You’re Not the Risk You think: A Sunday Reflection

Years ago, I was hanging out with a local leader in St. Louis right after being promoted to CEO of United Way in St. Louis. We were discussing the risks people took on me - the former CEO, the board, and many others. Risk, as I saw it, was the possibility of falling short or losing. Sometimes, we categorize ourselves as too risky, letting our perception of our own riskiness define whether we even try, especially coming from backgrounds where plan B rarely exists. After a brief silence, the leader smiled and told me, "You are not the risk you think you are." Those words have stayed with me all these years. Now, I understand that God doesn't take risks. You too are a sure thing, but you have to put in the work.

Each and every one of us is blessed with unique gifts and talents, that will work for our good. If you nurture your gifts and have faith, they will create opportunities for you. And by faith, I don't mean striving for perfection. It's about honoring God and following the path God has placed in your heart for this world.

Here's what’s amazing: You are in a position like no other. You are uniquely poised to make a difference. So don't hold back. Embrace your role and let the world witness your true potential. Believe in yourself because you are not the risk you think you are. You have incredible untapped potential within you, just waiting to be unleashed.

So go out there and make it happen! #theaccidentalbanker #FaithintheMarketplace #ServantLeadership

Hi, I’m Orvin Kimbrough, volunteer, board director, chairman, and CEO. I help professionals move from feeling stuck to being strengthened by reshaping how they think, lead, and live. My work focuses on confidence, leadership, and influence through mindset shifts, expanded networks, and bold, values-aligned action. My perspective is rooted in lived experience, from growing up in foster care to leading complex institutions as a CEO and shaped by faith, resilience, and a deep belief in human potential.

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Books for Every Stage

Twice Over a Man

A memoir often described as a leadership guide wrapped in an honest, relatable story of perseverance, healing, and growth. It explores how pain can be reframed into purpose and how ordinary people build meaningful lives through courage and clarity.

More Than a Conqueror

Written for teens and young adults, this book encourages confidence, resilience, and identity formation during the years when self-belief is being shaped.

Ward and the State

A children’s book that gently introduces big ideas like belonging, courage, and hope, helping young readers see themselves as more than their circumstances

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