We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dee Manuel Cloud a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dee, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
From Cancer to Clarity:
Why Playing It Safe Was Slowly Killing Me
By Dee Manuel Cloud
What does it even mean to take a risk?
That’s the question I asked ChatGPT. And she (yes, my ChatGPT is a “she” because who else always has the answers?) responded:
“To take a risk means to step into the unknown or do something despite the possibility of failure, loss, or discomfort. It often involves making a decision or taking an action without knowing for sure what the outcome will be—but doing it anyway because the potential reward, growth, or impact is worth it.”
Basically, it’s doing the damn thing even though your inner voice is screaming, “Uhh, are we sure about this?!”
As I sat down to write this, I had an epiphany: as women, we are constantly taking risks. The problem? We don’t always call them that. Sometimes we call them “choices.” But let’s be real, every choice is carrying a little risk in its purse.
Some of us let life “happen” to us (no shade, we’ve all been there), but whether the risk is emotional, financial, social, or deeply personal, we all eventually reach a point where we step into the unknown. Why? Because somewhere in our hearts, we believe there’s a reward on the other side.
We enter relationships hoping for “happily ever after.” We launch businesses because we dream of income, impact, or influence. We speak up about things that matter, risking judgment or the dreaded group chat slander, because we want to make the world just a little bit better. And yes—sometimes that risk gets us side-eyed, unfriended, or heartbroken. But we do it anyway.
I used to think risk-taking was for the bold, the brave, or the borderline reckless. But like most women, I’ve been out here making power moves without even realizing it. We put our heads down, do the work, carry the world on our backs—rarely stopping to clap for ourselves or collect a trophy.
I was today years old (as the kids say) when I realized I’m a risk taker. And you are too. Go ahead and celebrate that. Seriously, pop some metaphorical champagne, because here’s the real tea: you’ve survived 100% of the risks you’ve taken. You didn’t crash and burn. You might have tripped a few times (okay, maybe face-planted), but you got up. That’s survival. That’s strength. It’s how the resilience muscle is built. And if we’re lucky—and paying attention—we picked up some valuable lessons along the way.
I call those lessons gifts.
Now, let’s be honest: some gifts are beautiful… and others? Wrapped in pure, unfiltered sandpaper.
At 35, GUSS (God, Universe, Source, Spirit) handed me one of those rough-edged gifts: Stage 2 ductal carcinoma. My life, on paper, seemed fine. But in reality? I was in an unhappy marriage, working a high-stress job, and carrying secrets like emotional bricks.
I knew something had to change—but change is scary, and comfort (even miserable comfort) is oddly soothing. So I ignored the warning signs and kept hustling.
Then came the second diagnosis in 2008.
I’ll never forget my nurse’s words: “Dee, you need to reduce the stress in your life.” Simple. Direct. Earth-shattering. That sentence hit me like divine lightning. It was the first time I truly connected the dots between my stress and the sickness. That was my aha moment. And in that moment, I knew—if I wanted to live, I’d have to make some hard decisions.
Scared and unsure, it was go time.
With the help of a coach, I freed my former husband from a marriage that neither of us deserved. I ditched the soul-sucking job and launched not one, but several businesses. I even found the courage to own my truth and fall in love—deeply, authentically—with the woman who’s now been my wife for 11 amazing years.
Today, I’m living the life I prayed for—minus the mansion with the waterfront view, the bottomless bank account, and the ability to eat carbs without consequences (still waiting on that miracle). But for me, success isn’t about all that. It’s about alignment with my core values. And freedom tops the list.
After 36 years in corporate America, being able to own my time is the sweetest luxury.
The personal growth I’ve gained as an entrepreneur is beyond priceless. I’ve discovered that I’m resilient, resourceful, creative—and a whole lot braver than I used to believe. Qualities that no one can ever take from me.
And best of all? I now get to help other women remember who they are. I coach them to take off the mask, rewrite their stories, and do the bold things they once thought were impossible. When I hear a client say, “I’ve done things I never imagined I could do,” I get chills. Because that is the magic of risk.
I believe that’s my purpose: to help women reclaim their power, push past their limits, and live unapologetically free.
It starts with one simple, terrifying, magical thing:
Not a leap. Not a giant makeover. Just one small, intentional risk. Taking a risk on you.
The kind that says, “Maybe I’m worth betting on.”
Because you are.
P.S. You Don’t Have to Do It Alone 💕
If you’re standing at the edge of a big decision or feeling that tug that says, “There’s more for me,” I want you to know—you’re not alone. I see you. And I’d be honored to walk with you as you create the life you’ve been dreaming about (yes, the one with peace, purpose, and maybe even a few carbs without consequences 😄).
Come say hi on social media—I’m @iamdeemanuelcloud everywhere. Or if you’re more of an inbox kind of girl, feel free to email me directly at [email protected]. Let’s take that next step… together. 💫
Dee, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Dee Manuel Cloud is a two-time breast cancer survivor, devoted wife, loving mother of two, and a champion for breast cancer survivors thriving with intention. Her journey is a testament to resilience, courage, and the unwavering belief that life after breast cancer can be more fulfilling, joyful, and purpose-driven than ever before.
With a heart for healing and a passion for transformation, Dee empowers others to reclaim their voices, share their stories, and turn their pain into purpose—creating lasting impact, advocacy, and even income. She believes that every woman has a story and carries within them the strength to rise above their challenges and build a thriving, empowered life. Through her coaching, mentorship, and speaking, she provides the tools, strategies, and unwavering support to help survivors make the rest of their lives the best of their lives.
As an international transformational speaker, best-selling author, and dynamic coach, Dee has graced numerous stages, radio shows, and podcasts, inspiring audiences worldwide. Her message has resonated at powerful events such as:
– Sisters’ Network, Inc.
– Sisters’ Journey, Inc.
– The Women Rocking Business Global Business Conference
– TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance via BlackDoctor.Org
– Seven Figure Boss Summit
– The Comeback Champion Summit
– The Women in Entrepreneurship Breakfast
Recognized for her impact, Dee was honored with the Rocking the Virtual Stage Award by Women Rocking Business, founded by Sage Lavine. Her mission extends beyond speaking engagements—she actively creates safe spaces for survivors through support sessions and workshops, such as “The Power of Your Story: How to Transform Your Experience Into Impact, Influence, & Income.”
Dee’s Amazon best-selling book, Beauty in the Breakdown: Finding Peace in the Midst of Life’s Disruptions, has touched countless lives, offering hope, strength, and a roadmap for finding peace amid life’s challenges.
For those seeking deeper transformation, Dee has designed an exclusive six-month mentorship program, meticulously crafted to guide breast cancer survivors through a holistic journey of healing, empowerment, and renewal—helping them not just recover, but truly THRIVE.
Beyond her work, Dee finds joy in reading, music, and creating beautiful life experiences. She believes that personal growth is a lifelong journey and that embracing continuous learning, self-care, and inner peace is the key to a vibrant, fulfilling life.
Dee Manuel Cloud is more than a survivor—she is a beacon of hope, a champion of transformation, and a guiding light for those ready to embrace their next chapter with courage, clarity, and confidence.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I have had to unlearn is that of scarcity and lack. Growing up with very minimal resources, we were often without enough food to feed the entire household, or the utilities would sometimes get shut off. I have since learned that we attract that which we focus on. So if my fear is always “there isn’t enough” my subconscious mind will look for evidence to support my belief. Instead, I’ve learned to focus on abundance. I’ve learned that money is not evil and that the more money we have in the hands of those who want to do more good in the world, we can change the world,
Have you ever had to pivot?
At 50 years old I was presented with the opportunity for what I considered my dream job, except it was in a completely different industry. I went from working in the legal field for 27 years to working in the medical field. The switch did not come without growing pains, but I learned that I am capable of doing hard things.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.deemanuelcloud.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamdeemanuelcloud/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamdeemanuelcloud
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamdeemanuelcloud/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@iamdeemanuelcloud