Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stacey Ritter. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Stacey, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.
Until only recently, I have always associated risk with danger. Growing up in a volatile and unstable home, risk often meant ‘getting in trouble’ and getting punished, and as a result, I became very good at risk-prevention. It served me well professionally for many years, until the pandemic forced me to be laid off, and I had to start over without knowing where to begin. Opening my own business was never something I was interested in, or believed I was capable of doing. But there was a clear need in my community, I had the unique skill set to meet that need, and I had overwhelming support from friends, family, colleagues and professional associates. I am also willing to learn, and there was a lot I didn’t know about running a business. But I knew people who did, and I asked for their help and guidance. That gave me the confidence to at least try. My new mindset is that I don’t use the word “risk” any longer; instead I use the word “chance”, because chance leads to opportunity, without the threat of danger. Taking a chance is more exciting and optimistic, and this small change opens up unlimited potential.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As the only certified concussion specialty clinic within 200 miles, I’m proud to provide a vital service to our community. Contrary to our previous understanding of the injury, recent research proves that concussion is a treatable injury, and we can start as soon as day 3 post-injury. Because of Concussion Navigation Services, people no longer have to travel out of the area to have their head injury evaluated and treated. And as a specialist, I provide patients with the most current, evidence-based care to get them back to feeling like themselves again. I’m passionate about educating other healthcare providers, and the community at large that “rest & wait” is no longer consider best-practice; early, active rehab is the most effective way to recover.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
With over 30 years of experience in the field of sports medicine, I was very familiar with concussions and how they impacted the whole person- in school, work, sports and life in general. I had a strong foundation to build on, and there was a significant need in our very active community. The three qualities that have helped the most have been that I am passionate about providing high-quality care; I am a life-long learner and constantly seek to improve; and I am resilient, which has always been a reliable trait. For those who just starting their own journey, I recommend finding something that fascinates you, and an excitement to share it with others. Passion, excitement and curiosity are what keep you going when things are difficult or frustrating; they are the fuel to continue forward even when self-doubt creeps in.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Feeling overwhelmed is inevitable when going on any journey, whether it’s professional or personal, so I remind myself that it is temporary, and part of the process. Asking for help is very important- I have found that most people I ask genuinely want to help me succeed. There are many free resources for small business owners, which were instrumental in my success. Friends and colleagues were very generous with their areas of expertise. And connecting with others who are on a similar journey is also very reassuring.
Contact Info:
- Website: theconcussionnavigator.com
- Instagram: @concussion.navigator
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/concussion.navigator
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-ritter-cns
