Embracing Risks and Growth: Drew Gilpin Faust

As we recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we turn to the inspiring words of Drew Gilpin Faust, historian, educator, and breast cancer survivor, who has dedicated her life to leadership, education, and advocacy. This week’s quote from Faust speaks to the importance of seeking growth through discomfort and the willingness to take risks:

A Pioneer in Education and an Advocate

Born in New York City in 1947, Drew Gilpin Faust made history as the first female president of Harvard University, serving from 2007 to 2018. Faust is a renowned historian, specializing in the U.S. Civil War, and her work has earned her multiple prestigious awards and fellowships. Under her leadership, Harvard University expanded access to financial aid and supported initiatives aimed at increasing diversity on campus.

In addition to her groundbreaking career in academia, Faust has been a champion for breast cancer awareness, having faced the disease herself. Diagnosed in 1988, Faust overcame her battle with cancer and has since become an advocate for women’s health and cancer research, often speaking out on the importance of resilience and community support.

Her experience with breast cancer shaped her leadership journey, teaching her the value of perseverance in the face of adversity and the strength that comes from embracing risks—both personal and professional. Faust's quote is a reminder that leaders should not only embrace their talents but also seek out challenges that encourage personal growth and resilience.

Leadership Grounded in Courage and Growth

Faust’s quote resonates with the idea that true growth comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone. As a leader, she encourages students to push their boundaries, embrace the uncertainty of new experiences, and understand that failure is often an essential step on the path to success. Her message reminds us that leadership is not just about using your strengths, but about constantly evolving and challenging yourself to think differently.

This aligns closely with the Laidlaw values of being #Curious and #Ambitious. Curiosity drives us to ask tough questions, explore the unknown, and embrace the risk of failure in pursuit of new knowledge. Ambition pushes us to challenge ourselves and strive for bigger goals, transforming our experiences into opportunities for learning and growth.

A Call to Reflect

As we reflect on Drew Gilpin Faust’s leadership journey, let’s ask ourselves: how can we push beyond our comfort zones? Are we taking risks that allow us to grow, even if they lead to failure? The path to leadership is filled with challenges, but with resilience and the courage to embrace the unknown, we can rise to meet them.