Just Ask

The other day, while catching up with a friend, I was practically buzzing with energy as I shared everything going on in my world; working a full-time job, launching The Safety Rack, planning the next Midwest Women in Safety Conference, writing articles, and so much more. But what really lit me up was talking about the incredible people I’ve been working with, interviewing, collaborating, learning from. These conversations, these partnerships, are what keep me going.

Yes, it’s a lot. But I couldn’t (and wouldn’t want to) do it alone.

As I gushed about the energy and momentum behind it all, my friend paused and asked me, “How do you find these people?”

And my answer was simple: “I just ask.”

She paused and said, “I don’t think I could.”

That moment stuck with me. Since then, I’ve been reflecting on why asking, something so seemingly simple can feel so incredibly hard for so many.

According to a 2008 study from Cornell University, people significantly underestimate how likely others are to say yes to a request. We're often paralyzed by fear—fear of rejection, of looking foolish, of being a burden. I can certainly relate to this, since for a long time that fear held me back as well. But as I have learned, those fears are just noise.

Asking opens doors that effort alone can’t always budge and it’s how every meaningful thing in my professional journey has started.

It’s how I co-founded The Midwest Women in Safety Conference: I asked a few other women, “Do you want a space just for us?”

It’s how The Safety Rack was born: I asked the bigger question, “Why is there a PPE equity gap for women, and who’s doing something about it?”

It’s how I’ve connected with advocates, experts, speakers, sponsors, and supporters. It’s how I move forward every day.  

And yes, sometimes people say no. But more often than not, they say yes. Or not right now, but keep me in mind. And every yes is a step closer to making something real.

So, if asking feels hard for you, here are a few simple tips that have helped me—and might help you too:

5 Simple Ways to Start "Just Asking"

1. Start Small
   You don’t have to make a big ask first. Start with something easy—asking for advice, a 15-minute coffee chat, or feedback on an idea.

2. Be Clear and Direct
   People are more likely to say yes when they know what they’re saying yes to. Be specific: “Would you be willing to speak for 10 minutes on XYZ topic at our event on June 10?” is more effective than “Do you want to help?”

3. Remember It’s Not Personal
   If someone says no, it’s not a rejection of you—it’s a reflection of their time, bandwidth, or priorities. Don't let one "no" stop you from asking the next person.

4. Lead with Purpose
   When you believe in what you’re doing, it shows. People want to be part of meaningful work. Your passion is your best pitch.

5. Make it Easy to Say Yes
   Remove friction. Offer context, give options, and be flexible. For example, “Would you be open to a 15- or 30-minute Zoom call sometime next week?” makes it easier for someone to fit you in.

Here’s the truth: asking isn’t about confidence, it’s about courage and clarity. It’s believing in your work enough to invite others to be part of it. And trust me, there are people out there who want to help, you just have to give them the chance.

I share this not because I’ve mastered anything, but because I’m still living it. Every day, I wake up not knowing exactly what will come next and I look forward to it, because I know that all it takes is the courage to ask the next right question.

So, the next time you’re stuck, overwhelmed, or standing on the edge of something new, remember this:

Just ask.

You never know who’s waiting for the chance to say yes.

About The Author: Amy Roosa is the founder of The Safety Rack, a nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the personal protective equipment (PPE) equity gap for women through education, research, and advocacy. With over 20 years of experience as a safety professional across industries such as construction and general industry, Amy has become a recognized leader in advancing safety standards and fostering inclusivity.

In addition to her work with The Safety Rack, Amy co-founded the Midwest Women in Safety Conference, providing women in the safety profession with valuable educational and networking opportunities. She is a sought-after speaker, sharing her expertise on topics ranging from training strategies to leadership. Amy’s unwavering dedication to women’s safety and equity continues to inspire meaningful change in workplaces across the country.