Take risks!

Aug 2, 2023

by Matt Sowash

As a lobbyist for MLC, Matt’s extensive campaign experience brings a ‘never quit’ energy to his work for all our clients.

Throughout graduation season our lobby team is sharing advice they would give new recent college graduates as they’re embarking on their careers.

As the parent of two young kids, Madelyn who is 6, and Henry, or HANK as I call him who is 4, it seems like most of my time is spent saying things like: “Be Careful!”, “Watch what you’re doing”, “Don’t jump off that ledge” or something similar. At the core of each of those statements is a message of “the risk is not worth the reward”. Jumping off the top of the twisty slide at the park and the fun that may come with it may not be greater than the potential of breaking a bone.

Despite my regular warnings to my kids, taking risks is a key component of success. Willingness to take risks and challenge yourself to do something that is difficult, where the outcome does not have certainty of success, can help you grow professionally and personally through life.

Now, here come the “buts”:

    1. Risk-taking does not mean being careless. It requires taking calculated, well-thought-out action. The outcome just may not be certain.
    2. Know your limits. Whether it’s financial, workload, or physical, know when the risk is too much.
    3. Be prepared for failures and setbacks. Often the greatest growth you can see is from perceived failures. Use those as springboards, not an anchor.

Finally, here are a few additional keys to success I have tried to build into my life:

    1. Technology is your friend, but it is not a silver bullet.
    2. Develop real relationships with people that last and withstand time.
    3. Practice the art of communication, both verbal and written.
    4. Be honest, trustworthy, and loyal.
    5. Master the small things so you can be entrusted with big things.

Michigan Legislative Consultants is a bipartisan lobbying firm based in Lansing, Michigan. Our team of lobbyists and procurement specialists provide a wide range of services for some of the most respected companies in America. For more on MLC, visit www.mlcmi.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Recent Posts

MPSC Commissioner Named

MPSC Commissioner Named

Shaquila Myers was named to the Michigan Public Service Commission this week by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. She is appointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing July 21, 2025, and expiring July 2, 2031. Ms. Myers succeeds Alessandra Carreon, whose term...

Chief Climate Officer Announced

Chief Climate Officer Announced

Former Michigan Public Service Commissioner Alessandra Carreon was named the chief climate officer at the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). In the role, she will lead EGLE’s Office of Climate Energy, which works to bring environmental...

June Unemployment Rate Decreases

June Unemployment Rate Decreases

Michigan’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate last month declined one-tenth of a percentage point from the prior month to 5.3%. During the same period, the national rate also decreased by one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.1%. Key Points: Employment receded by 4,000...

Looking for older articles?

We’ve recently made improvements to our blog to provide a better user experience. If you’re searching for older posts, click here to search our archive.

Michigan Legislative Consultants

Michigan Legislative Consultants
110 W. Michigan Avenue
Suite 500
Lansing, MI 48933
517.372.2560
517.372.0130 fax

1001 Woodward Avenue
Suite 500
Detroit, MI 48226

MLC is proud to be the Michigan member of NASL