Here's to the Australian Risk-Takers, Doers and Makers of Things

It seems horribly unfair to take one line out of context from Barack Obama's inauguration speech as the forty-fourth President of the United States of America. This one phrase, though, should resonate with anyone and everyone concerned with innovation, business, R&D and entrepreneurship.

Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the fainthearted -- for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things -- some celebrated, but more often men and women obscure in their labor -- who have carried us up the long, rugged path toward prosperity and freedom.

You can read the transcript here or watch a video here.

Although Australians are not the dominant audience for the inaugruation speech, that should not stop us for looking for the gems of wisdom that are universal.

As the economy continues to cool, we would do well to remember these words and drive the mantra in our businesses. Instead of heading down a cautious path, look for the risk, if only to find what your competitors are not doing. Instead of procrastinating, look for the opportunity that lies in action - failure is a possibility, but without action all you have is the false certainty of the present. Instead of looking at how structures and financial products can offer you protection, look to the process and outcomes of making things that make the world a better, greener, safer place.

I'll get off my soapbox now.