We asked some of the most interesting folks in the community to open up about how they think about taking chances and the role risk has played in their lives and careers. Risk is by far the topic folks talk to us most about and we hope the responses below will help shed light on many different perspectives.

Mariela Bastidas | Mariela A Photography | Lifestyle & Brand Photographer

Risk taking is for sure scary sometimes. When we take a risk, we don’t know the outcome. We hope for the best but we can “fail” in the process. But if we never take risks, we can’t progress. We will stay where we are and always wonder what could have happened if the outcome was what we expected or even something better. It is hard to take risks but even if it doesn’t work out, we learn from those failures. At the end, success is the sum of all your failures. So I think we have to change our mindset towards failures. Failures are actually positive events when we learn from them. They will get us closer to where we want to be if we don’t give up. I’ve always taken risks in my life. Read more>>

Gaelle Karene Petit-Fond | CEO & Co Founder

The genesis of my business idea traces back to my mother, who served as a significant source of inspiration from my early years. Observing her actions, she imparted valuable knowledge, becoming my guide in understanding the intricacies of the trade. Witnessing her involvement in selling wholesale food products, I noted that she was procuring them at a high cost from well-established competitors. The challenges were compounded by the hefty expenses associated with shipping products from the United States to Guadeloupe, a specific location in the Caribbean. Read more>>

Sarah Zabel | Owner of a Dispute Resolution practice

Risk-taking is scary but necessary if you don’t want to live in limbo or to look back on your life and say to yourself what if? I have taken so many risks on my life’s journey. Starting with leaving a stable job to go to New York to pursue my acting career. Certainly getting married was a risk for which I have no regrets. I have four beautiful children as a result of my marriage. My life has had many twists and turns which prompted me to take risks. I don’t automatically dive into the deep end with no water but I also don’t shy away from carpe diem. When I began my dispute resolution practice after serving many years as a Circuit Court Judge it was a huge risk. Five years later I still see my business as a risk. It is exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. Read more>>

L. B. Anne | Author & President of JOA Press

Embracing risk is an integral aspect of any creative endeavor, especially in the realms of writing and publishing. For me, risk is not merely a potential pitfall but a stepping stone towards growth and innovation. In the world of literature, taking risks signifies the willingness to explore uncharted territories, experiment with unconventional ideas, and challenge the status quo. In my literary journey, risk-taking plays a pivotal role. It involves navigating the uncertainty that comes with trying new narrative techniques, exploring diverse genres, and presenting unique perspectives. Without the willingness to fail, there can be no true innovation. Every rejection, every setback, becomes a lesson that propels me forward, refining my craft and shaping my voice. Read more>>