Taking Chances

We asked some of the most interesting folks in the community to open up about how they think about taking chances and the role risk has played in their lives and careers. Risk is by far the topic folks talk to us most about and we hope the responses below will help shed light on many different perspectives.

Fili Filizzola | Mastering Engineer & Artist/Songwriter

That is a very good question. Risk is something we all have to take in our lives, at one point or another and in some cases, more often than we feel comfortable with. Despite knowing that everyone, in order to grow and succeed in any endeavor, needs to take risks, I believe in taking “calculated” risks. I believe there are degrees of “risks”. There might be situations where the risk is basically “make it or break it” or “win everything or lose all”, but I think there’s always a way to take the big leap or make a move in life while minimizing the risk. Read more>>

Ben West | Music Artist

Taking risks and being a risk taker has been essential in any successes that I’ve had in my career. Whether it’s packing my bags in a blink of an eye and moving to LA, NYC without any real plan etc to taking on an opportunity without any promise of success. Without taking risks in music it’s almost impossible for artists to get to that next level. Read more>>

Morganico Dotcom | Artist

My work chainsawing tree sculptures is very risky. People have died doing what I have been successful in doing. Lucky for me on this project I only sustained 3 fractured ribs & a stab wound to the hand ( a ladder slipped out from 12ft height causing a fall & a razor sharp carving knife slipped in 2 different accidents ) . So now I can say it’s been worth it, as BBC Radio & a national newspaper are taking an interest in the totem pole sculpture as well as a documentary film being made about it. Read more>>

Lauren Schwartz | Founder The Loft 325 Creative Agency

When I was younger, I was not inclined to take risks. I adhered to the rules, ensuring that everything remained secure and in its designated place. However, as I matured, I realized that the safety of the comfortable box I had created for myself was no longer fulfilling my personal or professional ambitions. Read more>>

Caroline Stephen | Photographer, Artist

Risks have been fundamental to not only my education and career, but to my life in general. Who knows where I would be if I hadn’t stepped out of my previous path! I initially went to school in order to go into prison reform, and realizing that it was time for me to move away and pursue my career as artist, was a massive decision. I was afraid of disappointing the people I loved most, but in the end, those people were incredibly excited about the prospect of me pursuing something that brought me joy. The biggest lesson I learned was that I had to say “yes” to opportunities, but also to myself. Read more>>

Stephanie Windland | Singer, Actor, Director, host, Creative figuring it out as she goes

My college graduation cap says “Do the things you’re scared of” in colorful stickers. That was my favorite quote for years. The idea of leaving your comfort zone and facing life head on was so appealing to me. I wasn’t necessarily great at it though. In many ways I did take risks but I’m also a master of justifying why I’m not ready for something. I’ve let opportunities pass me by and have kept myself stuck for years out of fear of disappointing people. The thing about risk is that you really have to find the balance in being calculated and brave. It’s good to sit down and think about the consequences, however, we so often focus on what could go wrong and completely forget to focus on what could go right which I honestly feel is more important. When things go wrong, you learn from them. There’s not much to learn from never trying in the first place. Read more>>

Julieta Gerlein | Actress

The extent of a person’s courage determines their size.
I was still very young when I had the opportunity to read this thought in a book, and it questioned me and stuck with me. That phrase forever marked me with the term of having to dare, and that is where one of the principles of success lies because many times there are external things that want to hold us back and even force us to abandon our dreams. But that daring is the action that bends and conquers fear. The act of courage consists of arming yourself with the strength to conquer one’s inner self and, consequently, go out and accomplish one’s dreams. I remember when years ago I envisioned starting the dream of being able to serve people through the art of acting, and it was then that I began to dare. Read more>>

Chris Fischer | Chief Operating Officer & Principal Builder, Lolo Interiors

I’ve always approached risk with a sense of caution. When I was growing up, I watched as my father took calculated, well-timed risks that always seemed to pay off for him. It seemed like he had mastered the art of risk taking and I thought everything he touched turned to gold. In my eyes, he never made a wrong decision when it came to business. I admired him and was inspired to follow in his footsteps. However, in my efforts to also take calculated risks and make perfect decisions, I found myself overthinking and overanalyzing, which I justified in order to avoid making a single wrong decision. Read more>>

Suzanne Schmidt | Actor, Voice Actor, Director, Producer, and Writer

Taking risks for the sake of being daring doesn’t interest me. But I am interested in and believe in following my gut, and sometimes that is scary when that leads to uncharted and challenging situations. I’ve given in to fear occasionally, but when I look at the many times I’ve followed my instincts, I see the synchronicity that came from those choices. Read more>>

Brittnei Schaeffler | CEO Frost Fund & Personal Trainer

With regard to taking risks, I think the easiest way to feel motivated to do so would be to ask yourself, “What will happen or stay the same if I don’t do or try this new thing?” So often we can focus on what might go wrong, but I think staying in the same place or always doing what is comfortable is just as risky. What is life without taking risks, trying new things, operating in faith, and seeing what happens? Most of what I have done in my life has involved taking risks. Sometimes physically, other times just mentally. But the way that I navigate these times is to try and have a sense of humor about life and to also know that I thrive in adventure – even when it can feel scary. Putting yourself out there in any capacity is risky. Read more>>

Edgar Mendez | Filmmaker And Martial Artist

Risk Is Scary But Regret Is Terrifying! I grew up in Modesto, California, a small town where most people aimed for the same few high-paying factory jobs, that would come to our high school Junior and Senior year to recruit. But I had bigger dreams. One of the biggest risks I took early on was being vulnerable enough to tell my family and friends that I wanted to be a film director. It was terrifying to admit because I felt a lot of shame and judgment, like I was reaching for something too big. How could a small-town kid like me ever think about making it in one of the most loved and competitive cities in the world? Read more>>

Gabe Yingshan Lei | Architectural Designer & Multi-media Artist

Risk is an integral part of my creative journey as both an architectural designer and multimedia artist. I’ve learned that embracing uncertainty often leads to the most unexpected and valuable outcomes. My foundation in traditional design principles gave me a strong technical base, but as my creative vision evolved, I began experimenting with new materials and forms of expression. Each time I venture into unfamiliar territory, there’s a risk of failure, yet it’s precisely those missteps or unexpected results that often shape my next creative direction. Read more>>

Nicole Addams | Hair stylist, colorist and friend

As a hairstylist, I believe that pursuing a passion often involves taking calculated risks. Whether it’s accepting the possibility of making less money or working longer hours, these sacrifices are sometimes necessary to achieve a larger goal. The process of pushing through challenges, whether financial or personal, is part of the journey toward success. When those risks are taken, and they lead to a positive outcome, the sense of accomplishment is unparalleled. Without putting something on the line, it’s difficult to truly appreciate the rewards. That’s why the phrase ‘no risk, no reward’ resonates so deeply in both life and career. Read more>>

Morgen Wright | Film Colorist

When it comes to risk, I believe it has been an essential part of my journey. Starting as a freelance colorist, I walked away from a “stable” job as a post-production coordinator to pursue a dream that wasn’t widely understood, in a field that’s extremely niche. The fact that I’m entirely self-taught, without any formal ties to the industry, made the challenge even greater. But I had a clear vision of what I wanted to do, and I trusted my instincts. Read more>>

John Tatone | Founder, Actor, and Producer

When I look at risk, I look at it as a statistical outcome. On a good day, there is a 50% chance the risk works out and a 50% chance it doesn’t. Granted, there are days when the risk statistically outweighs the negative, such as at a 90%/10% chance of success; however, when it comes down to, say, a 90% percent chance the risk doesn’t work out and a 10% chance it does work out, then multiple factors come into play. What are the repercussions if I take on this risk, what would be the outcome if the risk works out, what would be the outcome if it doesn’t, what am I taking a risk on, and most importantly, will taking on this risk have a positive or negative impact on my team and my family and friends who trust me?  Read more>>

Choosing art as my career was one of the biggest risks I have taken. Studying art carries a considerable burden of uncertainty, discipline, and perseverance. On many occasions I have doubted this decision, but, romantically, I believe it has been one of the most successful risks I have taken. Thanks to this, I have been able to dedicate myself to what I really like. Read more>>

Annarosa Mudd | Film Producer, Writer & Actor

One of the main reasons I am in therapy is because choosing a career in filmmaking is high risk, and high reward. Yet it’s not exactly an appropriate use of the word risk. I’m not in a war zone, I’m not running into burning buildings. The risk lies in what has been said, and what we have revealed about human behavior in the films I’ve produced. In my feature film TAPE, our writer/director Deborah Kampmeier created a narrative based on my personal experience with coercion and sexual assault in an audition. Read more>>

Bryant Siono | Music Director/Producer & Restaurant Owner

I have always believed that opportunity is actually spelled (RISK). Opportunities appear in our lives constantly. Do we wanna step out of our comfort zone and get a bit uncomfortable? I tend to live my life in that uncomfortable state more than half of the time. I believe if you’re scared and have doubts, then you’re probably headed in the right direction. Take the risk, is what I tell myself. We’ve heard it time and time again. No risk no reward. Easier said than done. Taking the risk is where all the gains are. People ask me, how did you do this? How did you do that? What did your process look like? I Just took the risk and started the process. There really is no formula to it. One thing will lead you to another and the next thing will catapult you to where you need to be. Read more>>

Carl-philipp Wengler | Actor/Action-Actor

I think it plays a crucial part in anyone’s career, life, success, etc. You have to take risks. There’s also a time to play it safe and not take risks, for sure, but if you never take any risks, I think you’ll miss out on plenty of opportunities. Read more>>

Daniela Islas Bajo | Illustrator and graphic artist

Well it’s really funny because all in my live always consist in taking risks. Since I was a child I was brought up to always try to lead a path where I would not have to take any risks, one where I could always have peace and tranquility but the truth is that for me that meant leading a boring life. Read more>>

Hernán Angulo | Actor & Teaching Artist

I personally view risk as a part of my backstory. I would not be living in this country if it weren’t for my parents making the decision to leave everything behind them and immigrate to a country they’ve never been to and literally navigate it with so much uncertainty. So, I’m very proud that risk-taking is a part of my family’s story. Read more>>

Nick Young | Dancer

When I hear “risk”, I think about the moments right before I push my boundaries for what I’m comfortable with. Most of these situation revolve around performing. I hate to admit it, but I still get nervous, as much as I try to conceal it. Dance is a hard skill to execute. What I’ve learning from my experience taking class and enjoying showcases, is you can easily see a difference in the dancers who choose to take risks in their performance from those who play it safe. Risk taking is beyond terrifying. Read more>> 

Lakithia Nicole | Actress, Recording Artist, Writer & Entrepreneur

It has played a huge part in my career. For instance picking up and moving across the country to follow your heart and purse your dream. That’s a risk, I’ve taken more than once. I think it’s imperative to follow your spirit. If God leads, Go. Following the small still voice inside. It truly guides. And so I say that to say, listen to your heart and follow the still voice inside. It won’t lead you wrong. It is a risk. The outcome for me has been progression. I’ve obtained success through risk taking. No regrets! Risk taking is apart of the journey sometimes. Read more>>

Koloko Ndjomache | Digital creator

Risk is a courageous act, leaving that comfort zone to go elsewhere or doing other things we were not used to doing, is a risk that I have often taken and that has brought me a lot. Not taking a risk means not trying but we must try because often you rediscover yourself and sometimes you can do more than you think. Take risk give me a different mindset and allowed me to attract a different audience on my different pages. Read more>>

Happi Kaur | Makeup Artist

Risk-taking is a necessary part of growth, both personally and professionally. It’s essential for breaking through limitations and achieving something greater. In my career, there have been moments where I took risks by saying yes to projects that were outside my comfort zone or by making significant financial investments in new equipment and education. These financial risks, although uncertain at the time, allowed me to offer better services, attract higher-paying clients, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. The results have often led to bigger opportunities and opened doors that wouldn’t have been available otherwise. Read more>>

Ristore | Music Producer and DJ

I love taking risks. I have my entire life with everything I do. When I was 16 years old (I am currently 20) I decided to apply to boarding school in the Netherlands, I didn’t think there was a chance that I would get in, but low and behold Igot the call while i was at work that I had been accepted. My parents were very supportive, which. am extremely grateful for and I cant even imagine how hard it is to see your teenage son leave everything he knows and loves behind to go live half way around the world. The experience I had moving there and living there for two years taught me so much about risk taking. Read more>>