Serena Wolfe: How Bold Risks Paved the Way to Success
From growing up in Australia to moving to the United States and launching her career with minimal formal education, Serena Wolfe’s journey has been defined by one overarching theme: embracing change. At every stage of her life, she has demonstrated a willingness to take bold risks, confront uncertainty, and evolve.
Wolfe’s first major leap came at the age of 18 when she joined Ernst & Young with only a year into college. This decision set the tone for her professional life, underscoring the importance of courage and self-belief. Reflecting on this formative experience, Wolfe notes, “But once I had done that, I thought and could see that I could be successful in that environment. I thought: What else can I do? I think it gave me the confidence to realize that while taking risks is scary, if you do it in a planned and thoughtful way, it can be beneficial.” This early success laid the groundwork for her approach to navigating change.
Her next significant challenge came with an international move from Brisbane, Australia, to the United States—a decision that would again test her resilience and adaptability. Wolfe candidly describes the emotional toll of this transition: “When I got the opportunity to move to America, it was very scary. The loneliest I’ve ever been in my life was when I first moved to America. But then, working hard, making friends, and then really seeing that I could be successful in that environment, in a place where I didn’t grow up and I wasn’t educated, I was like, ‘Okay, I can do this too.’” This period of uncertainty became a proving ground for her belief in the transformative power of perseverance and flexibility.
These experiences solidified Wolfe’s philosophy on change and risk-taking, shaping her approach to her life and career. As she puts it, “Every time you [take risks], you get a little bit more confidence that you can do the next one… It’s about pushing yourself to learn and to take on challenges.” Wolfe views risk not as a burden but as an opportunity for growth, creativity, and self-discovery, encouraging others to embrace change rather than fear it.
Wolfe feels that change is inextricably linked to personal and professional development. “I would say change is not a bad thing. People worry about change, right? And I think change comes with risk. Don’t get me wrong, but I think embracing change is important and not being rigid in your thinking.” Her words underscore a universal truth: growth often requires leaving behind the familiar and stepping into the unknown.
Serena Wolfe’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of embracing change with purpose and bravery. From her bold career choices to her life-changing move across continents, she has consistently shown that calculated risks, though intimidating, often pave the way to profound personal and professional growth. Her story is a compelling reminder that adaptability and an open mindset are not just valuable—they are vital for navigating and thriving in an ever-evolving world.