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.

Leigh Roberts | Photographer & Artist

When I think back to the moments of risk sprinkled throughout my life and career, I’m glad I took them. Especially the ones that did not turn out the way I had hoped. For a few reasons. The first being: I could now turn a negative result into a positive one by rethinking and trying again. And secondly: I’ve just gotten an education. Granted, it was not the preferred option of learning from other people’s mistakes. My mother always said, “Education is expensive.. and honey that was definitely an education” It brings a little humor to the failure. But you get back up, and you revisit how you’ll approach your next risk. I have owned 2 studios. The first opened in 2016 and functioned as a photography studio. The contents inside the studio were destroyed when Hurricane Florence came through in 2018. I then made the decision to walk away from it and focus on my 3 other income streams at the time. Read more>>

Julien Grincajgier | Filmmaker

As long as as I can remember, I always had I real passion for Filmmaking. I Went to film school and before starting Light and Motion Films, I established a video production company called Immediate Entertainment, focused on producing movies, commercials, and corporate videos. The inspiration for Light and Motion Films struck while my wife and I were in search of a wedding videographer for our own wedding. We found that many wedding videos lacked the high quality, creativity, and artistry we desired. It was when she showed me videos of the best wedding videographers in the world that we couldn’t afford that I realized, “I can do that.” Read more>>

jarred Elmar | Commercial Real Estate Developer

Opportunities present themselves to everyone at different times and in various forms, frequently hidden or seemingly fraught with danger and the possibility of embarrassment. Those who are ready to assess the risks, withstand any embarrassment, and proceed with sincere dedication are the fortunate ones who, when everything settles, will find themselves in possession of significant rewards. Read more>>

Gabriela Baszton | TruWellnessMD Practice Owner

I firmly believe that calculated risks are essential for personal and professional growth. Throughout my life and career, I’ve embraced the idea that stepping out of my comfort zone and taking risks is necessary to achieve success and realize my dreams. Opening TruWellnessMD in Jupiter, Florida, was one such calculated risk that my husband and I undertook. We sold our house and one of our investment properties to pursue our vision of providing comprehensive care centered around our patients. Read more>>

Brutal Bill Marquez | Musician, Music Producer, Recording Engineer, DJ

I’ve pretty much taken risks my entire career as an Artist, Music Producer, & DJ you have to in order to separate yourself from what everyone else is doing. I’m probably one of the a few music producers if any, that will produce a slow ballad and then a late night Techno stomper. House Music, Jazz, Hip Hop, Techno, Tech House, R&B, * Theatre I love producing it all! Read more>>

Ashlee Olbricht (Leppert) | U.S. Coast Guard Veteran, Author, Inspirational Speaker, Empowerment Coach

As a former U.S. Coast Guard aviator, my decision-making process often traces back to a crucial tool we utilized during pre-flight analysis – the RISK vs. GAIN model. This model incorporated categories like crew proficiency and weather conditions, assisting us in evaluating whether the potential risk of a mission was justified by the expected gain. Read more>>

Amber Wyatt | Executive Producer

I guess you could say I’m a natural born risk taker. Appalachian poverty will do that to you. Where I’m from, a small town in southern Virginia, hustling is part of the culture. Everybody has their own hustle and it’s common for people to get started young to help contribute to their families. Everybody has more than one job, and sometimes more than two. I come from a long line of entrepreneurs as well. My grandfather on my dad’s side had a farm and all thirteen kids worked on the farm. When I was growing up it was the same way, my dad is the owner of a 72 acre trailer park, all of us helped out with the maintenance. My older brother owns a convenience store now right in the same area as the farm and the trailer park. Read more>>

Lily Ingeldsen | High Fashion Model & Real Estate Agent

When it comes to risk, I view it as an indispensable catalyst for personal and professional growth. Taking risks has played a transformative role in my life and career, reshaping my trajectory and opening doors to unforeseen opportunities. One significant risk that stands out in my journey was the decision to leave my familiar surroundings in Florida and venture into the bustling and competitive world of New York City for modeling during New York Fashion Week. It was a bold move that carried both excitement and uncertainty. The high-stakes environment of the fashion industry demanded courage, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. The gamble paid off as I found myself strutting down multiple runways, an experience that not only enriched my modeling portfolio but also culminated in the surreal moment of seeing my image on a billboard in the heart of Times Square. This accomplishment became a testament to the rewards that come with embracing risk, reinforcing my belief in the power of taking chances. I draw inspiration from a guiding principle encapsulated in the words of Swami Vivekananda: “Take risks in your life. If you win, you can lead. If you lose, you can guide.” This philosophy encapsulates the essence of risk-taking for me. It’s a reminder that every risk, whether met with success or failure, becomes a valuable lesson that shapes one’s journey. Successes propel us forward, allowing us to take the lead and inspire others, while failures become stepping stones, offering insights that guide our future endeavors. In essence, my perspective on risk is intertwined with the understanding that it’s a dynamic force capable of catalyzing personal development, fostering resilience, and serving as a compass for navigating the uncharted territories of life. Embracing risk has not only changed my life but has become an integral part of my ethos, propelling me to new heights and encouraging others to embark on their own journeys of exploration and self-discovery. Read more>>

Kimber Tremblay | Skin Biologist & Founder of SUNBAKED SPF

Self-funding my own start up, betting on myself by essentially investing my life savings into something I had never done before was the ultimate risk as an entrepreneur. Prior to taking this leap of faith, I had been a rule follower, content with the stability and security that my corporate jobs had provided. However, I knew for me, to be entirely fulfilled, passionate and productive every day, I had to create something from the ground up. I knew it was possible, because I had been successful selling and marketing pharmaceuticals for other companies for years. I believed that if I created a product and a brand that I sincerely believed in, that could solve a problem, and ultimately help people, the reward would be well worth the risk. Read more>>