How Netta Ness Is Helping Leaders Manage the Upside of Uncertainty

By her fifth year as a hedge fund VP, Netta Ness knew she was ready to build something of her own. What she didn’t have yet was a clear path.

That changed during a high-stakes board meeting with Japanese executives, when a phrase suddenly surfaced mid-discussion: “Chance Management.” It surprised Netta as much as anyone else in the room. At the time, the world was fixated on surviving uncertainty, but Netta saw something others were missing: no one was managing the upside. No one was intentionally cultivating the mindset, systems, and opportunities that allow chance to become a catalyst for growth.

That moment became the spark that led Netta to leave the fund and build a global practice from scratch.

Today, Chance Management LLC is a consultancy that helps leaders, CEOs, and entrepreneurs move beyond conventional wisdom and create sustainable impact and growth through Netta’s Chance Management principles. Here, she shares more about forging a new path, building a business from the ground up, and creating an entirely new field in the process.

Did you always know that you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been curious, alert, and resourceful. I’ve always sought to stand out rather than blend in. For years, I served other initiatives, so my success was the employer’s gain—and that was okay… until it wasn't. Finally, I realized that if I spent my entire life fulfilling other people's visions, I’d never fulfill my own. It was only a matter of time until I was able to find my own dream, invent a new field, and make it real.

In what ways have your upbringing or past experiences contributed to how you operate as an entrepreneur?

My family and upbringing were anything but ordinary. I was shaped by ideals and norms that have intertwined across countries, cultures, and ethnic boundaries. As a result, I’ve developed a universal wisdom, as well as an appreciation for diversity and our interconnected world. The outgrowth of my global upbringing is my ability to build atypical combinations of ideas, mindsets, and frameworks that often run against the grain of conventional corporate norms.

What’s been the hardest and most rewarding part of your entrepreneurial journey?

The hardest part of my entrepreneurial journey was building a field that didn't exist. In creating a global practice without having a roadmap, I challenged myself to evolve from Chance Architect to the founder of Chance Management. Today, I see that this work has had a multiplying effect on leaders and companies—and that’s my greatest reward.

What would you tell your younger self if you were to start your entrepreneurial journey all over again?

You are never alone because you have yourself. Instead of waiting for the roadmap, be the architect. Your originality is your unfair advantage, so don't be afraid to be different.

The resistance, doubts and rejection you experience from others will make you stronger and better. You will find your people, your tribe, and your place in the world. Finally, you get what you negotiate, so be a great negotiator. Don’t underestimate your worth.

What’s next for you and your company?

Chance Management is moving from executive boardrooms to an accessible public platform, allowing more people to advance and improve their lives and performances. We also hope to integrate Chance principles into international leadership via partnerships with global institutions and consulting agencies. Personally, I plan to continue to enjoy the big world playground.