About the Guest

Debra Bradley is a seasoned fractional CFO and innovation strategist who specializes in guiding companies through transformative growth. With a career steeped in finance, risk assessment, and technological adoption, Debra is known for her bold yet calculated approach to change. Whether it's advising on AI implementation or recalibrating how businesses assess risk, she brings a unique perspective shaped by experience, curiosity, and a fearless attitude toward growth and disruption.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Growth Ready, host Steve Mellor is joined by Debra Bradley to explore why the greatest risk in business—and life—is often staying exactly where you are. From open water swimming to pioneering financial transformations, Debra shares how embracing discomfort and recalibrating risk leads to resilience, innovation, and long-term success. Together, they unpack the myths of risk, the pitfalls of success, and the critical role of leadership in high-change environments. If you're a leader navigating uncertainty or simply someone looking to grow, this conversation will shift how you think about change and challenge.

📌 Key Takeaways:

• Growth demands discomfort: The biggest red flag for Debra? Getting too comfortable.
• Risk is misunderstood: Most people overestimate the danger of action and underestimate the danger of inaction.
• Lessons from the ocean: Open water swimming taught Debra to reframe fear and assess risk through a clearer lens.
• The true cost of not changing: Companies that cling to past success often face the greatest threats.
• AI isn’t optional: You’re probably using it already, so you might as well learn to leverage it.
• Leaders must model the way: Bold leadership is vulnerable, visible, and forward-looking.
• Quantify the unknown: Making abstract fears more tangible can reframe the risk/reward equation for your team.

🔗 Links & Resources:

1. 🌐 Bradley Ventures Website
2. 💼 Debra Bradley on LinkedIn

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