We asked some brilliant folks from the community to talk to us about how they think about risk and the role risk has played in their lives and careers.

Janine Martin | Yoga Studio Owner & Breathwork and Yoga instructor.

Risks are an easy way for each of us to grow. I think it’s smart to throw yourself into new business ventures, friendships and life experiences. If we aren’t changing and learning, we are not growing. Be versatile and take everything that comes your way as a sign for growth! We took a risk during the pandemic to open our business and we couldn’t be happier! Read more>>

Danny Mendoza | Storyteller

The most important lesson I’ve learned about risk is that it is constant – present in every moment of every day, regardless of context or circumstance – and it is entirely unavoidable. Risk can potentially be mitigated – without perfect knowledge, which I know I don’t have, the most any of us can hope for is a partial and stumbling form of mitigation – and there is as much risk in inaction as in action. Where I am now in my life, I find my regrets mount much more with regard to what I chose not to do than what I chose to do. I’ve chosen to do some dumb, self-destructive things that I would of course want to take back if I could – but it’s the unspent opportunities that haunt me. Read more>>

Charity Godfrey | Psychotherapist

Risk is a mindset that allows me to see opportunities where many others may see fear. For instance, as a therapist, I view my clients in their success way before they have succeeded. I utilize visualization as a tool to move clients from fear to belief. Often times belief for others feels risky. I help break down fear into manageable goals that reap movement towards their greatest self. Even fear can become a familiar friend if stayed in that state too long. So even a friendly compassionate word of encouragement from therapist to client could be perceived as a risk. It’s within the risk that change is possible. There is no great reward without risk. Read more>>

Taj Casimir | Side Hustle Queen & Corporate Baddie

Throughout my life, I’ve embraced risk as a fundamental aspect of my existence, and I intend to continue doing so. For me, risk-taking is often intertwined with confronting fears and striving for what lies just beyond them. I sometimes feel as if these moments are divine tests, challenging me to either patiently wait or boldly seize what I desire without explicit approval. This approach has consistently been part of my life, where risks are taken only after thoughtful prayer and seeking guidance. Ultimately, my goal is to achieve my heart’s deepest desires, which is why I embrace risk. I’ve realized the importance of taking calculated risks, focusing on potential financial gains rather than possible losses. Read more>>

Derrick Blackmon | Bartender/Mixologist

Well taking risk can either make you or break you and in any other event taking a risk can create a beautiful picture that you wouldn’t Image. Read more>>

Nick Steffen | Fire Rescue Lieutenant & General Contractor

The way I approach a risk is to assess it , figure it out and overcome it. Sometimes it hurts but thats life.
I have always invested in myself through out life. Read more>>

Claudia Jannine Martinez | Travel tech consultant & lecturer

Going out of our comfort zone unlocks a world of possibilities. Moving from one country to another, starting over helps to develop skills, self-awareness, open your mind and learn from different cultures and perspectives, speak new languages, and also gives you the opportunity to share your knowledge to others. Read more>>

Justine Parker | Dancer, Model, and founder of JusRédor Collection

Risk-taking has been an integral part of both my business endeavors and personal philosophy. From a young age, my mother instilled in me the importance of thinking big and aiming high. She taught me to view risks not as obstacles, but as opportunities for growth and advancement. This mindset has been both a blessing and a challenge. Instead of fixating on the immediate value of money, I’ve learned to see it as a tool for pursuing my dreams and making strategic investments. Read more>>

Irma and Hank Hollis | Owners of Southern N Smoked

Risk has been a large part of our success because we believe the higher the risk the, the higher the reward. After spending so much time trying to just make it in life it just wasn’t enough for us. We knew we needed to make a move so we took the risk of betting on ourselves. We knew we had a product that would sell, that was proven by the responses we got for the food at our house warming. Our friends, family, and acquaintances kept telling us we have to sell our food. from that point we came up with a plan to move forward. We started selling a few dinners and realized there is a market in Baltimore for southern BBQ. It’s something that was missing and now we get to fill that gap not only on the food truck but in our very 1st food stall in Cross Street Market ( Baltimore, MD). As we keep growing and taking these risk to take another step toward the next big thing in our business It’s been a pleasure getting to serve more and more customers everyday, but it’s been the greatest gift to ourselves learning that we can really accomplish a lot more than we thought. As the owner of this business it has pushed us to keep learning, keep applying the knowledge, and keep being bold in our steps and their timing. Read more>>