Shoot your shot? Take a chance? Society bombards us with messages, phrases, examples and stories of how taking risk is the key to success, but is anything ever that simple? We asked some of the brightest folks we know to tell us about how they think about risk. We’ve shared their responses below.

Marissa Leal

To me, risk is really about having faith—faith in yourself, in new possibilities, and in whatever path lies ahead. It’s shown up in two big parts of my life: my career and my creative journey.

A few years ago, my husband started DJing and began taking classes at the Beat Junkie Institute of Sound. Watching him dive into something totally new, have so much fun, and connect with such a cool community made me curious.  Read More>>

Gabzzz

Risk has been a defining force in both my personal journey and creative career. I’ve learned that risk isn’t always loud or flashy, and although most of your loved ones won’t understand and will call you crazy for it, you have to follow your intuition and guide yourself through all the “no’s,” with grace and an open mind. Read More>>

Taylor Orcí

When I think about risk, I think about value— as in, you judge what you value in life by what you risk giving up for it. I also think of risk in terms of a kind of gamble, do I double down when things feel slow? What do I choose to risk to stay in the game of this industry and is it worth it? I like to think I take pretty big risks. I try to keep my overhead pretty low so I have more room to do that. Read More>>

Brooke Fancellu

If I hadn’t taken the leap and left my comfortable corporate job as a graphic designer, I would’ve never discovered what was waiting on the other side of uncertainty. Taking that risk opened the door to something deeply personal: I built Moka Crème, my own creative studio—a space where I could finally blend everything I love. That one bold move led to a first year filled with growth, purpose, and a kind of freedom I didn’t know I was missing. Risk, for me, has been the starting point of everything that now feels truly aligned. Read More>>

Brett Schwers

Risk-taking has been a foundational part of both my personal journey and the growth of Limitless MFG. As a Los Angeles Creative Agency working with high-level talent and IP, we’re constantly pushing boundaries — creatively and operationally. Taking calculated risks has allowed us to evolve from a local screenprinting business in Los Angeles into an all-in-one service provider with a worldwide network of production shops, creating all kinds of products for any industry with a passion for growth within branding. Read More>> 

Benjamin Maedo

For me, risk is about recognizing opportunities that lead to the most meaningful growth. I graduated from Wilson High School in Long Beach in the summer of 2020, right at the height of the pandemic. Like many people around the world, I faced an uncertain future. I knew I was passionate about art, but I wasn’t sure how best to develop that passion. At first, I enrolled at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo as an art major. However, just before the academic year began, a series of lucky connections led me to visit the studio of the YouTuber ZHC.  Read More>>

Jenny Garrett

Risk comes in levels, and in both life and business, what might feel low-risk to someone else doesn’t always feel that way to me. I’ve always been outgoing and friendly—I genuinely love striking up conversations with strangers and helping people feel seen and included. In my photography journey, that natural curiosity and openness has led me to photograph some truly incredible humans—just by being willing to talk, listen, and form genuine connections. Read More>>

Ari Cogen

Risk is the fuel behind everything I do. To me, it’s all about betting on yourself when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. At 14, I made a decision that would shock most families, including mine. I told my parents I had no intention of going to college. Instead, I wanted to turn my passion for creating videos into a career — an idea that felt completely foreign, even unacceptable, to my family.  Read More>>

Alex Scott

For much of my life, especially in the area of vocation, I’ve avoided risks. There have been a number of times where I’ve wanted to rage-quit a service job I didn’t like and (dramatically and romantically) leave to find some creative work that felt more aligned with who I wanted to be in the world. I took a few mini-risks when I believed they would likely lead to a favorable outcome, but I never took a big leap. My primary caregiver died during my sophomore year in college, and from then on I believed I was only one misstep away from not being able to support myself.  Read More>>

James Hartenfeld

Pursuing comedy and creative work has been one of the craziest risks to calculate in my life, and still is. It’s hard to repeatedly tell myself that if I keep working hard I’ll get what I want out of this. Talent expires at a certain point, and I’ve had to convince myself being willing to show up is a real skill. I started doing comedy before people were dedicating themselves to TikTok and IG, I don’t have any industry connections, so all I can do is consistently give people good shows and hope I stand out. There is real risk in being a comic in your 30’s with all those things working against you- even if you’re booked all the time.  Read More>>

Hen Thai

My initial response to this question is that I am afraid of taking risks. Like everyone else, I have moments where I doubt myself and my ability to succeed, so I fall back on my comfort zone and my routine. My perfectionism can hold me back. The fear of criticism and failure sometimes wins. Other times, when I’m brave, I take that leap, and my life is better because of it. Read More>>

Karin Hallén

Risk-taking has been a huge part of my life. It has been like a red thread woven throughout my entire life. Maybe that’s why I find the subject of risk very interesting, and I have a lot of thoughts on it.

I do think the act of becoming a creative in today’s world is a risk in itself. But I want to go deeper than that. Read More>>

Ava Grimes

I think taking risks is a very important process in being creative, particularly in pursuing a creative career. As a Producer, I have found that risk-taking has been a consistent attribute that I continue to refine. Specifically, I have taken personal, emotional, creative, and logistical risks on my career journey. Personally and emotionally, I have summoned up the courage to communicate candidly to create a productive set by removing negative elements, maintaining momentum, inspiring creative problem-solving, and encouraging collaboration. Read More>>

Andres Vasquez

“Risk has shaped everything I’ve built. Starting Libertá Fitness wasn’t easy — no loans, no backing, just a belief that I could create a space where people could learn Muay Thai and train with heart and purpose. That belief came from my brother. Read More>>

Yuliia Dudchenko

Without risking I would probably never moved through countries, would never organise any event. It’s always about your capacity and ability to face challenges and problems when they are coming your way. I found some joy in that actually. You’re never know what risk or new ideas can bring you, but in my experience it’s always good. It’s always new doors open, new amazing people in my circle. Everything is working out for me in the best way, and I always feel very blessed and grateful for that! ❤️ Read More>> 

Marinés Soria

Risk has always been part of how I live and create. It’s what pushes me into new territories, whether stylistic, conceptual, or collaborative. In my most recent work “Quizás, Perhaps”, a bossa nova video I directed and produced, I took a chance by blending genres and betting on a niche idea. The result was 33k views and a strong response from the public. I believe risk involves not just personal courage but a commitment to creating space for new forms, particularly within Latin American art, where our hybrid nature is fertile ground for cultural innovation. Read More>>

Casey Carroll

I have to admit, since my divorce in 2017, my whole life has felt like one big risk. Not long after, someone close to me said, “The world is your oyster, Casey.” It was like someone flipped on the lights in a dark room. Yes, I was heartbroken over what I’d lost, but also, yes, the possibilities were suddenly endless. No partner. No mortgage. No kids. I could do all the things that used to whisper to me, like walk the Camino de Santiago, take time off, change careers, work remotely, stop drinking alcohol, do more yoga, and live in a place where the mountains meet the sea (hello, LA). Read More>>

Alexandra Sarmiento

Risk 🙂 something I thrive off of something that makes me want something even more. In just about every role I’ve ever had has been a risk. I’ve always been a risk taker and somewhat loved being doubted to just do it even better then someone’s doubt 🙂 confidence plays a big role and so does the mind, the mind is very powerful IT CAN EITHER MAKE YOU, BREAK YOU OR TEACH YOU. With this confidence I had a gift a purpose to change anyone that wasn’t confident enough in an interest I would feed them mine and their mindset would change drastically. Read More>>

Lisa Templer

In my career, I was presented with an opportunity to take a significant risk—and I went for it. I was well aware of the classic advice: “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” and “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.” But sometimes, you just have to trust your instincts and follow your heart. I truly believed in my vision and felt confident that my business would take off. Read More>>