There is a wealth of academic research that suggests that differences in risk appetite are at the heart of differences in career and business trajectories. We wanted to go beyond the theory and ask real people from the community about their perspectives and experiences with risk and risk taking.

Nikki Banner | Actress & Model

I’ve always been a risk-taker since I started in the entertainment business. In my creative career, I’ve never limited myself and have always aimed outside the box. Ever since I started in 2009, I have gotten to experience so many opportunities because of the risks I’ve taken. My college and entertainment experiences have led me to be in commercials, movies, music videos, DJ for events such as Big Machine Label and Armani, modeling campaigns, and become a published author on various media outlets, as well as being given the opportunity to interview globally known artists. Read more>>

Keeana Kee | Singer, songwriter and fashion model.

I think risk taking is the main factor of my life. If I wasn’t a risk taker I wouldn’t be where and who I am right now. If you want an exciting life full of adventures you gotta take risks! I crossed the world to be where I am, to follow my dreams all because my heart wanted that. I had to leave my family, pack my bag and go somewhere where I knew absolutely no one and I’m so glad I did. I’m living a life of my dream. If I wouldn’t do that I’d probably be living a life that society impacts on me. Read more>>

Camilo Velandia | Musician & Producer

I strongly believe that taking risks, specially uncomfortable ones, are. the way to grow, If I look back at all the times where I felt like I grew the most, I can always pinpoint one crossroad where I had to choose between backing out and playing safe, or taking a risk that could’ve made things go sideways real quick. I first began as a local work for hire guitarist. Doing my first world tour with Julio Iglesias was a big risk for me. I was convinced that I was under-qualified and inexperienced, but I learned and stepped up quickly. Read more>>

Gabby Richardson | Baker, CEO, & Proud Mother

My willingness to take risks has always proven to be a step in the right direction, allowing me the opportunity to explore all possibilities around me that could lead to projected growth and success. I believe that by taking risks I have the ability to open doors for myself and my craft. Read more>>

Kristina Smeriglio | Author of Falling Into Fire

With risk, comes freedom. I took a risk writing about my personal life in my novel, Falling Into Fire, and I wouldn’t trade that trying experience for the pain I felt keeping it inside all those years. Although the novel is a fantasy, the main character’s thoughts and experiences mirror my own. Sharing my story allowed me to overcome a painful past by turning my trauma into art, an art that others can now experience. With this publication, there have been many questions regarding my personal life. Read more>>

Dawn Gaden | Licensed Counselor, international speaker, self image coach

Taking risk moves me out of my comfort zone. I tend to be someone who wants to continue to grow and evolve my life to be more fulfilling every day. That takes moving past fear, the unknown, and doing things differently. One of the biggest risks I had ever taken was starting my own company. To be honest, it was decisions I made leading up to that. Starting my own business, doing what I love, that really wasn’t that difficult. Getting there, on the other hand, developing the vision of myself, of who I needed to be, to love my business – serve in a big way – that journey was full of risk. It really began back in 2007. Read more>>