There is a wealth of academic research that suggests that differences in risk appetite are at the heart of differences in career and business trajectories. We wanted to go beyond the theory and ask real people from the community about their perspectives and experiences with risk and risk taking.

Rose Bentley

I believe risk-taking is absolutely necessary when pursuing a dream. It’s a crucial part of growth because every step forward involves some level of uncertainty. I would describe myself as a cautious risk-taker—being a single mother, I can’t act on a whim. I have to ensure my child’s needs are never at risk. Because of that, I carefully consider both the potential reward and the worst-case scenario. If the consequences aren’t entirely life-altering, then why not take the leap? The reward could be life-changing—in the best way possible. Read More>>

Allen Kamrava

Risk is a significant part of entrepreneurship. In some ways, it is the foundational difference between an employed individual and one who is self-employed. When employed, the risk to their income is somewhat on a binary scale. As long as the company is not bankrupt, he can remain reasonably confident that each pay cycle will result in a consistent cash flow as income. Read More>>

Jessica Carlos

I am big believer that calculated risks are absolutely necessary for growth and success. I started my firm approximately one year ago out of necessity, and it’s been the biggest reward thus far. I never anticipated starting my own firm—always saying that it was going to be too much work, or too much liability, and I preferred working for someone else. Read More>>

Sue Shaheen

As a female Arab actor in Hollywood, who moved across the world, I think “risk-taking” is my middle name! haha! Moving from Egypt to Los Angeles was a massive risk in itself – a complete uprooting, culturally, professionally, everything. But I knew that staying within my comfort zone wouldn’t allow me to pursue my dreams. So, I embraced the unknown. Read More>>

Munja (lovro Kriznar)

Well I think everyone should take risks. Look at me for example. I left my small home town of Kranj, Slovenia, I took a risk, moved out to Los Angeles and it worked out great so far. I made a bunch of amazing friends, I’m doing good in school, hell even the Dean of Musicians Institute put me on his “honor list” or what they call it for my good grades I got last quarter. Read More>>

Laurie Porter

Risk-taking and entrepreneurship go hand in hand! To start a business, you’ve got to believe so completely in your product that you cannot imagine failure and that belief is at the heart of why we started Smog City.

Over the years, Porter and I have worked hard to build Smog City into a company that isn’t just about brewing world-class beers, it’s about community, and making lasting connections that resonate with customers and keep them coming back for more. But at the core of it all, it’s still just a leap of faith at every move. Read More>>

Haoyuan Ren

As an immigrant, risk has been a part of my life from an early age. Moving to a new country without knowing the language, starting over without familiar support systems, and later moving to Los Angeles without professional connections—all of these experiences shaped the way I approach uncertainty.

Looking back, there were times when I had no choice but to take a risk, and I often wished I had been better prepared. Read More>>

Jeremiah Walton

Risk-taking is something I still struggle with, but looking back, it’s also what has brought me to where I am today.

Leaving a professional dance company in Oklahoma City to pursue a choreography career in Los Angeles was one of the biggest risks l’ve ever taken. I left behind my home, family, friends, job (shoutout to Braum’s), and an amazing dance company (shoutout to RACE Dance Collective). Read More>>

Cody Walzel

Risk terrifies me. But I’ve learned to suffer through it because it’s led to every success in my life. I broke into animation at 19 after a studio showed their sizzle reel at my college. I thought my work was on that level, but they wouldn’t return my emails. So I showed up at their office in Chelsea, Manhattan. The building required a keycard, so I snuck up in the freight elevator with a delivery man. Read More>>

Freddy Fast Faces

As with many creatives, my parents pushed me toward a degree that I could “fall back on” if my dreams of becoming a famous artist didn’t work out. As we know, as adults, that’s a nice way of saying “you’re not gonna make it, kid”. Cut to 20 years later, still working on the dream. Only now, I am 10 years behind. Read More>>

Alina Kaminskaia

I would say risk-taking isn’t for everyone and not for every industry. However, a lot of times if you really want to make a difference in this world, leave an impact, and reach your full potential, it’s essential. For me, taking risks has never been an option it has been the driving force behind most I’ve achieved. Read More>>

Alfonso Cobo

I’ve learned that the biggest rewards often come from calculated risks. Whether it was bootstrapping Unfold with no outside funding or buying and renovating a Tribeca loft above asking price, I’ve always trusted my instincts. Risks feel less daunting when they align with your vision and passion. It’s about being bold but strategic – making decisions quickly and not getting stuck in hesitation. I know that if I make 100 decisions in a day, a few might be wrong, but as long as they fall within my risk limits, that’s part of the process. Moving forward with confidence is what keeps momentum and innovation alive. Read More>>

Jordan Sweet

Risk-taking is the foundation of my faith, ambition, and every major milestone in my career. I’ve learned that without risk, there’s no real growth. Whenever I encounter doubt—whether from others or within myself—it fuels me to push harder and prove that I can. Some of my biggest opportunities in content creation, fashion, and digital strategy came from embracing the unknown, even when fear was present. Read More>>

Molly Crimmins

I have a somewhat interesting relationship with risk…I’ve always been an extremist, never doing anything halfway. If I’m in, I’m ALL in. With the winning combo of an eye for opportunity and bias for action, when it comes to risk, I’m usually going for it. However, this doesn’t always mean it’s the best idea to do so, but instead usually just a result of me not slowing down long enough to fully consider the potential consequences. Read More>>

Carmen Deleon

Without risk there’s no reward, right?

Ever since moving to LA over ten years ago, every step in my life thus far has involved some sort of risk. Making the move to a big city from a small town, where I didn’t know anyone was a big risk all in itself. Read More>>

Bea Del Pozo

Risk as a filmmaker, and as an artist, is inevitable. More than that, it’s necessary. The film industry is not for the weak. Everyone in it has a voice inside them that refuses to be ignored, an unshakable urge to tell stories, bring emotions to life and turn fleeting thoughts into something real. The only way to quiet that voice is to create. Read More>>

Harnish Ambaliya

I see risk as an opportunity for growth and a necessary step to overcome obstacles. Growing up in the slums of Mumbai taught me that life is full of challenges, and breaking through those barriers often requires taking calculated risks. My journey into filmmaking has been defined by taking such risks. Whether it was leaving engineering to work with renowned singer Kailash Kher, or leaving a stable producing career in India to study cinematography at USC—a huge risk that many advised against—each step has been towards achieving my goals. Read More>>