Michele Wucker coined the term “gray rhino” for obvious, probable, and all-too-often neglected risks. Founder of the strategy firm Gray Rhino & Company, she is a former media and think tank executive and author of four books including YOU ARE WHAT YOU RISK and the influential bestseller THE GRAY RHINO.

What makes you a Risky Woman?

I am obsessed with risk, particularly what's behind our risk choices and how we can take control of them instead of being steered by often unconscious forces. I want to change the conversation about risk management to include more awareness of our responses and how we can do better.

Name your top 3 achievements

1. The policy impact from coining the gray rhino metaphor to draw attention to the underappreciated impact of the highly probable;
2. the emotional and personal impact of the gray rhino, including becoming a lyric in the hit BTS single, "Blue & Grey";
3. mentoring young writers and thinkers and seeing their work catch on.

What is the biggest risk you’ve taken in your career?

Focusing on my own identity, personal brand, and impact rather than taking the more traditional route of relying on an employer to bestow prestige and respect.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I used to dance tango regularly.

What is the best quality for successful leaders in Risk?

Awareness of your relationship with risk and uncertainty, and willingness to adjust