We had the good fortune of connecting with Sweet but Fearless and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sweet, how do you think about risk?
Cooper: I see risk as taking a calculated risk. I’ve taken risks on changing careers and being a corporate nomad. Viewing risk as an opportunity to learn, experience, and fail, it expands your knowledge. The most important thing to do is not avoid risk, choose the risks you want to take and go for it. Then if you do fail, realize it’s not the end of the world and get back up. It only makes you stronger.

Mary:
Never found risk as something to be feared. It’s something to be managed and as long as I recognized the worst-case scenario. I think of risk as smart risk.

I’ve seen taking risks as a catalyst for my success and taking on things others didn’t want. Knowing there’s the chance for failure but recognizing that the chance for success is greater.

What should our readers know about your business?
Sweet but Fearless is dedicated to the development, advancement, and promotion of first-level women leaders. We know first hand the hurdles women leaders face when going for that next promotion.

During our professional lives, we have hired and mentored thousands of people. That’s why we decided to build a community and platform to provide tools and resources to accelerate one’s career.

Our journeys are varied and our paths have not always been linear or easy. Sometimes unexpected career derailments have led us on a path that we wouldn’t have ventured on otherwise. Have long-term goals and when you’re making a decision, keep that goal or goals in mind. But recognize that those goals may change and perseverance.

Always think ahead and be prepared. If you find yourself in a rut, look at those long-term goals. Do something to motivate you forward. Remaining stagnant in your career can be one of the worst things to do.

So why “fearless”? We were inspired by the Fearless Girl statue in New York, a statue that symbolizes female empowerment. She stood in front of the Wall Street Bull and fearlessly faced down the snorting bull. Sweet but Fearless, and our Fearless Nation, is that girl, facing a challenge in front of her and fearlessly facing it down, together.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’d start in Fremont to see the Troll and enjoy Theo’s Chocolates. Then we’d head down to Pike Place Market to watch the fish being thrown about, eat lunch at Athenian Seafood Restaurant (featured in Sleepless in Seattle) with a great view overlooking Puget Sound. On the way to the ferry terminal, visit the gum wall and then board the ferry to Bainbridge Island, where one of our favorite bookstores, Eagle Harbor Book Co. is located. And if you’re a knitter, head to Churchmouse Yarns and Teas and if ice cream is your jam, Mora Iced Creamery.

Once back into Seattle, head to Queen Anne and go to Toulouse Petite and then walk off the fabulous food by heading to the Space Needle, the Dale Chihuly museum, and of course the MPOP!

For the week-long trip, here are some day trip recommendations:

Go to Bellingham and Chuckanut Drive and take a ferry over to the San Juan Islands.
Take the ferry to go to Victoria British Columbia and walk the Butchart Gardens and have afternoon tea (don’t forget your passport).
In Woodinville, there are over 130 wineries across 4 wine-making districts and over 30 whiskey distilleries.
If you like haunted and abandoned asylums, a drive to Sedro-Woolley and walk through the creepy Northern State Mental Hospital.

Seattle is a host to so many great restaurants, parks (Gas Light is a beautiful place to walk), and things to do, you’ll never be bored in the Emerald City!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We want to thank the Fearless Nation. Their stories, insight, and support lifts us up. It’s about perseverance and giving back.

Website: www.sweetbutfearless.com

Instagram: sweetbutfearless

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/successfulwomensnetwork/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/successfulwomensnetwork/

Image Credits
Photo by Post Productions

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.