Risk is not just about danger—it’s about decision-making under uncertainty, something we all face more often than we realize. Whether tackling markets, relationships, or life-altering projects, our ability to assess risk determines much of our success. Neuroscientists have found that the human brain tends to avoid uncertainty, often favoring familiar choices even when riskier options might yield better outcomes. But is hesitation always the safer path? “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity,” said Einstein—reminding us that how we respond to pressure can define us. In this expert roundup, professionals from diverse fields share how fiction—yes, fiction—reframed their real-world approach to risk. Their insights highlight how stories can illuminate the unseen dynamics behind our most important decisions.
Table of Contents
Problem-Solve Like a Martian
“The Martian” by Andy Weir shaped how I approach risk. It’s a survival story built on problem-solving. The lead character, stranded on Mars, faces impossible odds. But he doesn’t panic. He breaks problems into steps. He works with limited tools. He acts fast and corrects later. That mindset stuck with me. It mirrors the decisions I face daily: product launches, stock management, delivery systems, and supply chain disruptions.
We build furniture for families. Missed timelines affect real homes. When a supplier fails or a delivery partner breaks trust, the clock starts ticking. There’s no perfect option, only the best move now. We once redesigned our entire fulfillment flow after delays cost us customer satisfaction. It wasn’t safe. It wasn’t slow. It worked because we made fast, informed decisions with no fear of failure—only lessons. Risk isn’t about gambling. It’s about knowing what matters most and acting with focus.
You won’t get every move right. That’s fine. But hesitation kills momentum. The book reminded me that progress isn’t built on waiting. It’s built on action. When the goal is to serve families with quality, sustainable products that last, the pace must match the promise.
Harry Hammond, Managing Director, Millie & Jones
Uncover Truth Beyond First Impressions
Gillian Flynn’s “Gone Girl” is a masterclass in misleading narratives, and it revolutionized the way I determine the validity of evidence and testimony. Truth in this book is never black-and-white and is as complex and deceptive as possible, showcased by the novel’s demonstration of how intricate and misleading a story can be.
As a defense attorney, I witness clients being judged before they even set foot in the courtroom. The prosecution often bases its case on facts that look impenetrable on the surface, but when you step back and ask the appropriate questions, suddenly those facts aren’t quite so airtight anymore. “Gone Girl” reminded us all about how dangerous it is to be deceived by first impressions, especially when there’s already a public narrative in existence.
The duality of the book’s point of view requires you to continually reexamine what is real. That’s something I take with me into trial preparation. I know where the other side wants the jury to look, and I take them elsewhere, toward the inconsistencies, the details that have been missed, and the secret motives. Success in this line of work usually depends on having faith in your analysis, not the apparent story.
Flynn’s book reinforced the value of digging deeper and taught me never to underestimate how much damage a single unchecked assumption can cause in court.
Steven Rodemer, Owner and Attorney, Law Office of Rodemer & Kane DUI And Criminal Defense Attorney
Embrace Responsibility in Decision-Making
“I Am Watching You” is a novel about responsibility, how people respond when they witness something troubling, and the ripple effect of inaction. It struck a chord with me because responsibility is baked into everything we do in the fire and security industry. Our work exists to prevent harm. The systems we install are silent until they’re needed. That means we don’t get many second chances.
This book brought me back to the accountability of decision-making. It’s not just a matter of choosing the most effective solution; it’s about recognizing that every decision must be safe, compliant, and forward-looking. It also compelled me to think beyond vigilance—not merely in hardware and systems, but in leadership.
Risk isn’t always impressive. Sometimes it’s just not following up on a site report or taking for granted that a supplier is on target. Driscoll’s characters prevaricate and rationalize inaction. That’s something I train against on our team. We take ownership, we follow up, and we don’t ignore red flags, no matter how minor.
Leadership is not stepping back. It’s stepping forward, asking the right questions, and making sure that nothing is left to chance. This book reinforced that even doing nothing is a decision, and one I don’t ever want to be in default about.
Lisa Clark, Director, Bell Fire and Security
Consider Ethics in Technological Innovation
The thriller that transformed my perspective on assessing risk was Michael Crichton’s “Jurassic Park.” Not because of the dinosaurs, but because of the line that resonated: “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.”
As a fintech founder, that hit home. At Pagoralia, we’re constantly pushing boundaries with payments automation and embedded finance tools. What’s challenging is not building the technology, but knowing when not to release a feature that may have unintended consequences on trust, compliance, and user behavior. Crichton’s text made me aware that risk was not only tied to technical failure but also to blind spots in ethics and second-order effects.
In 2023, we nearly released a dynamic billing tool for small merchants that would have optimized for revenue but would have confused many of our users. I paused the release because of that internal “Jurassic Park” voice – and I’m glad I did. We redesigned the UX, built in greater transparency, and less than two months after relaunch, we experienced a 22% drop in churn.
Sometimes, the biggest risk is not the absence of action; it is the failure to estimate the rippling effect of your own velocity.
Martin Weidemann, VP Fintech, Pagoralia.com
Challenge Assumptions in Marketing Strategies
The first thing that comes to mind is the book “Shutter Island” by Dennis Lehane. It is a lesson in psychological suspense, a masterpiece; and it struck home with a simple but profound lesson: never assume. In the digital marketing business, it is tempting to fall in love with a strategy or campaign idea that seems absolutely right because you feel you have all the information you need about the market or the customer.
“Shutter Island” continually confuses the view of reality that the protagonist and the reader have. It makes you reconsider all you believed to be the truth. This can be directly applied to my approach to decision-making at The Ad Firm. It has encouraged me to create an environment in which we constantly interrogate our own thinking, puncture our brightest ideas, and seek alternative explanations for data before we take any big steps. It is not only about an uncompromising search for real underlying clues, even when they do not confirm our initial convenient conclusions, but it is also a great step towards reducing risk and making truly effective decisions.
Kevin Heimlich, Digital Marketing Consultant & Chief Executive Officer, The Ad Firm
Calculate Risks with Knowledge and Creativity
A thriller novel that has truly influenced my view on risk-taking and decision-making is “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” written by Stieg Larsson. Lisbeth Salander is the protagonist, a brilliant hacker who often risks her life in pursuit of truth and justice, even when the odds are against her. What I found most memorable about her was that her risks were thoroughly considered and evaluated. She did not take risks recklessly; she calculated, thought about what might happen, and frequently applied her abilities to avoid consequences.
This has made me more calculating and inclined to plan the risks I engage in instead of rushing in unthinkingly. It is all about comprehending the possible costs and rewards, and being one step ahead through creativity and knowledge, as Lisbeth does in the novel. It has made me realize that risk is necessary to move forward, but risks must be calculated and thus handled with caution.
Joe Reale, CEO, Surplus Solutions
About ‘What Experts Read’
In our unique series, ‘What Experts Read,’ discover the literary inspirations and must-reads of thought leaders and industry experts. Each article highlights the books that have impacted the viewpoints, tactics, and success of successful entrepreneurs and seasoned leaders in their respective areas.
Discover a wide range of sectors, including technology, finance, healthcare, and more, as professionals share their best book suggestions and talk about the significant influence these reads have had on their careers. Discover priceless information, expand your horizons, and gain insightful knowledge from experts at the forefront of their fields.
‘What Experts Read’ is an insightful look at the relationship between knowledge, experience, and the written word, and it may be of interest to anybody looking for motivation, strategic advice, or just to learn more about the reading preferences of prominent industry figures. Join us for this insightful tour of the most important leaders’ bookshelves of today.
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