FEATU R E
H O M E TO W N : NYC
here she is!
L K N TO W N : DAVIDSON
What has been your most life-altering event?
My daughter, hands down, has changed my life. I had her after 40 and had always felt quite accomplished in life. The first night in the hospital with her, every success I had accumulated in my life was somehow underneath this moment. Nothing seemed as important as she did. Twenty months later, I still firmly believe that the best decision I made was to stay home with her for as long as I can. It may take some time to re-enter the workforce, but I know I can never get these years back.
What one quality of yours has been the most helpful in your life? I think clearly and quickly
under pressure. When I was 14, I was caught underwater by a rope that was securing a float to the bottom of the lake. Instead of panicking, I heard my mother’s and my grandfather’s voices tell me to be calm and think my way out. I realized the rope that was secured to the bottom of the lake was wrapped around my leg. Remaining calm, and with my remaining breath, I swam down instead of up, loosening the rope and freeing myself in the process. When I broke the surface, a few other kids were diving in to find me. I had been under for quite a while. Professionally, while I concentrate on guiding teams in mitigating risks, it helps to know how to think through difficult situations when risks occur.
HOUSEHOLD: HUSBAND RAND AND 18-MONTH-OLD DAUGHTER A L O N G W I T H T H E FA M I LY ’ S F U R B A B Y, S A B L E
Who is your inspiration? The women
in my life: my daughter, mother, and sister. I have worked with a lot of men over the years, and learned lessons from them in confidence and capability, but when things get hard and challenges seem almost too daunting, I always think about my mother. She would never quit and never accept quitting from me! She is the amazing example I emulate for my own daughter, and my younger sister. w
Army veteran Vanessa A. Richardson, RMP (Risk Management Professional), is the owner and founder of Cygnal Consulting, LLC. Providing risk management solutions for clients worldwide, Vanessa is based in Davidson and can be reached at vrichardson@cygnalconsulting.com
What is your advice for women?
You can influence more than you could imagine. Ninety-eight percent of the reasons we think we can’t do something is actually created and resides in our own minds. Start by believing that basic truth. When confronted with an obstacle, begin your assessment and response planning with the assumption that you can influence all of the necessary factors. Be creative! We can influence our circumstances more than we know.
vanessa a. richardson i am an LKNw oman because…
"We are so happy to call the Lake Norman area home. As Army officers and in our professional careers, we have had the opportunity to live in 18 states and six countries. We chose this area for the plethora of natural beauty, outdoor activities, schools, and neighborhoods. Personally and professionally, I commit to delivering excellence and enjoy living in an area that offers my family so many prospects for a full life."
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SEPTEMBER 2019
w OMAN.COM
L AKENORMAN
WRITER MICHELLE LOVE
PHOTOGRAPHER CHELSEA BREN