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.

Amy Rodriguez Perez | CEO & Esthetician

I am actually terrified of taking risks because of how much of a sucker I am for the safety of a routine! But the reality is that if you don’t take risks you will NEVER grow in anything you’re passionate about. Risk-taking is more normal than you think. Even getting in the car and driving to work is a risk because something can happen that is out of your control. So risk-taking must be done in your career endeavors, a risk may result in failure but it may also result in a big win. If you go into it with a positive mindset and faith, you will always win. Taking a risk is the reason why I have been my own boss for 4 year. The day i decided to leave my 9-5 and begin my business journey was so scary but I do not regret not one second of it. Read more>>

Grace Chepenik | Glassblower & Painter

I view taking risks as the best way to learn. Accepting new challenges forces you to make new decisions, rise to the occasion, and meet yourself at a deeper level. It makes you step up to experiences you previously wouldn’t have handled and results in personal growth. Every time I’ve taken a risk, it has led me to a deeper version of myself. My proudest accomplishments come from taking leaps of faith where I wasn’t sure if I would succeed. Whether it was studying art, driving solo across the country, moving to Aruba for a bit or other big tasks I had ahead of me that I did not know what risks they would entail. Through these challenges, I learned more about myself, and they continue to shape the person I am and the art that I make! Read more>>

Emmy Adelle | Model, Songwriter, Producer & Financial Analyst

Taking risks has been a recurring theme throughout my life and career—whether in music, modeling, hockey, education, or finance. Risk is terrifying. The highs are exceptional, and the lows can be devastating. Like change, it’s something you either embrace or battle, especially in creative fields where the future is incredibly uncertain. During my freshman year, I went through a complete identity crisis after quitting hockey, questioning who I was and what path I should take. I stopped playing hockey. I became super self-conscious on social media, constantly comparing myself to my friends’ cool experiences, and ultimately wanted to stop doing everything I loved, including school and music. Read more>>

Michael John Carlin | Model, Actor, Athlete, Teacher

When I reflect on my life, I feel that taking risks and taking chances has enabled me to achieve my goals and to set the course of my life. I just turned 59 a couple days ago and last year at the age of 58 I began an acting and modeling career., Hopefully a new career filled with new dreams and new possibilities. I believe that without taking risks, we can never achieve our full potential. Who would believe at the age of 58 I would be walking the runway during Miami Swim Week and participating in NYFW. Also getting offered and modeling contract by a major talent agency that represents many major models and actors in the New York and LA market. Even when I was younger, and following my dream of playing professional baseball taking risk was always a part of my life. If we don’t step outside ourselves, we will never accomplish all that we can become. Read more>>