We asked some brilliant folks from the community to talk to us about how they think about risk and the role risk has played in their lives and careers.

Gabriel James | Chief Marketing Officer & Bartender

I say, do it. It’s all about pushing boundaries and embracing the unknown. I think we live in a world that’s changing crazy fast, and playing it safe might not always cut it. Risks can be, like, the gateway to great experiences and It’s through challenges and stepping outside our comfort zones we often discover new opportunities for growth and innovation. It’s not about being reckless. I am more about calculated risks. I am extremely analytical and calculated person myself. Like, do the research, weigh the pros and cons, and then dive in. I believe that some of the most rewarding opportunities come from taking those bold steps, but it’s important to be smart about it. Read more>>

Claudia Lee | Actress, Entrepreneur

Risk is the game we all participate in. Without risk there is no fun, there is no instinct reaction or decision making. We all stay similar and boring. Risk has played a huge role in my life and career. You must take risks as an artist otherwise what’s the point. Fear of rejection will castrate creativity. I can admit that some risks were worth taking, and others were painful. I have regrets for not taking enough risks, but I can’t move forward if I’m starring back. As a woman in the entertainment industry, in some ways; you’re always at risk. It’s a big risk to navigate Hollywood, to be vulnerable, and to put yourself out there. Read more>>

Victoria Tavoukjian | Fashion Designer

When it comes down to it, I think that all of my achievements thus far have been as a result of being unapologetically myself. It’s cliché, but there’s an inherent risk to being true to yourself. You never know how people will react or if you’re making the right decisions especially in an artistic field that’s as competitive as fashion. However, at the same time, that’s the only way you can stand out. It’s a hard balance to find because while I need to stay motivated as an artist, I also need the consumer to like my pieces. This is something I’ve definitely gotten better at as time has passed. Read more>>

Marco Johnson | Co-Founder of Accreditation Advisors Group

As an entrepreneur, risk-taking comes with the territory. We’ve always maintained the mindset that if we take a risk, as it relates to business, “what’s the worst-case scenario if things don’t go the way we’ve hoped for?” and, can we handle that outcome and have a plan of action on standby to address this outcome? Entrepreneurship and risk-taking are not for the faint of heart. Without question, the most significant risk we’ve taken was for my wife and me to decide to walk away from a fantastically secure and rewarding career as a firefighter/paramedic for the city of Los Angeles to focus 100% of our efforts on our start-up company. Read more>>

Natalia Nakopia | Music Artist

When I really love something, I try not to let fear get in the way. I consider risk-taking a commitment to my craft. As a music artist and creative, embracing risks is super important for growth and success. Every time I release a song, share an out-of-the-box idea, or reveal my intimate thoughts and emotions through my music, I take a risk that may feel intimidating but proves to be incredibly fulfilling in the end, regardless of the outcome. This process has inspired me to create and has taught me courage and self-love; without risk, there is simply no reward. Read more>>

Jana Haraty | Actress & Improviser

Leaving my home to pursue acting in New York was undoubtedly one of the most exhilarating and nerve-wracking decisions I’ve ever made. It was a leap of faith that i took after the Beirut explosion. It was driven by an insatiable passion for the craft and a burning desire to bring stories to life on the stage and screen and be a good example to my country. The thought of stepping into the unknown, leaving behind the familiar comforts and routines family and friends, was both daunting and thrilling. When it comes to risk, I’ve always believed that taking calculated chances is an essential ingredient for growth and success. Read more>>

Andrea Fairweather | Pioneer of the mobile beauty industry

Taking risks was and still is a high factor in me starting my business and in my product creations. It is proof of my visions and faith walk. Literally. Sometimes I get vivid thoughts and signs through prayer and my dreams. Those are the times when I know I must follow the signs being given to me because it is the moment to move on them and make it happen. It can feel like a free fall because one does not know what is ahead. But I would rather take a chance than not try at all. Read more>>

Abhi Ananda | Singer-songwriter, instrumentalist, and composer

I’m an optimist. I always look at risk as the beautiful part of life. I don’t know how other people sees it, but for me, taking a risk is like going all out and follow what your heart really wants. There are three biggest risks I’ve taken that completely changed my life and made me who I am right now. The first risk that I took was to pursue a music career after graduated from college and stayed away from corporate jobs. It was a hard decision because people judged me for that, but it was worthy because I’m still doing music until now and I’m happy. The second one was when I decided to move to the United States and enrolled at McNally Smith College of Music. Read more>>

EASAE | Singer – Songwriter

Risk is the willingness to potentially feel uncomfortable crossing to where you’re headed. Sometimes you land opposite of where you originally thought you would. I think we associate risk with negative connotations such as, failure, danger or threat but I think it is simply getting out of your comfort zone. Risk makes life more exciting in my opinion! Pursuing music is a risk but so is everything. Music just happens to be a highly oversaturated market with an unclear blueprint,
Risk has taught me lessons, given me opportunities and overall helped me grow in ways I do not believe I would have otherwise. Read more>>

Ash Drako | Music Producer/DJ & Filmmaker

Risks, as much as they sound uncomfortable and scary are quite important for our growth. From what I have learnt that sometimes risking everything is what pays off on the path of becoming best version of ourselves that we aspire to be. Personally, it has always been about taking risks for me and I cannot really imagine how life would have been for me if it wasn’t for some certain huge risks I had never taken; like moving to LA at the age of 19 as an immigrant without knowing a single soul in this place to silent battles with depression, which despite being really uncomfortable and challenging; helped me become the person I am today. Read more>>

JJ Cassiere | Co-Founder / Talent Agent, 33 & West

At my company 33 & West, we always say “If you don’t try, you will never know.” I view risk-taking as an essential component of one’s personal and professional growth. Throughout my own life and career, risk-taking has played a pivotal role, and has been instrumental in my journey, especially given that I didn’t go to college or have any family financial support to fall back on. My own true risk-taking began when I left my family’s home in West Palm Beach, Florida to move to New York City, after accepting my first proper job offer in the music industry at a talent agency. Read more>>

Yuqin Ni | Graphic Designer

Every move I made in my studies and career involved taking chances—it’s just part of the journey. It’s not that I love risks; what I love is my goals and the exciting possibilities, which always come with risks naturally. Risks mean unpredictable cons and pros behind every choice. Sadly we don’t always have the privilege of getting to know what they sign up for before we jump into something new. The key is to gather as much information as you can, decide if the potential rewards are worth the risks, and have the bravery to try new things. Read more>>

Nick Ray McCann | Filmmaker & Musician

Reality is already a risk. There are already so many things that can go wrong beyond anything you can control. Adding risk feels counterintuitive, but I think it’s about adding the right kind of risk. The right kind of risk needs a goal in mind. A finished product, a feeling, a good story. The bad kind is aimless. It could be as simple as having a bad attitude. Not being open to connecting with people, not being patient, that’s risky as hell. Read more>>

Jose Guzman | Celebrity News Host & Entertainer

I think that taking a risk is pretty challenging and intense because you are putting yourself in a situation were you are at a high chance of failing and getting out of your comfort zone however I think that taking a risk is still a good thing because you can actually learn and grow since you are learning new things that you do not know. The role that taking risks has played in my life and career was taking these challenging classes back in college, I took a difficult health science class, a difficult U.S history class and a difficult communications class that I was afraid I was going to fail all three classes but I pushed through that risk and thankfully I passed all three classes and to this day, I am proud of have taken that risk because I would have not gotten far at all. Read more>>

Alexis Vazquez | Artist, Professional Dancer, Actor

The biggest risk in my life as of today has been moving from New York to Los Angeles to further my career as a professional dancer. Before moving to LA, for 27 years, all I knew was my home town so the risk turned out to be the unknown. Not having anything figured out, yet allowing my instincts to guide me to where I am today, a working professional dancer. As far as what role it plays, the fact that I took a risk at the unknown, the unknown allowing me to be fearless in other aspects of my career, by evolving and trusting the journey which has now led me into acting, a risk I would’ve never taken had I not believed in the magic in risk taking. Read more>>

Poorva Wachh | Actor

Life, in my perspective, is an intricate tapestry of challenges and risks, and my journey in the acting realm epitomizes this philosophy. Every project, whether it’s preparing for a multitude of characters in films or taking on lead roles in feature films, web series, or high-profile commercials like the Toyota Prius commercial, has been a profound challenge, each contributing to my growth as an actor. One of the most exhilarating endeavors this year is stepping back into the shoes of the lead character for the second part of “The Big Rant.” Despite receiving accolades and two Best Actor awards for the first installment, this sequel represents an entirely new challenge. Read more>>

Alysha Hemani | Brand Project Manager & Petite New York Model

I think taking risks are a necessary part of growth. My personal and professional career would not be where it is today without me believing in myself and taking the leap of faith to move to New York and demand better for myself. Read more>>

Rayna Verdine | Model, Creative Director, Filmmaker and Director

Taking risk was one of my biggest fears, worried if I take the risk I wouldn’t like the outcome of it. I would before think negatively if I did this and did that that something bad would happen but it was the opposite. Taking risk is like taking your first step ; you don’t know what’s going to happen, how it’s going to happen and what’s going to happen next. When I entered the industry as a model, I was always scared and worried that nobody would like me, want to work with me, didn’t like how I look and worried I wasn’t the size requirement but it was the opposite. I took the risk with not having any experience, training, connections or anything and just did it. Read more>>