Risk is the most common topic that comes up in our conversations with entrepreneurs and so each week we ask entrepreneurs to talk to us on the record about how they think about risk.

Safraz Abjal & Sarah Sukhram | Owners & Lead Event Designers

Risk has been an integral part of our lives and career paths, shaping who we are, and strive to be despite the outcomes. It is of course nerve wrecking, rewarding, and sometimes, not always offering favourable results. With this, we have had the opportunities to learn and grow as individuals and business partners; a husband and wife duo. Read more>>

Think about this: Every minute in the world, there are people remembering each other. Some probably at the same time; hugging the wrong people, living in places and situations where they don’t belong. The fear of losing everything keeps us from the most important things, without even realizing that the best things in life come from a state of losing it all. Read more>>

KaJay Rooke | Graphic Designer |. Business Owner

Growing up playing sports for most of my life I think helped me learn how to calculate risk and as I grew up, I was able to actively/subconsciously apply that to all sorts of areas of my life. Risk from sports were obvious like if I go off this jump, what could happen and is it worth it? There were (many) times that I’ve miscalculated those simple risks and did get injured but I always learned something from it, like maybe go slower or take the conditions into account next time etc. Read more>>

Melissa Meyer | Designer & Project Manager, Assoc. AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, Adjunct Professor

I take risks in order to be my authentic self. Architecture is inherently risky. I interview well, and so I almost always land the corporate job. But rather than getting comfortable at a single corporate firm, settling for a miniscule annual raise, I learned early on that the fastest way to get ahead in the Miami architectural world is to take what you’ve learned at one firm, and move on to the next—asking for significantly more money—until you’ve reached a comfortable threshold. Read more>>

Ginger Benoit-Fournier | Owner of Fournier Custom Designs Inc. Designer

Opening your own business is one of the most challenging things to do. We are taught that our paycheck is our safety net. We are taught that our identity is wrapped up in our job role. Read more>>

Olesia Paliukh | Photographer

Risk is my middle name 🙂 Now I will explain why. I should start by saying that my husband and I came from Ukraine in the midst of Covid, we only had $300 in our pocket for two and 2 backpacks. We came to New York with no friends or acquaintances, no place to live, absolutely nothing. We started our life anew. Madness? Read more>>

Valerie Martinelli | Career Coach helping Professionals land a dream leadership job, cultivate careers, & add an extra $15K- $60K+ to your salary! | #1 International Best Selling Author

I think that a certain amount of risk is necessary for career and business success. I always say that it is important to think about risk through the lens of regret. If you feel that you might regret something then it is important to take that risk. Taking risks has played a significant role in my life/ career because starting my business was a risk. Read more>>

Angelica Pelaez | Makeup Artist

If there’s one thing I live by is “take the risk.” It is my new life motto. If I did not take a chance on pursing my passion — makeup, I would still be a teacher and working a 9-5 job, which then would leave me with getting home late and barely having time with my son. I know it’s much easier said than done, and don’t get me wrong it’s scary. Read more>>

Scott Gans | Lesder in the Cannabis industry.

A key to growth is risk. Risk separates the people that talk talk verse walk the walk. Set your goals extremely high. Failure doesn’t mean you failed. Most of my Failures are higher than others success. At a Trulieve corporate meeting for stores in Florida then spread nationwide. During the meeting we have to put our name on one of Trulieves core values. Out of 40 executives I was the only one that picked innovative. Read more>>

Jess Hine-Bardelli | Senior Travel Advisor – Fantastical Vacations

I am typically a risk averse person. I’ve always been a nervous and anxious person – however after major life circumstances, I realized that we have one life to live and we may as well live it to the fullest. Read more>>

Jacqueline Pichirilo | Realtor

Taking risks has played a large role in my life and career. I would not not be here today if I didn’t take risks. I started as a Medical assistant, then at 21 years old I joined Pan American Airlines as a Flight Attendant. I moved from California back to New York City where I was born. I enjoyed traveling all around the world, discovering cultures and meeting new people. I was blessed to had been living tricoastaly at a young age. Read more>>