Begin Boldly: How Women Can Reimagine Risk, Embrace Uncertainty, and Launch a Brilliant Career

by Christie Hunter Arscott

Learn how to take the right risks for lasting success. Begin Boldly provides a framework for making the kind of bold moves that will get your career off to its best start!Have you ever shied away from taking a risk? Maybe you didn't apply for a job because you didn't meet 100 percent of the requirements or passed up the opportunity to take on a challenging role because you didn't feel ready. If you can relate, you are not alone. Despite recognizing the benefits of making bold moves, most women-especially those early in their careers-struggle to harness the power of risk-taking. Begin Boldly changes that.Christie Hunter Arscott equips readers to intelligently take risks using an actionable model built around three a curious mindset, a courageous mindset, and an agile mindset. With a step-by-step method for taking risks, assessing rewards, and refining approaches, she gives women a flexible and repeatable framework to help them develop this critical career skill.Begin Boldly inspires women to take chances on themselves and turns risk-taking into an enlightening and empowering antidote for self-doubt. As Christie reminds us, the biggest risk for women is not taking any risks at all.A discussion guide is available in this book.

Genres: Nonfiction

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2009

Reviews

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

“ This book is about moving through fear, embracing uncertainty, making spark moves, optimizing outcomes, and learning how to take those informed chances on yourself. It’s about equipping you to step into your best self and career to risk. It’s about bridging the gap between your aspirations and actions so that you can craft your most brilliant career. The career you crave is just beyond your comfort zone.“

“Brilliant careers are seldom built without bold moves.”

As someone who is 17 years into her career, I wish I had this book about 10 years ago. Arscott offers great advice about taking career risks and developing mindsets to propel you forward. This is a great read for any young female professional.

My one “complaint” (reason for 4 stars instead of 5) is that the examples used of high level executives and chief officers are a bit hard to relate to. While aspirational, I would have liked some stories of “average women” using these strategies for promotions and such.

[Nicole Trembath Valadao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read - a book that translates how to be bold and take hold of opportunities recognizing taking risk is ok (in fact necessary) to build the career or life that you want.

[Laura Alvarado · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5 stars.

I read this book as part of a woman's program at work. I enjoyed the premise: equipping women with the skills to embrace risks and take control of their careers. The chapters were structured clearly, with Christie providing tangible examples to drive home her theses and suggestions. The book, although slightly repetitive, was helpful. Christie uses anecdotes successfully and even sprinkles exercises into the content to help the reader apply the concepts to their own lives. I appreciate that Christie mentions the gender bind and how there are fundamental differences to men and women's experiences, as I think that plays a pivotal role in how women's career decisions are made.

Some of the concepts were a bit basic to me, however, these may be more novel to someone just starting out their career (i.e., a recent college graduate). Regardless, the read was worth it in my opinion and served as a reminder that intentionality in the work force is critical.

[Div Manickam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks for sharing your experiences and your wisdom with the world Christie. Much appreciated.

These two notes resonated with me.

- When we take a bold move or courageous action, trust in our ability to figure it out.

- There are two pieces of thinking that hold women back: The first is waiting to be noticed or appreciated. The other is not taking a risk to apply for a new job or opportunity, believing that they do not have enough experience or skill sets.

[Jennifer Prosser · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good guide for women thinking about taking risks, making changes, and growing in their career with actionable steps and practical advice along the way. I like how she characterizes “building a career and life you love” - recognizing that those are connected, though not the same for many of us today.

Could have been a memo, though.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for a Women's Affinity Network book club for work. I liked the actionable steps to put the advice contained within the book practice & enjoyed the discussion u had with my colleagues in our weekly meetings.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read but very much geared for women who are not risk takers. If that's you, then pick up a copy!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Self-advocate, own your narrative and refine yourself by remembering you’re multi-dimensional. A must read.