FROM: Shoutout LA

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lisbeth Coiman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisbeth, what role has risk played in your life or career?

I’ve been a risk taker all my life, only I didn’t have the words or time to think about risk in those terms. What I have learned as an adult is that preparing for risk does not mean underestimating the impact of setbacks. Risk taking should translate into sound preparation for the minimum loss possible. I’ve surprised myself with my perseverance and my resourcefulness in the face of adversity.

In 1988, I risked my education to create a healthy, non-abusive home for my son. In 1995, I married into another culture, risking my sense of identity for the occasional joy and the sense of security of a bad marriage. In 1997, I left Venezuela to start the unpredictable journey of immigration. In 2002, I was starting to get used to reliable domesticity in Canada. Then, I moved to a small town in Oklahoma, losing my individuality in exchange for the pleasant tedium of a middle class, stay-home, corporate wife life in the Plains. In the solitude and frustration of those early years in the US, I learned that well informed decisions do not necessarily prevent us from failing. However, failure can be a transformative asset.

My children landed on their feet despite being forced to tug behind their erratic parents. My career lost the structure of a solid resume, but I still have worked in my field of study consistently for 25 years, which is much more than what most immigrant women can do.

In 2015, I drove 8 hours away from my long-term marriage and started a life on my own at 51.

While most people in the current circumstances put their lives on hold, in 2020, I took another major risk and set in motion all my tools to secure my retirement. I bought a house, and then had an ADU built in the garage.

Today, I am happy and proud. More risks wait for me, of that, I am sure. Am I wealthier? NO. Am I more comfortable? NO. But have I enjoyed myself? Hell, yes. Every risk I have taken has contributed to my self-love, my new approach to life. As the Venezuelan proverb goes, “who doesn’t risk, doesn’t lose and doesn’t win.” I am winning. Read Rest of Interview Here