opportunity not just to make a quick connection, but a potential opportunity to reduce your collective risks and to discover new, mutually beneficial innovations.

- Sam