Taking Risk is essential, but how much, when and why? Taking risks effectively is as much of an art as it is a science and we’ve asked some of the brightest folks in the community to tell us about how they think about risk taking.

Tiff Tiff

When It comes to risk taking, I feel like it’s plays a BIG role in your life. It’s ok to take a risk but it have to be beneficial for you & or your family. So growing up in my city which is Stl Missouri Is off tops risky depending on your situation. On my behalf after my domestic violence self defense incident I took one of the BIGGEST risk of my life, Which was moving to Miami Florida, with only $2,000 to my name, A dream, my three daughters & no family. Read More>>

Evgeny Kostenko

I believe that risk is the main driver of emotion and progress. Without taking risks, there’s no real growth or breakthrough. Just like the old saying goes: ‘No guts, no glory.’ Or in my culture, we say, ‘He who doesn’t take risks, doesn’t drink champagne.’ Read More>>

Mary Luz Rodriguez Alvarez

Risk is an inherent part of life — from driving a car to simply posting on social media, every action carries some level of uncertainty. If you search for the negative in any situation, you’ll find it. That’s the nature of perspective: we tend to find what we look for.
The only true certainty in life is that one day it will end. With that in mind, I’ve come to believe that how we live — how grounded, intentional, and open we are — shapes the quality of our decisions more than the presence or absence of risk itself. Read More>>

Alyssa Severino

Risk-taking has played a major role in my success so far. I’ve never been afraid to step outside my comfort zone because I believe growth only happens when you’re willing to take chances. Right after high school, I left my small town for a big city—where I didn’t know anyone—to pursue a better education in this industry. Three years later, with a solid skill set, I took another leap and moved 15 hours away to an even bigger city to keep growing. It was the best decision for my career.  Read More>>

Leo Neira

Entrepreneurship is risk; it’s baked into every decision. For me, the biggest risk was walking away from a stable, full-time position at one of the largest car rental companies in the world. I was climbing the ladder, getting raises, and being recognized for my hard work. But deep down, I was frustrated. The whole focus was on volume and revenue; bookings were made with false promises, bait-and-switch tactics, and zero care for the guest experience. I couldn’t keep being part of that. Read More>>

ALLISON ESPINOZA

I didn’t plan on living in the United States. But life led me here a little over six years ago with a suitcase full of hope and a strong desire to build something meaningful from the ground up. Looking back, that moment, choosing to stay, to start fresh in an unfamiliar place, was one of the boldest risks I’ve taken.
At 25, I was at a point where I wanted to do so much, where my convictions were strong, but uncertainty was even stronger. Taking risks meant making tough decisions with no guarantees. Still, something inside me kept saying, “Everything will be okay.” Read More>>

Ray Costa

Without risk, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Stepping away from the club circuit as a DJ and diving into private events—especially high-end weddings and large corporate gigs—was a big shift for me. But that move opened up a whole new world of opportunities. Taking risks is what shaped my path, and I’ll always be willing to take more if it means growing as an entertainer and evolving in this industry. Read More>>

Danielle Fox

I see risk as necessary for growth. Starting my skincare studio was a huge leap, but I knew betting on myself was worth it. The biggest rewards in my life have come from moments where I chose courage over comfort. I don’t take reckless risks—I trust my gut, do the work, and move forward even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. That’s where real growth happens. Read More>>

Levi Johnson

I embrace risk as a vital part of my journey. Growing up, I was inspired by a scene in Transformers where Megatron tells Starscream, “Those who risk nothing lose nothing,” and Starscream replies, “But those who risk it all can gain everything.” This resonated with me as an underdog. Taking giant leaps—like starting a fitness company at comic cons and becoming an influencer—was daunting for a kid from a Section 8 trailer park in Indiana, but those risks have truly paid off and shaped my career. Read More>>