KANSAS CITY, MO — I’ve had some interesting conversations over the summer, not only in my editorial interviews but also at industry events, around the office and in my personal life. Many of them were centered around taking risks. Scary concept!
Take parasailing, an activity I’ve consistently filed under “hard pass.” Too risky. The thought of being 800 feet or more above a body of water — connected by what, to me, looks like a string — held no appeal. But someone talked me into it, and I learned it involves a harness, tow rope and winch … not a string. I wasn’t yanked up into the air at breakneck speed; it was more like a glide. And the view from above — and the quiet that comes with it — brought an unimaginable sense of peace. Parasailing, which once felt so risky, is now filed under “I’m in!”
There’s a lot of uncertainty out there. Not exactly perfect conditions for risk-taking, right? But here’s the thing: Innovation either requires or causes change, and change is not immune from risk.
These days are, indeed, unnerving. But you still have to think about where — and how big — you want to be in the future. That’s the long-game mindset that ultimately triggered historic growth for New Horizons, our featured bakery. Was it easy? No way. It took vision, trust and a solid plan. And a united commitment, even when the risk seemed terrifying.
After this year’s International Baking Industry Exposition, I recommend you go forth with an open mind. When you envision the future free from fear, you’ll be surprised how beautiful the view can be.
This has been adapted from the August | Q3 2025 issue of Commercial Baking. Read the full digital edition here.
