Why you should take a risk every day with Julie Zhuo

In this episode of Work Life, host Molly Graham interviews Julie Zhuo, former Facebook design and product leader and author of The Making of a Manager, about the transformative power of daily risk-taking. Zhuo shares her personal journey of overcoming self-perceived timidity by reframing risk not as dramatic life changes, but as small, consistent acts of courage—like speaking up in meetings, setting boundaries, or admitting vulnerability. She emphasizes that confidence isn't a prerequisite for risk; rather, it's built through repeated exposure to discomfort. Drawing from her own experiences—transitioning from engineering to design, stepping into management, and launching a writing practice—Zhuo illustrates how a deliberate 'practice' of everyday risk can build resilience and growth over time. She distinguishes between fearlessness and courage, arguing that true courage lies in acting despite fear, driven by a shared purpose. The conversation also explores how managers can foster psychological safety by trusting their teams, embracing failure as learning, and aligning around shared values. Ultimately, Zhuo advocates for a mindset shift: risk isn't something you're either good or bad at—it's a muscle you can strengthen through daily intentionality.