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.

Yoon Sung | Doctor & Chef

It’s easier said than done, but I often think about how we entered this world with nothing and will leave with nothing– and that makes it easier to take risks. I also don’t think I’m as afraid of failure. I’m more afraid of not trying, of living a life with regrets and what ifs– so that also makes it easier to take risks. Read more>>

Bruce Ferber | Author/TV Writer-Producer

Risk is an integral part of the creative process. I learned slowly, but surely, how to balance the risks I take with the business of life that inevitably gets in the way. But the creative risks I’ve taken, have almost always paid off. Read more>>

Mengqiao Zhang | Storyteller & Filmmaker

Some people say taking risk is gambling, and you will never know what you will receive, I disagree. The biggest difference is that, you are giving your density to others through gambling, but you can always decide whether and how much you are going to take the risk. To me, risk is an interesting thing. You may benefit a lot from it; on the meantime, you may lose a lot. However, I’m a person who likes risk. Read more>>

Elizabeth Furest | Energy Medicine Practitioner

Risk is the catalyst for growth – the gateway to infinite possibilities. Risk requires us to embody courage, signifying true strength and deep self-possession, a consciousness that allow us to experience life as exciting rather than challenging. Risks are the building blocks to our future selves – commanding that we never stay the same. Whether in career, education, or craft, it’s risk built upon risk that allows us to map out infinite points of possibility.  Read more>>

Ria Rueda | Public Relations Pro & Founder/Editor in Chief of @thebuzzct

When we get comfortable — whether in a role, a relationship, or a career — it’s easier to stay there. Our brains and bodies are wired for homeostasis (a state of relative stability). So when we feel comfortable, anything that takes us away from that state seems like a risk. Unfortunately, just because we’re comfortable with our current state doesn’t mean that we’re thriving. In order to flourish, we need to have a sense of accomplishment and opportunities for growth. That means stepping out of our comfort zone. Read more>>

Victoria Levert | Artist & Journalist

Success is all about taking risks. As a little girl, I always had this desire to be involved in several things at once. Involving myself in multiple activities often times had a risk of something not going as planned, but even as a child, I never shied away from that. I knew early on that the world was my oyster, and anything that I wanted to try, I could… regardless of if I would fail. Read more>>

Jessika Harrison | Reiki Master Teacher

When it comes to risk taking, everyone has their own perspective. For me, risk taking has been a crucial part of my life and career. I believe that life is all about calculated risks and that if you don’t try something new and take certain risks then you can’t truly experience the full potential life has to offer. Read more>>

Stefanie Trenholme | Speech Language Pathologist and Children’s Author

Life is all about taking risks- and one can either shy away from taking them or one can try and hopefully succeed. Leaving Canada and moving to Los Angeles for graduate school – not knowing anyone was a risk. Starting my own practice was definitely scary and also involved a lot of risk both financially and emotionally, but with things I wanted to accomplish in my career I felt it was necessary. Read more>>

Junjun Chen | Illustrator

I feel taking risks can really help us to reach our potential and help us to achieve the goal we dream about. My teacher Marshall Arisman always told us to take risks when we paint or draw because if we always play safe cards, we cannot ever break through ourselves. Read more>>

Jamaine Fox | Actor & Writer

I am a firm believer in calculated risk taking. I am also a firm believer in prayer and accumulating positive energy before taking any risk. During the pandemic, i understand that many people took many risk to survive. I was laid off in 2020, then decided to step out on faith pursuing a career in the art of film and theater full time. Read more>>

Meaghan Flynn | Business Owner and Mother

I think about the cost/ benefit of my decisions all the time. It’s a very important factor in all decision making, whether business or personal. Making a choice start a business with a business partner many years ago was a risk, and even more so when I left and began my own endeavor last September. In my experience, playing it safe only delays the inevitable, so you may as well dive right in! Read more>>

 

Christian Vincent | Emmy Nominated Choreographer, Actor, Artistic Director, dancer and Educator

I believe that my entire career as whole could be looked at as a career of risk. There are no guarantees of a job, career or longevity in the entertainment industry. I chose a career that has no set steps to take with regard to education to achieve success. I think the idea of risk was overshadowed by belief in my creative desires and goals. I simply believed/believe in myself. Belief with the support of my education overshadowed the fear of risk . Read more>>