Taking Risk is essential, but how much, when and why? Taking risks effectively is as much of an art as it is a science and we’ve asked some of the brightest folks in the community to tell us about how they think about risk taking.

The Dragon Sisters | Musician/Band

We both left dance companies to invest in our shared vision of creating together. We wanted to build something that we had never seen represented, which could be clouded by a lot of uncertainty. We gratefully always had each other for reassurance and feedback. Risk taking has been a huge factor in our success. We’ve had so many doors open for us only because we were ready and available. You have to put yourself out there, know when to say no and risk being uncomfortable. It usually feels like a leap of faith rather than a risk. Read more>>

Alexis Soto | Audio Engineer and Acoustic Designer

Since I can remember, I have always been a restless person. With that, I have always been on the look for new and intriguing ways that can bring new solutions/answers to all the factors/events that humans have around us every day. Taking that point as a starting point, I have always been a person who flees from being comfortable professionally. Interestingly enough, I quickly get bored of jobs where I’m not the leader, where the needs of the job stay the same and the goals don’t change. Read more>>

JUAN (DJ LS) ZAFRA | JUAN ZAFRA (DJ LS) – BUSINESS OWNER / ENTERTAINER

Risk can be a scary word for many. For me it has been the main source of decision making. Through my college career and during the process of attaining my Masters degree I learned one very important aspect of business, Risk Assessment. Risk assessment is what businesses learn in order to navigate an industry, unexpected events, and market issues. You learn to understand risk and how to make decisions around risk. Read more>>

Savanna Smith | Musician and Model

Risk taking needs to be embraced when you want to do something great. I found a lot of times people view pursuing your dreams as a risk but in my opinion, the bigger risk is to regret what you didn’t do. Most of my life I was told that pursing a career in entertainment was “risky” and not easy. But I don’t need it to be easy. Read more>>

Courtney Romano | Filmmaker

I have an evolving relationship with risk. When I was younger, I would often look at risk as starting something new. And I felt super brave because I would start new things all the time. I was never really afraid of trying a new medium or mode of expression. I enjoyed being a beginner. And while that is objectively a fun thing to do, it wasn’t a big risk for me. I allowed myself to move on before I could get past that beginner stage, and so I never really had to play ball, as it were. Read more>>

Manny Keith | Artist/Singer

Being in the entertainment industry, it’s all about risk. Every time I do an audition. Every time I perform in front of an audience. Every time I release a new song into the world. For me, I’ve learned to embrace the uncomfortable moments that come with my career have chosen to lean into them. For instance, had I not continued to take risks by auditioning for NBC’s The Voice, not only once but for four times — I wouldn’t have made it onto the show. It’s easy to give up when circumstances are hard and whatever is in front of you seems impossible, but I assure you it’s usually worth the risk and you’ll be happy you put yourself out there, regardless of the outcome. Read more>>

Marco Melendez | 3D Artist for Luxury Architecture

I’m a huge believer that Risk equals Reward…. the higher the risk the bigger the reward. in my case that risk involved leaving Venezuela, my home, selling all my goods there, leaving my friends and loved ones behind to start a new business here in Florida as a 3D Artist it was a huge bet, but I never doubted myself. I knew this is what I wanted and thus i followed this path. Read more>>

Giovanni Roselli | Health & Fitness Coach

Risk has played a significant role in my life. I have taken many risks over the years, some were unsuccessful and some were extremely successful. That’s the thing about taking risks – you have to be ok with knowing and understanding that sometimes things aren’t going to work out the way you want or imagine – but man is there nothing like it when it does pay off. You have to be willing to take the risk if it’s something you want, and you can’t be afraid of failure. Read more>>

Jessica Rose | Music Artist & Serial Entrepreneur

Well, what is life without risks? Life is literally all about taking risks. I’ve always been a optimistic person or a fascinating with let’s say magical things, alterations I feel each choice we make shifts timelines. So to me that’s motivational to understanding risks make life worth it. The biggest risk is not taking a risk. Over the years I’ve realized just how many people live in fear, and fear is what stops us. Their is always something on the other side of Risk. Read more>>

kenneth williams | Actor, Director, Producer, Business owner

I think taking risks in life is what builds your character, without risks there is no reward, you have to fall before you can run! So with every risk you take you know there’s no regrets behind it. Read more>>

Lisa Soares |

I think about risk as trusting your gut feelings like they are your guardian angels. I’ve faced many uncertainties in my life and career, especially as a Caribbean woman with a global outlook and as an independent international development consultant. I’ve found that to believe in my truth whilst silencing the naysayers is easier said than done – hence the risk. It takes a lot to develop discipline in crafting your craftsmanship – knowing the optimal outcome of those lessons, at times, are not tangibles. Read more>>

Kayla Bell | Specialty Leasing Manager

When I think of the word “risk” I think of the moments in my life where if I didn’t take that next step that terrified or challenged me in my career I wouldn’t be where I am today. Moving forward in your career and business is taking the necessary risks that push your comfort zone. I think 2020 and still today in 2022 business owners are still uncomfortable, but the trick in managing risk is never letting your fear outweigh your faith, especially for something you believe in. Read more>>