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.

Jennifer Sims

Risk taking is always going to be part of a creative career, I see it as an essential part of the journey – especially in acting/voice acting. For me, taking a risk has meant stepping into the unknown, and saying yes to that little “inside” voice that knew what I really wanted to do and how I wanted to express my creativity. I’m not a believer in jumping and trusting the net will appear, but I’ve learned that sometimes saying yes before I feel completely ready leads to incredible opportunities. Read More>>

Jade Alexandria

Risk-taking has always been a vital part of both my life and career. I think of risk as something that can either open up new opportunities or teach valuable lessons, regardless of the outcome. My great grandmother used to say, “A try beats a fail,” which always stuck with me. It’s a reminder that the act of trying itself holds value, even if things don’t turn out as expected. In the entertainment industry, this mindset is especially crucial. Read More>>

Karolina Kwaśniak

When I think of risk I immediately associate it with fear. And from my experience fear is an integral part of pursuing a career in the arts. There is a lot of doubt and uncertainty involved and it requires a strong belief in something that most people think is impossible to achieve. It takes guts to keep on going. Read More>>

Mark Bijasa

Life’s a risk Carnal…it’s about taking risks. Fortune favors the bold. If you don’t take any risks then you risk to lose even more! I’ve taken many risks in my career and even when things didn’t go in my favor, I walked away with a lesson that became a jewel later on. I kept doing that which lead to being more calculated. Read More>>

Chris Casamassa

For me, risk isn’t something to fear—it’s something to evaluate, prepare for, and embrace. Every major breakthrough in my life and career has come from stepping into the unknown. Read More>>

Olivia Hirmer

I’ve always considered myself a risk-taker- a calculated risk-taker, but one nonetheless. When I moved out to Los Angeles from the East Coast in 2016, I didn’t know anyone, I didn’t have a job lined up and I hadn’t had any formal training in film (meaning, I didn’t study it at school). Read More>>

Dylan Woodhouse

Risk has been the defining factor of my journey. Leaving my home country of Zimbabwe to come to the U.S. was the first big leap, one that came with uncertainty, but also endless possibility. Read More>>

Miriam Ruvalcaba

I view risk as taking a chance on the unknown, holding onto hope for a positive outcome—especially when it comes to my career. As an inherently optimistic person who tends to overthink, I often find myself nervous about stepping into uncertainty. However, I always remind myself to stay positive because without taking risks, personal growth and career advancement would be impossible. Read More>>

Jesse Willesee

I’ve always had this philosophy that I’m never scared to cut off everything I’ve been doing in my life up to that point and start something new. If you look back at my career I’ve done a wide variety of things – from art to rap, and now social media content. Read More>>

Iyala Berley

I think of risk as something that takes us out of our comfort zone, that can push the envelope in expressing our authenticity and can be an invitation to listen to our soul’s guidance. Risks in my life have lead me to new places both geographically and internally and I find the knowledge and growth that comes through travel and inner work to be an important part of my personal evolution. Read More>>

Ariell Ilunga

I’ve come to think of risk as the cost of authenticity. When I opened Carla’s, I wasn’t just trying to build a financially sound business—I was also trying to create a space that reflects my values. A place where people feel welcome, where community is nourished, and where good food becomes a vehicle for connection. Read More>>

Leslie Castro-Kolta

Risk is an interesting concept, especially when it comes to life and career. When I think of risk I reference one of my favorite quotes “discomfort is the price of admission to a meaningful life” (Susan David, PhD). Risk is stepping away from your comfort zone, stepping into the unknown, and exploring your consciousness to what’s uncomfortable. Read More>>

Jose Rosete

It’s pretty crucial. Aside from moving to Hollywood and leaving home behind, there’s a transition that every actor and that I had to deal with and take into consideration at some point, and that’s wanting and needing to become a full time working actor. That means no more regular job. Read More>>

Damon Haley

I think I was born to be a risk taker because I have always been at risk. Sometimes in physical danger growing up in South Central LA, but always at risk of not living my best life, gaining access to great opportunities and/or not getting phenomenal chances at advances. Risk has to do with one’s fear of the unknown or unlikely. Read More>>