Business Development Strategist
Debra Lee, MBA, ARM
If I had known the potential risks of being on the inaugural around the world flight of the Concorde, I probably would have run down the ramp, not up. I'm not a risk taker.
So why is it I've found myself under a rushing waterfall in the jungles of Borneo? Or listening to the sonic boom and pop of champagne corks as the Concorde achieved the speed of sound? Or scuba diving through caves 150 feet below the surface in the Florida springs? It seems I'm the perfect foil to highly entrepreneurial, and distinctively risk-taking individuals.
My language studies fueled a natural migration to work for a family owned real estate development company marketing in Asia, Europe and the U.S. During that time, I acquired a keen interest in the cultural nuances expressed in social and business etiquette. I later taught language and business courses to international college students.
All the while, my relationship with risk has remained conflicted. A good deal of my professional career has been spent managing risk: safeguarding the assets of a hotel chain in Honolulu; working with the South Pacific operations of an international energy company; and helping manufacturers to optimize (or should it be protect?) their investments when dealing with big box retailers in the office supply industry.
Since joining the Center for Economic Vitality, my work with entrepreneurs has sharply increased, but my own appetite for risk remains low. I carefully listen to the ambitious plans and breathtaking stories of Northwest business owners, and using my past experience in marketing, finance and operations, not to mention my cautious demeanor, help to guide and nurture their dreams.