I jotted this one down after a conversation with a client recently — and it’s been buzzing around in my head since.
She shared a quote with me. We’re not sure who originally said it — and I suspect it’s been misquoted somewhere along the line — but here’s how it landed:
“When experienced people make radical decisions, the potential for trouble is low, while the upside is huge.”
Something about it stuck. And if you lead an agency or any business, I reckon you’ll feel the same.
The power of experience — and why it’s time to act
Here’s what I like about that quote: it’s a push against paralysis by analysis.
We spend so much time mapping, planning, forecasting, running audits, designing frameworks… that sometimes the actual doing gets lost. But if you’ve got experience under your belt — years of leading, delivering, problem-solving — then the risk of getting it wildly wrong? Pretty low.
You’ve got instincts. You’ve got perspective. You’ve got context.
So when you make bold decisions, you’re not acting on a whim — you’re acting with wisdom.
And often, it’s that experience that turns radical ideas into transformational results.
What AI can teach us about momentum
This came up again for me at an AI conference the other day. The overarching message? Just JFDI (you can guess what the ‘F’ stands for) — in other words, stop theorising, start using.
The companies seeing the biggest impact from AI aren’t the ones doing endless audits and building perfect frameworks. They’re the ones getting stuck in. Testing. Learning. Applying.
They’re using AI to solve real problems, not to write reports about solving problems.
And that mindset applies way beyond AI.
Experience is your safety net. Action is your edge.
As experienced leaders, we’ve earned the right to trust our judgement. To take bold action. To move quickly when something feels right — and to course-correct if needed.
So next time you’re tempted to spend weeks building a strategy or polishing a plan, ask yourself:
Is this planning… or procrastination?
Because the real risk? It’s not moving too fast.
It’s not moving at all.
Three questions to help you act faster, smarter
1. What decision am I avoiding — and why?
Be honest. Is it fear of getting it wrong, or just a habit of overpreparing?
2. What’s the worst that could happen?
If the downside is low, and the upside is real, it’s probably time to move.
3. What’s one small step I can take today?
Action creates momentum. Start small — but start now.
Experience is a launchpad, not a lifeboat
Experience shouldn’t keep you safe — it should help you fly.
So back your judgement. Make bold moves. Because when experienced people act with intent, the potential for trouble is low… but the upside? That’s where the magic is.
Hope this inspires you to take action today.
Andy.