How do you think about risk? What role has taking risks played in your life/career? Check out responses from hidden gems from our community below.

DANIEL RIVAS | Professional Photographer

I believe that taking risks are a part of life and risks should be taken with a lot of thought though. I have taken many risks in my life and career, where to live, what to do as a career and how to get there are just a couple. Read more>>

Richard Oelberger, PhD, CMPC | Psychologist, Author, and Sports and Performance Consultant

Risk-taking is scary and intimidating but absolutely essential for success! In a lot of ways, every great personal achievement or moment in my life came from taking a risk. Leaving a comfortable county job, launching a private practice, and getting certified in Somatic Experience and as a Sports Psychology Consultant all happened after the age of 30 and after I had achieved a Ph.D. It is never too late to pivot and shift towards your passions and to allow them to be incorporated into your livelihood. Read more>>

Iriana and Nancy | Owners of La Tient

This is actually how our business started. Our first pop up was at H.O.P.E (Hispanas Organized for Political Equality) Latina History Day Conference. They motivated us to put ourselves out there, wether we thought we were ready or not. Safe to say we were not. We showed up at the conference, set up a table with a few of our products. No business cards, no business sign, we weren’t taking cards only Cash. We were so new to this, we had no idea what we had gotten ourselves into. Read more>>

Raphie Rose | Acupuncturist and Yoga Instructor

I’m a firm believer in ‘if it scares you, you should do it.’ I feel like everything was a risk, every time I changed jobs, every move across the country or to other countries, every time I shifted gears. When I was growing up there was a prescribed sequence of events one was supposed to follow, including once enrolled in your career and I have certainly deviated from the path lied out before me, a couple times over, in fact. Read more>>

Keith Silva | Director and Storyboard Artist

I was asked years ago what my “backup plan” was if this “art thing doesn’t work out.” Pursuing an artistic career was seen by others as a risk financially, but that wasn’t the kind of risk that worried me. The risk I feared was trying my absolute hardest at something I cared about and being bad at it. It took a long time and making a ton of mistakes before recognizing that taking risks is the very currency of success. I spent many years taking the safest routes in order to avoid the risk of what I perceived to be failure. Read more>>

RT | Contemporary Artist/Founder of Arte Youth Program

As a contemporary painter, risk is a constant consideration in my artistic journey. It’s about stepping outside of myself and exploring the desires of the other side of Reena. The risks I’ve taken have come at a cost, both financially and in terms of time, but they’ve provided valuable experiences and lessons. In my perspective, risk and wisdom are intertwined, always leading to growth in my life and career. However, growth is a complex process, encompassing both challenges and rewards. It involves moments of heartbreak, tears, and anxiety, but also laughter, smiles, and a sense of empowerment. Read more>>

Cheryl Lam | Owner

In life, we take all sorts of risks. Even more so when deciding to start your own business. The scary feeling of waking up every morning, not knowing if we will make enough to stay afloat and being able to cover all the expenses. Not having a stable income like a 9-5. However, it doesn’t mean the risk(s) that we’re taking isn’t calculated. Read more>>

Samantha Hill | Wedding Photographer

I think the saying, “Fortune favors the bold”, is pretty true for me. Risking your name and your work can be scary, but it’s so important for growth. I love to say yes to projects I normally would say are out of my realm but I know that in doing them (with the subjects understanding) I will learn 5x quicker. I recently agreed to an in-studio dance session. The client was game and so was I, so I did research. I asked the (stupid) questions. Read more>>

John & Giovanna Capone | Filmmakers

We think about risk as an opportunity for growth and success, as long as we’ve done our best to calculate it is the best way forward. We look at each feature film project we develop as a risk inherently. All filmmaking is no matter how big the budget, the names of the talent, or the studio support. If we weigh the upsides of a project being greater than any of the costs, we feel a strong sense that the timing is right! Read more>>

Clara & Marie Becker | Piano Duo

We are convinced that any career requires passion, dedication and discipline. The decision to become a professional musician is a very difficult to take and of course it comes with taking big risks. We chose a career that is quite unforeseeable and it involves the help and support of our family and close friends. Read more>>

Jill Pineda | Actor, Model & Digital Creator

I remember growing up, whenever I was hesitant or undecided about a new endeavor I would consult my dad and he would unceasingly raise the question: What’s the worst thing that can happen? Leading with that question answered without a doubt, gave me a clearer perspective on taking on new challenges that is not rooted in fear, but courage and self-empowerment. Read more>>

Victor Hernandez | Public Relations / Marketing Professional

Starting a new life at 36 in another country is a big risk for me. I already established a career back home – Philippines but due to Covid I realize a lot of things and that includes, wanting more and to live life more. I also realized that in this life you won’t really stop to explore and discover what you can do. You still want to do better and be the best you can be, not just for yourself but for your family as well. Read more>>

Luka Lyman | Actor, Playwright & Artisan

I think taking a risk is easiest when we’re not focused on the risk, like when we’re just compelled to do a thing, to jump in. It’s once we’re in the middle of it, the risks often become apparent. That’s how it works in me. Then it becomes all about the perseverance and seeing the thing through. In those moments, when I’m struggling with obstacles in my way, I remind myself that what’s important about risk is that the benefits become apparent later on. “Remember Luka”, I may say to myself, “when this thing is complete and the gratification fills you up, you will have the ability to look back and say, Yea, I did that. Now, head down and keep going.” Read more>>

Ismael Guerrero Bombut | Cellist

Risks are important. You must take risks in order to move up the ladder. Staying in your comfort zone will not get you anywhere other than staying where you are. Now, do not get me wrong – it is okay for you not to take risks and always play it safe. But do not expect to get to the next level with that mindset. I have taken many risks in my life. I took the risk of leaving my family and my country in search of a better education that ultimately led to better opportunities. Read more>>

Liss Jones | Singer songwriter

I think life is all about risk taking, sometimes it pays off but even if it doesn’t I always learn lessons along the way and would hate to regret not taking risks because I was afraid of things not working out. Read more>>

ruby pappan | choreographer and dancer

Risk taking plays a huge role in my life and career. I love to push myself to do things outside of my comfort zone. I believe that is is a big factor in reaching new heights. If i allow myself to be comfortable… whats the point. Risks are where reward lies. Putting myself out there and trying new things experimenting, i find it fun. I welcome challenges with open arms. I believe that risk taking and failure is what inspires growth. Read more>>

Sonam Chouksey | Physician, Medical Director & Founder

Risk taking keeps life exciting. It keeps one motivated and real. Personally, I feel like I am true to myself when I am not living the same monotonous routine everyday and following my instincts. I had taken risks in my life/career right from an early age. I never ran in the race where one cant breathe and just follows the herd mentality. I experimented with and lived through all the options that were in front of me and made informed choices. Yes it took time, it took strength to ignore noises around but it brought me to platform the where I always wanted to be. Read more>>

DaLeyna Adkinson | Marketer & Cultural Strategist

Dare I say what’s life without a little calculated risk taking? Honestly, as I reflect on my journey both professional and personal, risk taking just might be my mantra. I recognize for everyone it looks different. However, for me, I’ve always had a natural curiousity about life, the pursuit of happiness wrapped in big dreams and goals that seemed a little crazy to everyone else. It’s not that I wanted to be the best, I just had a knowing that there was more possible – more life, more world to see, more opportunities and so I chose to lean into that. Read more>>

Jane Gottlieb | Photography artist using photoshop

I wanted to be my own boss! But I began my career as an art director in advertising working for & learning from art directors. I worked for other people the first 6 years, in NYC & LA. I learned so much about being a professional, being responsible, being grown up. I slowly learned to trust my taste, gut & instinct. I had some wonderful jobs & learned so much. Read more>>