Written by Alejandra Budar
February 28, 2024
There are several mixed emotions involved in risk associated decision making. There is often anxiety about making the best decision, a grasping for hope that it will all work out and even frustration associated with any indecisiveness we may be facing. As a data scientist, my job is to remove the uncertainty out of decision making. It is to provide stakeholders with the numbers and figures they need to take on data-driven risks. However, everything goes out the window when a personal decision needs to be made and a quick decision tree model or pie chart are not possible. In these instances, we must rely on our intuition, but this can feel too abstract to grasp exactly what we should be doing. So how do we tackle risk when making a decision?
"The duality of life was teaching me that even when we think we have calculated a risk, unforeseen circumstances can arise that throw out our original plan."
The secret is that there is no magic solution. Making a final decision is a gentle balancing act of leaning into the situation and assessing your risk tolerance. After my recent layoff from Corporate America tech, I took the risk of proceeding with the purchase of an investment property in Mexico City. In the same week in which I was inundated with farewells and well-wishes, I was also flooded with congratulations. The duality of life was teaching me that even when we think we have calculated a risk, unforeseen circumstances can arise that throw out our original plan.
I may not have a fault-proof plan on decision making, but I do have lessons that I can share that may help you in crafting yours:
- Your intuition is an accumulation of insights from the generations before you—listen to them.
- Have a plan, but also be ready to throw it out.
- You have enough time to learn.
In other words, do not dismiss your gut feelings. These are pivotal pulse checks of all the learnings we have accumulated in our lifetimes. Learn to listen and look inward. Secondly, be open minded. Assemble a plan but be open to the universe showing you an alternative route. If you are married to your plan and rule out other opportunities, you may be losing out on an even more valuable option. Lastly, a friendly reminder that there are no “wrong” decisions—each decision teaches you new skills and ways of thinking. In summary, trust your intuition, stay adaptable in your plans, and appreciate the valuable lessons that every decision, whether favorable or challenging, brings to your development. Breathe, look inward, lean in and jump.
In Alejandra Budar's '17 past role as a Data Scientist on the Growth Team at LinkedIn, she focused on enhancing the user experience and optimizing business performance on the platform.
Before joining LinkedIn, she completed a master's program in Big Data Solutions from the Universitat de Barcelona.
She is passionate about the art of data storytelling and effective data communication. Working within international and cross-cultural teams is a particular interest, and she collaborates with colleagues and clients from various backgrounds and regions.
Alejandra is also committed to community engagement and social impact, actively working with outreach programs in her community in San Diego.