Not Talking About Risk Is Risky: Why Big Ideas Fail to Launch
Oct 13, 2025Not Talking About Risk Is Risky: Why Big Ideas Fail to Launch
Featuring Susan Schramm | Scaling Therapy Practice Podcast, Ep. 134
Keywords: therapist entrepreneur, why ideas fail, risk in business, Susan Schramm, fast track your big idea, people side of risk, launching a course
Do You Have a Big Idea Sitting in a Drawer?
If you’re a therapist or coach dreaming about launching an online course, starting a group program, or expanding your practice, you’re not alone. And if that idea has been sitting still for weeks... or months... or even years? You’re still not alone.
In this powerful episode of the Scaling Therapy Practice Podcast, host James Marland sits down with Susan Schramm, author of Fast Track Your Big Idea, to talk about why great ideas stall — and what it takes to move from stuck to launched.
The answer might surprise you. It’s not your strategy.
It’s not your website.
It’s risk — and your relationship with it.
Most Ideas Don’t Fail — People Just Don’t Act
One of the biggest insights from this conversation is simple but powerful:
“Strategies don't usually fail because the ideas are bad,” Susan says. “They fail because people don't take action on them.”
So what stops people from acting?
For therapists who are used to client work, making the leap to launch something new — especially something like a course or digital product — can feel overwhelming. Often, we default to researching, planning, or second-guessing ourselves instead of making a move.
“When I don't know the exact right direction,” James shared, “I default to research. If I just read this book or take this class, then I’ll know how to do it.”
But what if the thing stopping you isn’t a lack of knowledge... but unspoken fear?
The Hidden Barrier: The People Side of Risk
Susan introduces a key concept in the episode: the people side of risk.
It’s not just about money or legal risks. It’s the emotional, relational, and psychological risk that comes with launching something new. You might wonder:
- What if no one signs up?
- What if I fail in public?
- What if this changes my life more than I’m ready for?
Even your team or clients may be feeling their own fears, silently hesitating because they don’t understand the change or how it affects them.
“If you don't create a culture and a process for openly talking about risk,” Susan warns, “you are actually causing people to hesitate.”
Why Clarity Creates Momentum
When you’re unclear, you hesitate. You second-guess. You pause and plan endlessly.
That’s what leads so many good ideas to collect dust. It’s not laziness or lack of motivation — it’s uncertainty.
“Even great strategies will fail if people are confused, skeptical, or fearful,” Susan says.
But when you can clearly explain:
- What you’re doing
- Why you’re doing it
- Who needs to act
- What might go wrong
...everything becomes easier. You stop trying to make it perfect and instead focus on making progress.
The De-Risk System: 6 Simple Steps to Get Unstuck
To help people go from paralyzed to powerful, Susan developed a simple 6-step framework called the De-Risk System for Impact. These steps help you slow down, reflect, and build a plan that moves your idea forward.
1. Reconfirm Why and Why Now
What problem are you solving? Why does it matter today?
If you can’t explain the urgency, people won’t take action — including you.
2. Validate Why You
Why are you the one to bring this idea forward? What makes your experience and approach unique?
“Funders and supporters want to know why you—not just anyone—should be trusted with this mission,” Susan explains.
3. Clarify Who Needs to Act
This isn’t a solo show. Your clients, team, community, or referral partners all have roles to play. Who exactly needs to do what?
4. Rethink How
Your plan won’t go perfectly. And that’s okay. Focus on adaptability, not perfection.
5. Anticipate What If
Do a pre-mortem. Think about what might go wrong — and how you’ll respond. That way, if something unexpected happens, you’ve already got a plan.
6. Optimize to Lead
Big ideas live and die by leadership. Be the kind of leader who can adapt, clarify, and inspire even when the path changes.
You Can Launch Before You're "Ready"
One of the most encouraging takeaways from this conversation? You don’t need to have everything figured out before you take action.
“Every strategy is a guess,” Susan reminds us. “So stop waiting to be perfect. Start being intentional.”
If you’re building a course, try a live beta. If you’re starting a group, talk to your ideal clients first. You don’t need a full website, funnel, or brand photo shoot.
You need momentum — and a way to deal with risk that doesn’t shut you down.
Your Idea Is Needed
Whether your big idea is to reach more clients, free up your time, build a new income stream, or serve your community in a bold new way — don’t let it stay stuck.
Susan’s challenge to therapist entrepreneurs is simple:
“Talking about risk shouldn’t feel scary. It should feel like courageous leadership.”
And that’s exactly what the world needs — more therapists, coaches, and changemakers bringing their ideas to life with clarity, courage, and action.
Listen to the Full Episode
Catch the full conversation with Susan Schramm on the Scaling Therapy Practice Podcast, Episode 134:
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Resources & Links
- Susan’s Website: FastTrackYourBigIdea.com
- Request the De-Risk Checklist: Email Susan at [email protected]
- Book Launching October 2025: Fast Track Your Big Idea: Navigate Risk, Move People to Action, and Avoid Your Strategy Going Off Course
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