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Meet Rena Koesler | The Value and Power in Taking Risks

Featured in Shout Out Colorado, March 16, 2021

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rena Koesler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rena, how do you think about risk?

Seeing life as an adventure, taking risks is an essential component of adventure. As a former professor in the field of adventure education, I exposed students to activities that appeared “risky.” I gave them every support and encouragement to step out and take the risk…to jump off, to climb, to go through a rapid, to pitch tents in a rain storm, etc. These kinds of risks spilled over into their everyday lives as they faced daily challenges, new situations, anticipated fears and uncomfortable situations. Taking a risk means that you recognize the limitations of being in the comfort zone. Risk is the zone where growth happens and where you develop the judgment necessary to take with you in future experiences. I am an avid risk taker as it relates to both the adventure world and in my personal life. I often say to myself “what do I have to lose?” Do the losses supersede the gains? Much of the time they do not. The more I have “stepped out” over my life, the more confidence I have gained in taking future risks. This is the philosophy I intentionally encourage people to pursue on their road to living a more fulfilled life and eliminating the phrases, “I shoulda, coulda and woulda.” As a Business Coach, I work with clients’ limiting beliefs and help them navigate next steps to grow personally and professionally.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

I am a Business Coach, Bestselling Author and Speaker. As a former professor, I spent three decades mentoring and coaching students. It came natural for me to listen and help students bypass their “wonky” beliefs that kept them from reaching their best selves. Changing from Educator to Entrepreneur was not an easy transition. According to John Maxwell, “everything worth doing is uphill.” Although Coaching came natural for me, the certification I received helped me establish my Coaching practice. What sets me apart from other Business Coaches is that I incorporate my passion for the wild outdoors into my Coaching practice in both one on one sessions and in group sessions. I regularly use adventure stories as I write and speak about growth mindset and leadership development.

Risk taking, determination, dealing with uncertainty, and developing leadership are common components that I have found in nature, on adventures and in climbing mountains. These concepts become useful reminders for people who want to make changes and go to the next level. I offer a program called Mastermind on the Mountain for leaders and entrepreneurs who wish to connect with others, grow their business mindset and mastermind on a hike. It’s a holistic approach to masterminding as it includes engaging discussion (mind), hiking (body) and being in nature (spirit). I’ve also written a book titled “Achieving your potential: 15 empowering steps to reach each summit” outlines the steps needed to reach your life’s summits. I conduct a virtual Masterclass from the contents of the book to help others move closer to their desires and goals in life or business.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

If my best friend were visiting, I would give them a taste of Colorado and take them places that offer entertainment, festivals, hiking, restaurants, and brewery visiting. If you like music, Red Rocks Amphitheater is an attractive venue that offers a variety of music concerts throughout the summer. We would see the people exercising and working out during the day, then take a short hike in the area and attend a concert in the evening. The town of Morrison is special with quaint shops and good choices of places to eat and drink. Golden is a cool western town with the Buffalo Bill Museum on top of Lookout Mountain. They have great hikes surrounding the area and an awesome 4th of July Parade. Hiking in the Evergreen area and then going to the Green Mountain Brewery in Lakewood afterwards would make for an fun day. The atmosphere is relaxed, plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, and a food truck on site to feed your appetite.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I want to recognize the teachers and professors around the country and world who are invested in their students’ growth and well-being. The extended benefits on our future generations is worth every effort you provide. I also want to thank the Colorado Chapter of Master Networks for their support in helping small businesses and entrepreneurs make connection and build their business.