Episode Summary: "How Do You Take the Right Risks? A Photographer and Brand Builder Answer"
Podcast: TED Talks Daily
Host: TED
Episode Title: How do you take the right risks? A photographer and brand builder answer | David Suh and Molly Graham
Release Date: May 31, 2025
Introduction
In this enlightening episode of TED Talks Daily, host Elise Hu introduces listeners to a compelling conversation between David Suh, a renowned portrait photographer and TikTok's "King of Poses," and Molly Graham, a seasoned startup consultant. The episode delves into the intricacies of risk-taking, exploring how individuals can navigate fear, embrace authenticity, redefine success, and ultimately, discover their true selves.
Embracing Fear and Taking Risks
Molly Graham opens the dialogue by sharing her relationship with fear:
"I thrive on fear. The bad version of it is getting bored easily, and the good version is loving steep learning curves so terrifying that I'm scared to fall off."
[03:01]
Molly emphasizes how fear acts as a catalyst, pushing her to try new things and uncover her potential despite the apprehensions. This mindset sets the stage for David Suh's personal narrative about venturing into the world of social media during the COVID-19 quarantine.
David Suh recounts his experiment with TikTok:
"During quarantine, I couldn't take more clients, so I decided to share the transformative process of my photography studio on TikTok. I played both roles—myself as the photographer and the clients—dressing up in a red dress with a wig and flower crown."
[03:58]
This creative risk led to an unexpected surge in popularity.
The Red Dress Story: A Turning Point
Molly prompts David to elaborate on his viral TikTok video, which marked a significant shift in his professional and personal life.
David Suh explains:
"The video blew up overnight. I realized that by being authentic and showing my true self, I could connect with a broader audience. This was a wake-up call from relying solely on my photography skills to embracing my entire identity."
[05:13]
This experience taught David the importance of authenticity over perfection, expanding his influence beyond traditional photography.
Expanding Influence Through Vulnerability
Molly Graham shares her parallel experience of publishing online content, which unexpectedly resonated with a diverse audience:
"I published an article using the metaphor of 'giving away your Legos' to encourage adaptability during rapid company growth. It reached people globally, from large corporations to startups in Nigeria, showing the universal need for embracing change."
[07:32]
Both David and Molly discovered that taking risks by sharing personal insights and vulnerabilities can lead to profound connections and opportunities to help others beyond their immediate circles.
Handling Feedback and Building Resilience
As their content gained traction, both faced the challenges of public scrutiny and negative feedback.
David Suh reflects on his initial struggle with negative comments:
"I built my confidence on positive feedback, but negative comments caused me to crumble because my foundation was shaky. I had to redefine my self-worth beyond external validation."
[12:46]
Molly Graham echoes the difficulty of dealing with online negativity:
"As a people pleaser, negative comments are particularly hard. Online interactions lack the depth of real conversations, making judgment feel more personal and impactful."
[16:20]
Together, they highlight the necessity of developing an internal sense of self-worth that is impervious to external opinions, fostering resilience in the face of criticism.
Defining Success on Personal Terms
The conversation shifts to personal definitions of success, revealing introspective journeys.
David Suh shares his evolved perspective:
"Success for me is about finding who I am and being true to myself. Growing up in a homogenous society like Korea, success was community-defined. Breaking away to prioritize my individuality has been liberating and fulfilling."
[23:55]
Molly Graham complements this by emphasizing joy over conventional achievements:
"I define success through joy—finding joy in daily life, work, and relationships. It's about what makes me look forward to each day, rather than external markers like titles or fame."
[28:00]
Both speakers agree that authentic success aligns with personal happiness and self-discovery rather than societal expectations.
Continuous Growth Through Risk-Taking
Molly Graham illustrates how continuous risk-taking fosters personal growth and confidence:
"Taking risks is like jumping off cliffs—it helps you discover who you are and solidifies your self-belief. Each risk taken builds a more resilient and authentic version of yourself."
[16:27]
David Suh concurs, noting that risks refine one's authentic voice and decision-making:
"The more risks you take, the clearer your authentic North Star becomes, enabling more confident and aligned decisions."
[18:03]
Their shared experiences underscore that taking calculated risks is integral to personal and professional development.
Overcoming Setbacks and Learning from Failures
The episode touches upon dealing with failures and setbacks as inevitable parts of the risk-taking journey.
David Suh recounts a moment of failure:
"Posting a 'Politics Tangent' video was a nightmare that led to an anxiety attack. I took it down immediately, feeling defeated about whether I should have stood up for my authentic expression."
[21:24]
Molly Graham discusses differentiating between failure and regret:
"I don't believe in regret. Every experience, even mistakes, shapes who I am. It's about listening to your authentic voice rather than ego-driven impulses."
[18:02]
They highlight that failures are not definitive but offer valuable lessons for future endeavors.
Conclusion: The Power of Authenticity and Continuous Risk-Taking
The conversation wraps up with both David and Molly acknowledging the profound impact of embracing authenticity and taking risks. They agree that these actions not only lead to personal fulfillment but also enable them to inspire and assist others in their journeys.
Molly Graham concludes:
"Publishing and taking risks have allowed me to help people I never knew, expanding my impact beyond traditional boundaries. It's about sharing what truly matters to me."
[16:22]
David Suh adds:
"By being authentic, I not only find myself but also contribute positively to others, creating a cycle of growth and enlightenment."
[26:26]
Their dialogue offers valuable insights into the balance between risk and comfort, the importance of self-discovery, and the transformative power of living authentically.
Key Takeaways
- Embrace Fear as a Catalyst: Use fear as motivation to push boundaries and explore new opportunities.
- Authenticity Over Perfection: Being true to oneself fosters deeper connections and broader influence.
- Resilience to Feedback: Develop an internal sense of self-worth to navigate positive and negative feedback effectively.
- Personal Definitions of Success: Success is subjective and evolves with personal growth and changing life perspectives.
- Continuous Learning Through Risks: Taking calculated risks leads to personal and professional development, refining one's authentic voice.
- Learning from Failures: View failures as learning opportunities rather than setbacks, and use them to inform future decisions.
Notable Quotes
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Molly Graham:
"I thrive on fear... I love being on learning curves so steep that I'm terrified I'm going to fall off."
[03:01] -
David Suh:
"By being authentic, I not only find myself but also contribute positively to others, creating a cycle of growth and enlightenment."
[26:26] -
Molly Graham:
"Success for me is through joy—finding joy in daily life, work, and relationships."
[28:00]
Final Thoughts
This episode serves as a powerful reminder that taking the right risks involves embracing fear, staying true to oneself, and continuously seeking personal growth. David Suh and Molly Graham's candid conversation offers actionable insights for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of risk-taking in personal and professional arenas.
For more inspiring conversations like this, visit TED Intersections to explore a wealth of ideas and experiences from leading thinkers and doers around the globe.