Fantasy, Finance, and the Fine Art of Uncertainty
Cottonbro Studio via Pexels
Because sometimes the best lessons on courage and strategy come from unexpected stories.
I have a confession (at least for those of you who are new here): I read a lot of fantasy. (Some might say “romantasy,” but there’s a whole debate on that label… so we’ll just stick with “fantasy.”)
It turns out fantasy novels have a lot to say about leadership, uncertainty, and doing things scared.
I realize this is a business blog, but it’s worth saying… you don’t just learn about business from business books (thank goodness). One of my favorite things is taking what I read and finding the lesson in it. I get to learn and enjoy myself at the same time.
October always feels like a transition month. This year, with everything going on, it’s also been a reminder that “spooky” doesn’t always mean ghosts. It can mean uncertainty.
Being in financial planning and analysis at the start of the pandemic (and later starting my own business) forced me to get more comfortable with that kind of spooky.
Start Scared, Do It Anyway
Inspired by the Flesh and Fire series by Jennifer l. Armentrout
Let’s start with the one that really hit home: the courage to begin.
The first step is almost always the hardest. How many of us hesitate, or never start, because that first step feels impossible?
In the Flesh & Fire series, the main character is thrown into responsibility before she feels remotely ready. Through the story, you see that readiness doesn’t come first… it comes after you’ve already started.
It’s the same in business. You’ll never feel “ready” to launch the new thing or shift the strategy (though knowing your numbers helps). Courage comes from doing, not waiting.
Fog, Fear, and Forward Motion
Lessons from the Blood and Ash Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Next up: leading in the dark.
None of us get the privilege of knowing exactly where our stories are going… personally or professionally. The Blood & Ash series is a great reminder of what happens when we have to move forward without all the answers.
In business, it’s the same: incomplete data, shifting markets, uncertainty everywhere. If we wait for perfect clarity, we’ll be waiting forever. Progress happens when you make the best move you can with the information you have now.
When the Plan Meets Reality
insights from the bridge kingdom series by danielle Jensen
Finally, strategy in motion.
I’ve mentioned The Bridge Kingdom series in my newsletter before, but it’s worth bringing back here. The main is taught to see the world one way, only to realize it’s far more complicated. As she learns more, she has to adapt quickly to minimize harm and adjust her approach.
That’s strategy. Plans are just plans… they change. There’s no guarantee everything will go as expected. So what do you do when things go off course? You course-correct, keeping your bigger goals in sight.
That’s strategy in motion: adjusting to new information as it comes. Because if you cling to the original plan when the situation changes, that’s not leading… it’s following.
Final Thoughts: Uncertainty, but Make it Intentional
They say nothing in life is certain except death and taxes, which leaves a lot of room for uncertainty in between.
In business and in life, navigating that uncertainty comes down to three things:
Taking the first step.
Using what you have to inform what’s next.
Adjusting the plan while keeping your end goal in mind.
You can read business books with case studies to see that in action… or you can read fantasy.
With the way the world feels lately, I’ll take fantasy.
P.S. The Blood & Ash and Flesh & Fire series are connected. The author’s suggested reading order is here. The latest book has just been released, and I can’t wait to give it a read.
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About Me
I’m Tara, founder of Alchemy Advising, a consulting practice that helps small and mid-sized businesses grow with clarity, confidence, and a lot less chaos.
This blog is where I share reflections on entrepreneurship, ambition, motherhood, and the magic (and mess) of building something meaningful—one decision at a time.
Curious about working together? Reach out here—I’d love to hear more about your business.