We asked some of the most interesting folks in the community to open up about how they think about taking chances and the role risk has played in their lives and careers. Risk is by far the topic folks talk to us most about and we hope the responses below will help shed light on many different perspectives.

Cindy Hutson | Exec Chef/Restauranteur /consultant

Risk taking has played a huge roll in my career. I didn’t have the faith that I personally was capable of doing the jobs that landed on my plate … (no pun intended). So, actually I was a huge risk to myself. My partner Delius Shirley, was the one who would say “you CAN do this!” When I would say I couldn’t. He was my engine, not my anchor. He taught me to take risks saying how will you know if you don’t try. I began realizing that not trying could leave me with regrets. If I tried and failed at something it would leave me with a lesson on what to do differently. And those lessons are far better than lingering thoughts of regrets. Read more>>

ALEXIS EVANS | President, Government Contract Event Coordinator Producer

Risk-taking is an integral part of my personal and professional journey. I approach risk with a strategic mindset, understanding that it is a necessary component of growth and innovation. For me, risk is about calculated decisions rather than reckless gambles. It’s essential to weigh the potential benefits against the possible downsides and to be prepared with a contingency plan. Read more>>

Mark Lay | Personal Trainer / Coach

Without risk there is no reward, I believe the saying goes.

I made the jump from working for a boutique gym 12+ hours a day to completely independent with a handful of clients & a dream, which requires 24 hours a day but with a much greater all around reward.

That “risk” or leap of faith as I’d like to think of it was the push I required to desire a bit more out of not only myself, but my profession. It put me in the sink or swim scenario & there was no way I’d let myself drown! Read more>>