Real Risk vs. Perceived Risk: Liz Russell on Career Pivots, Community & Upstate NY | Episode 007

In Episode 007 of At The Kitchen Table, Jason Klink sits down with Liz Russell, Co-Founder of Optimistic Labs, for a conversation about public safety, emergency management, career pivots, risk, entrepreneurship, and the future of community in Upstate New York. Liz brings more than 14 years of experience across SaaS, GovTech, consulting, customer success, product leadership, and disaster recovery support. Her background in emergency management shaped the way she thinks about fear, loss, decision-making, and what it really means to take a risk. In this episode, Jason and Liz discuss the difference between real risk and perceived risk, why leaving a comfortable job can sometimes be the right move, how remote work can create unexpected loneliness, and why community may be one of the most important factors in building a healthier future for people, businesses, and regions like Upstate New York. Liz also shares the story behind Optimistic Labs, a consulting firm focused on helping organizations build communities that make their brands stronger, their growth stickier, and their strategy more human. In this episode, we talk about: How public safety and emergency management change the way you see the world Real risk vs. perceived risk in life, business, and career decisions Leaving a well-paying startup job to build something new Making the bold ask and finding opportunity through connection The loneliness that can come with remote work Why Upstate New York has enormous potential How community can break down silos across industries, neighborhoods, and backgrounds What Optimistic Labs is trying to build in Upstate NY and beyond Sometimes the biggest risk is not making the move. It is staying stuck in a place that no longer fits who you are becoming. Connect with Liz Russell   / elizabethhrussell   Learn more about Optimistic Labs and Liz Russell’s work in community building, brand strategy, and human-centered growth. Subscribe to At The Kitchen Table For more conversations about leadership, life, business, public safety, community, and the lessons learned along the way, subscribe to the channel and follow At The Kitchen Table. #atthekitchentable #LizRussell #optimistic #realrisk #careerpivot #communitybuilding #upstateny #syracuseny #entrepreneurship #leadership #publicsafety #emergencymanagement #govtech #saas #customersuccess #remotework #businessgrowth #personalgrowth