In our experience, most folks, including ourselves don’t have enough of an understanding of risk and the role it plays in our lives and careers and so we have made a concerted effort as a team to have conversations about risk with our interviewees. We’ve shared some highlights below.

Tanieka Clarke | Actress, Producer

It’s said that “great things never came from comfort zones” and while I’m still and always will be ‘becoming’ great, I’ve learned that taking risks is all a part of the journey. From embarking on a career in acting, to co-producing a documentary, owning a wellness business and even formerly operating a spa suite, almost every step forward required me to do something I’ve never done and that didn’t always feel safe. Read more>>

Arlene Then | Realtor

Risk taking is a part of life. We can’t progress without taking them and im confident, it as safe to say that we can’t achieve anything we dream of without it being part of the journey. Risk taking has become such a fundamental and indespensible factor in my life , i can’t see myself living without it. Its opened doors for me and has led me into key moments that have changed the course of my career. Read more>>

Allexa Fiori | Realtor

Conducting any type of business is risk taking. It is important to look at your company’s corporate culture. Any type of culture is risky for business especially when it contributes to the company’s growth. At first, it might sound a bit intimidating but think about two key factors: Perception and personality. You can alter perception and the second is less likely to change throughout the years. Taking risks is about employing your perception and the best features for yourself to grow in your career. Read more>>

Emily Kaczur | Master Stylist/ Artistic Director

Taking calculated risks while considering potential rewards is crucial for crafting a successful career. During my early twenties, taking chances felt intimidating, sparking a fear of the unknown in me. But once I overcame this fear and started viewing my apprehensions as an opportunity to learn, I truly blossomed as a new business owner. Read more>>

Ricci Williams | Founder + CEO of Watching Women Win

Risk is necessary and unavoidable when pursuing a big dream or a vision. You are going to have to get uncomfortable, and you at multiple points will have to take leaps of faith. Looking back, I’ve always taken risks and I’m proud of myself and little Ricci for that. I left home in high school to attend a boarding school in a different state because it sounded exciting and felt like the best option for me at the time. And that experience ended up changing my life and shaping who I am today. Read more>>

Rick Sell | Founder PureSalem Guitars

Risk for better or worse has always played a big role in my life. As a child growing up in a neighborhood filled with boys I was always one of the wilder more daring ones and I have the scars to prove it. Prior to starting PureSalem I was a police officer. I worked in the Liberty City area. There was always some crazy thing going on and I enjoyed the excitement. I worked as a police officer for 22 years. Towards the end of my career I was unhappy and I needed a change. Read more>>

Romaine Brown | aka Luigi Society – Producer, Event Coordinator, Artiste Manager

I’ve always said that if you don’t take risks, you will always work for the person who does. I worked in the Banking industry for over 10 years and if I didn’t decide to take the risk of going on my own; starting my Record Label, while still managing popular Dancehall artiste Munga Honorable, and executing my numerous events – Daybreak, Allure, Best Weekend Ever, Cross DI Wataz, I would have never garnered as much success as I have today because of the many work constraints.. Read more>>

Scout Turner | Business Owner & Entrepreneur

Taking risks has always been in my DNA. It is something that my mom taught me from an early age. When I was 12 she left her company (as a single mom) bought a small business, and ran that through 1 year non-compete until she could start her own manufacturing facility with her partners. It was a huge risk, and I saw that and felt that. But I also saw what it takes to be a strong entrepreneur and a strong woman from a very early age. Read more>>

Caroline Green | Real Estate Professional

I think risk is an essential component to successfully get where or what you want out of life. The most famous quote by one of the greats, Thomas Jefferson, he says “With great risk comes great reward.” You will have significant wins along the way, but there will also be struggles. The struggles are where you really learn from. Thinking about this, I know I would not have accomplished such confidence and continued growth in my own personal development. Which translates directly to my approach in relationships, career and overall wellbeing. Read more>>

John Hadfield | SCUBA Diver, watersports enthusiast, and retail shop owner

As a general rule in life, I’d rather fail at something than look back and wonder if I could have succeeded. I often found that the scariest part of any endeavor is just making the decision to do it. Life without any risk is a pretty boring concept. It’s just a matter what level of risk you’re willing to take. I’ve always been a bit aggressive in decision making, whether it’s going for it on 4th down, doubling down on 11, or deciding to start to start a business. If it’s something you want, you just gotta go after it. After all, if you don’t get in over your head once in a while, how will you ever know how tall you are? Read more>>