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.

Carol Grando

I understand that risks can be scary at first, but I see them as a necessary step for success in any career. In the music industry, stepping out of your comfort zone is mandatory for an artist to overcome barriers that has been pressured at us, that it can become true in our own minds with the time. Therefore, taking risks can definitely become our armor against our biggest fears. Going beyond the limits takes us to heights we would never have imagined if we hadn’t gone through it, even with fear. Read More>>

Chad Welson

Aristotle says virtue is the mean between two extremes, and I try to think of risk in the same way. On one side of the scale is perceived safety and security, holding on to what you have, and on the other is reckless abandon and unrestrained rashness. The magic happens somewhere between those extremes, and the line I aim for is right outside my comfort zone. Read More>>

Ashmita Biswas

Throughout my life and career, I’ve consistently chosen the unconventional path—one that aligns with passion and purpose rather than predictability. I’ve never envisioned myself in a traditional 9-to-5 role or confined to a cubicle. From the beginning, risk-taking has been central to my journey and growth. Read More>> 

Katrina Manning

I don’t just think of risk as something to manage; I see it as a necessary part of growth. To me, risk is not about recklessness; it’s about courage and not being afraid to fail. Every bold move I’ve made, from running for City Council to starting a small business, came with uncertainty. But I never let the fear of failure outweigh the possibility of impact. Read More>>

Kaelin

The trajectory of my life changed when I started taking risks. I’ve always been extremely reserved and shy, mostly due to the fear of failure and rejection. When I stopped letting that hold me back and started taking risks, a whole new world opened up for me. It’s what got me on a flight to France by myself to work at the Cannes Film Festival (my first time out of the country), it’s what gave me the confidence to walk the red carpet at the Golden Globes, it’s what helped me land my first job. Fear is going to be there every time you take a big risk – but it will always be worth it knowing that you took a chance and put yourself out there. Read More>> 

Nicholas Valentine

I’ve always believed that there’s no real reward without some type of risk. But the key isn’t to avoid risk—it’s to manage it with discipline, not emotion. In the Marine Corps, we faced high-stakes situations where risk was a given. But we never acted recklessly. We followed critical procedures, assessed the mission, and made calculated decisions based on necessity and logic—not fear or impulse. Read More>>

Kristina Khersonsky

I’ve come to learn that life is a perpetual merry-go-round of risk-taking, whether you’re aware of it or not. My take on taking risks is that more people miss out on opportunities analyzing the risk-reward ratio than if they would have just taken a leap. The reality is that as humans, we constantly seek to reap the best outcome and most think that doing so is by controlling factors around them. But, more often, risk, and a whole lot of faith in your pursuit, will bring you more satisfaction, and a satisfactory outcome, than having had sat still. Read More>>

Da Jung (Joanna) Lee

Naturally, I tend to shy away from taking risks. I like playing it safe. However, I’ve learned that I can’t and shouldn’t avoid risk. Risk is so important, especially in the creative/arts field. If you don’t take risks, you’ll put a cap on your creativity and character, and stay stuck in the same place. Even the act of starting my own business was a huge risk – and not every decision in this journey was a smart or successful one! I’ve learned that even if it’s uncomfortable, it’s so valuable to take a risk, fail, learn from the experience, and move forward in renewed wisdom and hope to try again. Read More>>

Narcisse Je’Juan

I think about risk like a new door opening. When you don’t take risks, your life stays stagnant or you get completely stuck in a cycle. Some days I just go for it, and it really boost my spirit or it brings me new opportunities. Even in failure, taking the risk is greater than the outcome. It gets easier to take risks and eventually it becomes second nature. You conquer your mind you conquer the world, take those risks. Read More>>

Audrey Harden

My parents raised me to abide by Murphy’s law, so I can’t help but look at something from 360 degrees and play out all the ways it could go to shit, which sounds pretty negative but I swear it’s more about being open to all possibilities and outcomes. I also had sobering experiences early on in life that taught me how temporary and fleeting this journey is. I’ve always been rooted in our mortality even as a kid.  Read More>>