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.

Tooney White | Photographer

As a photographer or creative person in general, I believe risk taking is vital to growth. I’ve been in the business for about 12 years, and just deciding to make photography a full time career was a huge risk. When I first started I didn’t know much about how a professional camera worked or lighting or editing but I knew, or maybe felt is a better word, Read more>>

Marine Azria | Owner of The Piece Collective | Podcast Host | Interior Designer

I believe risks create bigger rewards! Obviously identifying the costs of those risks is very important in decision making. There is a French saying, “ qui risque rien n’a rien”. It means one that risks nothing has nothing. This was told to me before making some very big decisions and has also allowed to weight what I am gaining and losing by taking them. Read more>>

Jea Tang | Small Business Owner & Photographer

When you think about the word “risk”, it has always been paired with “fear”, “threat”, “danger”. Growing up and pursuing a career in the healthcare field, the word “risk” has warned me to avoid it at all cost. Phrases like, “there’s a risk if we do this treatment for this patient,” “there’s a risk for doing this to your body.” Taking risks in healthcare can really proceed with deadly consequences to either my professional license or the patient I’m treating. Read more>>

Sophia Elle | Photographer

To me, there is no point to living life if I’m not going to take risks. And that’s actually something I’ve realized in the last few years. I found myself playing it safe for a long time to only feel stagnant and miserable. I think in order to develop and grow in life and in business, you have to experiment with different paths and ideas. Sure, it’s a lot easier to do that when you’re younger when you don’t have as many responsibilities. Read more>>

Noelle McInerney | Founder & President

I think resilience is a gift that my parents gave me long ago. I watched them open – and then close – a restaurant when I was young. Despite the restaurant’s failure, it never broke their spirit. I think from a young age, I haven’t been scared to fail b/c I’ve seen it as a chance to start something new. More practically, I also am not afraid to hustle. Meaning – I know how to take care of myself, whether that means waiting tables at night to fund my time starting a business or going for big pieces of business. Read more>>