#78 – Embracing Risk: How to Lead Boldly and Inspire Others with Laura Davidson, Fiona Ross and Hazel Allan
Introduction:
In this episode of Tag Lab, host Laura is joined by her entrepreneurial sisters, Hazel and Fiona, to continue their engaging discussion on business, risk-taking, and family dynamics.
The likelihood of having a female owned business that is over 8 years old with employees is less than 1%, today’s guests are not only all female entrepreneurs…they are all sisters!
Our host, Laura Davidson, is the CEO of Tag Digital, Hazel Allan is the founder of Glasgow Dance Academy and Fiona Ross is the founder of The Aesthetics Club UK.
Building on their previous episode, where they touched on entrepreneurship and resilience, this conversation dives deeper into how female entrepreneurs on risk-taking and business growth can navigate both personal and professional challenges.
Together, they explore personal stories of cringeworthy moments, managing fear in decision-making, and nurturing bravery in the next generation.
They reflect on how family influences their leadership styles and business approaches.
Key Topics:
- Taking Risks and Lessons Learned
- Overcoming Fear in Business
- Family Dynamics and Leadership
- Raising Confident, Brave Children
- Supporting Female Entrepreneurs
Taking Risks and Lessons Learned
In this segment, Laura, Hazel, and Fiona share personal stories that highlight their relationship with risk-taking.
Hazel recalls a memorable yet cringe-inducing moment from her youth, when she performed a gymnastics routine in front of her entire school.
Although she laughs about it now, she believes that putting herself in such vulnerable positions made smaller challenges later in life, like public speaking, seem less daunting.
“You might cringe thinking back, but those moments give you the courage to face bigger challenges later.” – Hazel Allan
Similarly, Fiona talks about a more recent risk, when she approached the editor of her favourite business brand, SheerLuxe, when she noticed they were both staying at the same hotel on Instagram.
Despite not getting the response she hoped for, she felt proud of her boldness and persistence, noting that “the hustle was absolutely there.”
Laura also reflects on her own cringe-worthy risk when she applied for a senior editorial role early in her career, vastly unqualified but determined.
These experiences are common among female entrepreneurs on risk-taking and business growth, as they learn to navigate challenges with resilience.
Overcoming Fear in Business
This topic explores how their approaches to risk and fear have evolved over time.
Fiona shares that, in the early stages of her business, she was more cautious about hiring, often second-guessing her decisions. Now, with more experience, she trusts her instincts, especially when it comes to hiring the right team.
In contrast, when it comes to financial risks, Fiona feels more comfortable. She recently took on debt to expand her clinic, confident in the brand’s success.
“I’m more willing to take risks now, but with the knowledge that if I give it my all, there’s no reason it won’t succeed.” – Fiona
Hazel echoes this sentiment, explaining that experience has given her more confidence to take calculated risks.
They also discuss how motherhood impacts their approach to risk, with Fiona noting that having more children has, paradoxically, made her more comfortable with taking bigger risks in her business.
She explains that compartmentalising family and business helps her manage the inevitable fear.
Laura agrees, highlighting that as risks grow larger with time, so does the confidence gained from past experiences.
Family Dynamics and Leadership
The sisters delve into how their upbringing influenced their leadership styles and risk tolerance.
Laura, as the eldest, reflects on how her role as a natural leader has shaped her. Hazel, as the middle child, feels she developed a sense of independence while also learning from Laura’s example. Fiona, the youngest, shares that she often felt the need to keep up with her older siblings, fostering a competitive spirit that serves her well in business.
“You learn to lead by example, and when you have strong role models, you start to believe you can do it too.” – Hazel Allan
They agree that their parents, though not risk-takers themselves, created a stable, loving environment that encouraged them to be confident and bold in their decisions.
They discuss the influence of birth order on their personalities and leadership styles, with Laura taking on the role of leader and Hazel and Fiona finding their own paths while observing and learning from each other.
Fiona jokes about being the “entertainer” as the youngest, but all three agree that their strong family support has been crucial in shaping who they are today.
Raising Confident and Brave Children
A significant part of the conversation revolves around how they are raising their own children to be confident and brave, regardless of gender.
Hazel emphasises the importance of giving her children “struggle time” to foster independence. Fiona adds that she wants her daughter to believe she can do anything, not just what boys can do.
Laura touches on how small acts, like encouraging her children to speak for themselves, build long-term confidence.
“It’s about stepping back, even when it’s hard, and letting them struggle so they learn that they can do things on their own.” – Hazel Allan
They also reflect on the importance of allowing children to navigate challenges on their own, believing that this will equip them with the resilience and problem-solving skills necessary for adulthood.
Supporting Female Entrepreneurs
In the final segment, they discuss their commitment to helping other women in business.
Fiona mentions that she has recently begun mentoring women in her industry, offering advice and sharing her business practices.
“The more we share, the more we all grow. There’s space for everyone to succeed.” – Fiona
She emphasises the importance of community and transparency in helping others succeed, dispelling the myth that women in business are competitive or unwilling to share their knowledge.
Hazel agrees, explaining that being open and sharing insights can help lift others and that there’s enough business to go around for everyone.
Laura rounds off the discussion by highlighting how female entrepreneurs on risk-taking and business growth can thrive when they support one another, foster collaboration, and create a positive business ecosystem.
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with a focus on the importance of supporting future generations, particularly young women, in taking risks and building successful careers.
The sisters agree that by sharing their experiences, offering mentorship, and fostering an environment of collaboration rather than competition, they can inspire the next wave of female entrepreneurs.