written by: Kim Jones, 2022 Emerald Award Honoree and CEO of Tropical Vibes
Many people have believed that men were better risk-takers than women. Men were perceived as braver and more willing to get hurt both physically and emotionally. Women were believed to be weaker than men and unwilling or unable to take significant risks. Men’s success in business is often attributed to their bravery and risk-taking ability, whereas women are rewarded for hard work and diligence. However, that is changing; women are now recognized and rewarded for being solid and capable risk-takers.
Taking on new challenges and risks can help women grow and accomplish things they may not have ever done before, especially in areas where they may not have prior experience or knowledge. Taking on risk does not mean that all planning and research gets thrown by the wayside or that one should rush blindly into new and potentially dangerous situations. The most successful risk-takers evaluate the horizon, understand the potential for danger, harm, or loss and proceed with a level of confidence that if things don’t go as planned, losses can be limited. The advantages of being willing to take on risks in life and business include; exposure to unforeseen opportunities, building confidence and expanding personal skills, developing a sense of pride and accomplishment, and learning new things.
Successful businesswomen can inspire girls to take risks and succeed by helping them to recognize and understand their potential. More importantly, it is about demonstrating that risk-taking is a critical part of their growth and development. Learning to evaluate risk and being shown how success and failure lead to different outcomes enables them to develop the skills and the confidence to trust their instincts and follow their dreams. As role models, we strive to provide hope, motivation, and an example of what is possible.
I am honored to have been selected by Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida to receive an Emerald Award this year. I have always been a willing, albeit not always successful, risk-taker. Many of my endeavors have been abject failures whereas others have been highly successful. However, learning from the failures has propelled me further along my life’s journey than the joy of savoring my successes. Although the fear of taking risks will always be there, you cannot let it stop you from pursuing your goals, living a purposeful life, and chasing your dreams.
We invite you to join us on May 13, 2022 for the 9th Annual Emerald Awards luncheon as we celebrate the generosity, compassion, dedication and leadership of five amazing Palm Beach County women including Kim Jones, CEO of Tropical Vibes, LLC who will receive the Risk-taker Emerald Award. Get your tickets now for this can’t miss event.