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.

Colin Szumski | Custom Shoe Deconstrcutor & Designer

Risk is everything. There were many risks I had to take to get to where I am today. Moving across the country 2 times in 2 years was very risky and difficult, but it has paid off You have to take risks in order to get to where you want to be. There is no other option. The universe favors the bold and Read more>>

Imani Levy | Business Owner & Social Media Influencer

I consider myself a true risk-taker, especially in my career. I firmly believe in living life to the fullest and staying optimistic. I’d rather take a chance on something and know I tried than hold back out of fear of failure. As an entrepreneur, I recognize that taking risks is essential to reach the level of success I know I’m capable of. Many people aspire to start a business but may not fully understand the risks involved, particularly the financial investment it requires. I approach these investments with confidence, believing that what I put in will come back tenfold. I’m fully committed to my vision and future, and I’m willing to invest in what I know will be a bright path forward. Read more>>

Micaela Fellay | Art director and Founder

In my personal and professional life, risk has played a significant role in shaping who I am today. I’ve always believed in making decisions that may seem daunting at first but ultimately lead to growth. For instance, migrating to a new country in my mid-life with two young daughters was a substantial risk. Leaving everything behind required courage, but it also opened up new opportunities. Read more>>

Jason “the Architect” Tolbert | PR and Branding Maven, King of Events, & Your Networking Specialist

“Risk-taking, to me, is about trusting in the purpose that God placed within me. Growing up as one of 10 children in a family where resources were often limited, I learned early on that sometimes you have to step out in faith, even when the odds don’t seem to be in your favor. In many ways, I feel like I’ve been taking risks my entire life. I became comfortable with not always having everything lined up perfectly, knowing that if I took a step forward, things would fall into place somehow. Read more>>

ElJay Williams

The Oxford dictionary describes risk as a situation involving exposure to danger. Starting music or even pursuing a career in entertainment has always been filled with risk. From inconsistent pay, high financial investments upfront, potential for rejection, intense competition, mental health strain due to pressure and uncertainty, physical injuries from rehearsals, shows, and long hours on the body, lack of stability, and the possibility of not achieving mainstream success. Read more>>

Brett Miller

In such a cliche fashion, I have a quote on my Instagram profile that reads, “it’s even riskier to play it safe.” I probably heard a variation of that sentiment somewhere else, but it came out pretty organically when I decided to include something like this on my Instagram. And it’s so true, isn’t it? With the fear of taking risks and exposing yourself comes the consequence of never taking the proper steps forward to what you want in this life. Days, months, years pass and you’re still finding yourself in the same spaces, with the same faces, having the same conversations, because you couldn’t stand the idea of risking failure, embarrassment, or finding a dead end to trudge through toward making your dreams and ideal situation a reality. All in the name of protecting ourselves, right? How ironic. Read more>>

Dina Davis

Honestly, risk is where the magic happens. Playing it safe never got anyone anywhere interesting. I think of risk as a necessary ingredient in building something that stands out—especially in the world of marketing. If you’re not pushing boundaries or stepping outside your comfort zone, you’re just blending in. Read more>>