919. Harness Uncertainty as an Energizer to Reach Your Goal

Natasha McCreesh

“I think the key is just getting really comfortable with a high degree of uncertainty and using it as an energizer. My biggest thing is that I do not want to go back to a nine-to-five, so I will do whatever it takes.”

Natasha McCreesh is a joy bringer, cultural explorer, and humanitarian. She walked away from a 20-year-long corporate career with no plan other than to only do work that brings her joy. Four years later, her life is unrecognizable and more satisfying than she could ever have imagined. On this path, Natasha has collaborated on projects with people of passion and purpose. She coaches and mentors organizational leaders and their teams so they get the most out of their life and work. With a strong focus on putting passion into perspective each year, she also takes groups of leaders to Liberia in west Africa to demonstrate the undeniable connection between powerful service and transformational leaders.

How Did You Start Using Your Talents?

“My dad was in the military, so from a very young age I was moving from country to country, starting new schools and learning to make new friends and to adapt quickly to different environments. I think that was a building block, a foundation, for where I am now. I never knew anything other than that. Learning to adapt was all I knew.”

The Most Impactful Turning Point?

“I didn’t want to go to university. It was obvious that’s what my parents really wanted from me because no one else in the family had been to university. When I said I had no interest in going, it was very upsetting for them. So, I knew that I couldn’t ask my parents for anything. I knew I had made the decision to drop out. So, I had to change my mindset to ‘you’re taking care of yourself now.’”

The Most Powerful Lessons Learned?

“I’ve been so lucky to have really good mentors. I know that even the bosses who challenged me and made me feel uncomfortable saw my potential and wanted to see me grow. I have felt so much gratitude for that. So, when I was finding a new direction, my approach was to give, give, give.”