By far, the topic that comes up most in our conversations with entrepreneurs and creatives is risk. We’ve had conversations about risks that worked out and risks that did not. We’ve seen eyes light eye sharing about career-trajectory changing risks as well as folks sigh about the risks they wish they had taken. Below, we’ve selected and shared some of those thoughtful conversations.

Melinda DeSeta | Licensed Psychotherapist & Founder

Sex is delicate. People place the intimacies of their sex life to my care. I am a Licensed Psychotherapist who helps individuals and couples live their best sex life. Sex is a crucial part of our relationships, and at the very least, sex helps us relax. I strive to honor all my clients as they come into my office and share the most vulnerable details. My profession also encompasses many judgmental risks. People sometimes place judgements on therapists who discuss and work with sex on a daily basis. To debunk a myth, sex therapists do not practice hands on techniques. My sessions are hands off and verbal. My goal is to help my clients gain communication techniques, confidence, and become aware of the pleasure path within themselves and others. My practice, Insight Counseling Center Miami, all began with a risk. When I was 22, I left my small hometown to move to Miami to experience the rich culture, the warmth, and the overall hustle of the city. Read more>>

Amy Ballon | Author, Advocate & Speaker

In order to be successful one must take risks. While taking risks is never easy, especially when one is out of their comfort zone, it is necessary in order to succeed. The biggest risks I have taken in my life I outline in my book Fabulous to Framed. Faced with a 15 year mandatory jail sentence if convicted, I took the risk when I told my lawyer I would never accept a plea. Standing in my truth was sacred to me. Being accused of a crime I did not commit was life changing, but I knew that I would be defined by how I managed this life event in the face of adversity. I risked voluntarily taking a polygraph to prove my truth for my truth was all I had. Against all odds, those two factors essentially determined the outcome of the case the state of Florida wrongfully placed against me. Read more>>

Jenny Larsson | Choreographer & Film Maker

Hmm, risk taking doesn’t necessary means that you have to risk your life or live dangerously, I like the idea of being curious and brave as another side of the risk taking concept. I like to think that going beyond ones safety zone makes you grow and constantly develop, professionally as well as personally. Working as an artist involves taking risks all the time, because playing it safe won’t do it in the long run. I don’t want to end up in a specific box or genre, but instead looking at my art making as quick silver- with its qualities of constantly changing shape and escaping most containment. I like to think about myself as a shape-shifter in that sense. If I get inspiration to create something, I work hard to make that happen no matter method, style or how far away from home. Read more>>