Taking Risk is essential, but how much, when and why? Taking risks effectively is as much of an art as it is a science and we’ve asked some of the brightest folks in the community to tell us about how they think about risk taking.

Danielle Clarke-Fisher | Comedian

Risk is the spice of life, and it’s absolutely delicious. High risk high reward? Low risk low reward? Either way I’m getting a sweet little reward, and who doesn’t love that? Being afraid to take a risk, whether in life or career, is an opportunity to be both courageous and gorgeous. After all, who can see you being gorgeous if your ass is sitting the hell at home? Get outside, breathe it in, and eat it up – and remember the game is ever over until you win. Read more>>

Lofton Etheridge | Travel + Lifestyle Blogger

Embracing risks has become an integral part of my character, playing a pivotal role in shaping both my professional and personal life. Without taking those bold leaps, I wouldn’t have achieved my current position or personal growth. Whether it’s relocating to a new part of the country, resigning from secure jobs in pursuit of something more fulfilling, or launching my own business, I have willingly steered away from my comfort zone since 2021. The journey towards success is anything but straightforward or pretty, but the beacon of hope at the end of the tunnel makes every step worthwhile. In all honesty, life rewards those who dare to be bold. It demonstrates genuine courage and trust in grander designs, similar to the act of a trust fall. Read more>>

Raissa | Recording artist

I think risk is an imperative to being an artist. From something as obvious as sharing yourself through your art with others and being vulnerable, that is risk; all the way to moving cities countries or even continents in my case, to pursue what you feel called to do. There is no set path, no map, no one to tell you what to do or how to do it, what to make, how to share it. Risk and faith are necessary for a life lived in art! Read more>>

Mike Reifeiss | Owner of Aall In Limo & Party Bus

Taking risks is essential for entrepreneurs as it opens up new opportunities. How would we learn, gain experience, and grow without risk management? It makes it possible for entrepreneurs to access more resources if their gamble pays off, and for me, it has. It even led to an entirely new direction in my life and career. Risk means taking a chance. With the possibility of failing or succeeding, I took my opportunity as my company started with a risky move in 2005. I was at a poker event. I went all in and won big! At that time, I needed a professional change, but I did not realize the shift would strike so soon, right with that poker game. Read more>>

Kelly Blackheart | Writer/Producer/Podcaster

At 30 I was in a completely different career. I had worked in renewable energy for about 11 years and my last couple years was in the finance sector. I was making great money but I was absolutely miserable. It felt like the creative part of my brain was dying every day and my depression had come back in FULL FORCE to the point where I thought about removing myself from life every day. My brother had just gotten a show picked up with Jim Jefferies and I reached out, jokingly at first, “you got any jobs for me? PA? I’ll get coffee and be so good at it!” I took a $110,000 pay cut and started as a PA. Best decision I ever made for my mental health. It truly saved my life. I miss having money- but I don’t miss the agony of doing something I hated every day. Read more>>

Camila Pons | Production Designer

I believe in doing one thing everyday that challenges me and wires my brain differently. There really isn’t a good reward without a big risk, it’s important for me to keep pushing and questioning my concepts and ideas, to always work on improving and adjusting my goals and to find great collaborators along the way. Production design is a craft that requires you to take big risks as far as trusting your concepts and pitching your vision, having a solid understanding of why you do what you do and voicing that confidently is a risk that has proven to yield incredible rewards, its also important to stay flexible but focused on The design principles you set for yourself and your team. Read more>>

Mesmera Merkaba | Mid-East Dance Master Performer, Instructor

It was certainly a risky move to liquidate my garment business in the mid 70s to be a professional belly dancer. I’ve continued this sort of risk through innovation, as it’s not copying or being the same that‘s sparks my creativity. In fact, it’s offering something fresh or different that’s been my biggest motivation and most successful work. I seem to have a romantic relationship with the thrill of the unknown. I like to improvise and delight in exploring variations. Yes, it feels risky because there’s a potential for failure, a flop, poor response and personal disappointment. Still, there’s no excitement for me in being a clone, so the courage to create is an essential challenge for personal growth as well as evolution within the community. Read more>>

G. Z. Asch | Screenwriter

In the grand scheme of things, there is no single decision that exists without risk. But, what is different about what we consider to be “risky” decisions, moving to LA to pursue a career in film, for example, is that these choices cause an immense amount of doubt. It feels almost impossible to shake that feeling that things could completely fall apart, but what is so powerful about that is that same amount of energy we place in doubt can also be placed in belief. Just as there are negatives, there are positives. If failure is possible, so is success. With great risk comes great reward, and choosing to take that risk is to believe, deep down, that the reward is coming. Read more>>

Mark Pang | Mortgage Consultant

No risk, no reward! I believe that risk is an important part of life and progress. Without taking risks, we limit our potential for growth and reward. While it’s important to assess and manage risks, playing it safe can also mean missing out on valuable opportunities. In my career, I’ve recognized the significance of taking calculated risks. By stepping outside my comfort zone, I’ve gained new experiences, learned valuable lessons, and achieved personal and professional growth. Embracing risk has allowed me to pursue new goals, challenge myself, and ultimately reap the rewards that come with it. Read more>>

Victoria Male | Writer & Producer

Risk is an essential factor in the creative process – to create is to take a risk. Initially, sharing my writing and ideas with others felt as risky and revealing as taking my clothes off in front of them. Whenever I sit down to work on a new project, I’m taking a risk — I have no idea if this idea will work, let alone if people with respond to it favorably, and invest in it. However, I also firmly believe that the best art exists because of risk – a recent example that comes to mind is the film “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once”. The filmmakers took a tremendous risk making the movie as weird and wonderful as it was, and because of that, the film excelled both commercially and critically. It was a risk to make something so different, but that’s why so many people loved it. Read more>>

Yo Quiero Silla | Artist DJ

This is a great question. For me, the first few years as an Artist are going to operate at a loss. Period. That is a risk that most people that want to “do what they love.” Aren’t prepared to take. From finding your sound, demographic, rate, social media presence, overall image and straight up performance, all factors matter when it comes to risk vs reward. You must believe in yourself before anyone else through thick and thin. It should never be fake it until I make it, it’s a face it until I make it. I always say, when things happen that are out of my control come show day, I am my first and my last resort. So that means what you bring to the table day of show is what matters most. Read more>>

Lorna Lopez | Model and Photographer

The word risk I find to be a bit scary because it means there is a possibility of failure and that provokes fear. So I try to look at it instead as “opportunity”. There are always choices you have to make in life or in business and if you can evaluate those choices to see what the possible opportunities are, instead of the possible failures, then you will work toward them in a more positive way and not with underlying worry or concern. The biggest risk, (or opportunity), I took was to believe in myself. Once I pushed past the fears I found them to be unfounded and became excited to pursue my goals. I don’t burst out the door exuding confidence every day. Read more>>