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.

Tom Ryan | Writer/Director

A determining factor in finding success while pursuing your dreams will always be the kind of risks you took to get there. It all starts with believing in yourself. The confidence of knowing your worth and your potential makes risk taking less risky. It may not feel that way at the time, but it’s true. When you take that leap of faith in business or in your personal life, you’re not betting on a sporting event where chance dictates the outcome. You’re betting on yourself, and you have much more of an influence on the results of your efforts. The truth is, you’ll never find out how great you can be if you’re satisfied with being good enough. For me, that risk was leaving my 9 to 5 job to pursue filmmaking full time. The steady flow of income was hard to give up based on a belief that I could freelance my way to success in the film industry. I certainly knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I had the confidence and support of my family. Now, a year later, I’m waist deep in projects that are paying me fairly, building my resume, and proving that I have worth in this business. I might still be sitting at my old desk punching a keyboard and wondering “what if?” if I hadn’t been willing to take that risk. Read more>>

Nathan Faudree | Screenwriter, Director, Actor

I hate taking risks. But that is the only way to move forward. There is that saying that “Life begins at the edge of your comfort zone.” And that is true. The one that really spoke to me years ago was “A ship is safe in a harbor. But that’s not what ships are for.” The biggest thing about taking risks is that fear of failure. And the good and bad news is that I will continue to fail. I will continue to be uncomfortable. I will continue to be scared. Because that’s what it always comes down to for me. That fear. I think that’s why I primarily work in horror as a genre. It is an opportunity for me to be constantly examining and analyzing my fears. And then I get to share them with everyone else. hahaha Read more>>

Teas One | Tattoo/ Cosmetic Tattoo Artist , Graffiti Artist, Muralist

Risk taking is something I felt I was drawn to since birth. As an artist, my work stems from being inspired by graffiti. Graffiti is more than an art form it’s a life style. It’s about taking risks always and hoping for the best outcome. As a self employed artist and running my own business, I am faced to make decisions. Especially because I don’t have anyone telling me what to do. For example , when I first started my business I knew I had a vision of where I wanted to be, I had the opportunity work in a space that fit almost everything I had wanted. When it came time to signing my contract something didn’t feel right and I didn’t see myself as working with a collective. So I took a risk and did it on my own. It was scary and I lost friendships along the way but I built new ones. I never gave up on myself and I always allow myself to continue to chase whatever dreams and goal I desire. If you’re too comfortable , it’s time to take a risk for growth. Read more>>

T.B.D. | Your Favorite Alt-Rock Band from the I.E.

There’s no momentum without risk. Taking chances and betting on yourself is a part of the process in writing songs and performing. You could say that forming T.B.D. was a risk. It started eight months ago when a guitarist and drummer needed a singer, and a singer coincidentally needed a band. We all met at a Starbucks and hit it off immediately like old friends would even though we all met that day. Read more>>

Aléna Muir | Writer/Essayist

I consider risk-taking to be intrinsic to the writer’s life and creativity. However, I don’t take the risks I’ve been able to take for granted. A lot of risks are cushioned by circumstances and the privilege and support to be able to take them. I’m lucky to have a mom who has unflinchingly supported my education and aspirations, at times financially but also emotionally (and I do have a flair for an emotional meltdown). My dad passed away when I was young and she has been making moves to launch me onto my path ever since. This certainly makes packing up your life and moving from South Africa to New York City to shoot your shot much more doable. But audacity is crucial too, you have to think you’re good enough. In terms of the actual writing/creativity: everything has been done and feels pastiche in some way at this point, so we might as well go for broke. The payoff is unmatched; it fuels me. It’s why I’ll always choose to ride this rollercoaster over a job that could offer me “stability”. Read more>>

James Gavin | Music Journalist and Biographer

Most people, in my opinion, take relatively safe and predetermined paths in life. They do what is expected of them. They graduate from college, choose a profession or let one choose them, marry, raise a family. They travel on business or go away during their two or three weeks of vacation time. Very often they merely tolerate their jobs, but they have children to support. “I work to live, I don’t live to work,” some of them say. They look forward to retirement. I hold this way of life in no scorn. It’s the foundation of society. But it is not the road I chose. Read more>>

Suzanne Lang | Children’s Book Author & Animation Writer

My impulse is to play it safe when it comes to my career. I worked for years as a development and current series executive because the thought of trying to strike out on my own as a writer was too terrifying. I wasn’t comfortable with the idea of not knowing where my next paycheck was coming from. For a while I was happy to be creative-adjacent, helping talented artists and writers to shape their visions. But as the years wore on, I found myself growing more frustrated. My job was to help everyone else get something made, all the while stifling my own urges to write and create. Read more>>

Mazvita Chanakira | Actor & Writer

Zimbabwe is alphabetically the last country in the world, and often it is the last country on peoples’ minds. Zim is widely known for its poverty, unstable economy and complicated history, yet it is a resource rich state that could become very successful if it only had the means. One could say that my country is synonymous with what it means to be an Actor; it is easy to see the glitz, glam and success of its resources, yet pursuit of this success is discouraged for the heavy risk of falling anywhere short of it. I believe the idea of certainty was robbed from my nation the moment colonisation took place and as a result, risk is baked into my DNA. We cannot leap with surety of landing and thus, I run off cliffs with a familiarity of a sky diver. Looking at the history of my people and deciding to be an actor is and will always be the biggest risk of my life and my career. Read more>>

Megan Ketch | Actor, Founding Director of Studio

The most important risks are ones I’ve taken after loss. Losing disrupts expectation You become freed of what you lost and other certainties. In absence, a kind of presence can emerge – an unfamiliarity with yourself or the world as you imagined it and I think that invites risk. ‘What have I got to lose?’ is entertainable question when your chips are already down. Read more>>

Harut and Lusine Lunamore Music | Harut and Lusine, husband and wife duo

Being musicians who incorporate various languages and genres into our repertoire can certainly involve taking risks, but it can also be incredibly rewarding both artistically and professionally. We perform in English, Spanish, Armenian, Italian, and French, to name a few, and it has opened up horizons for us to reach different audiences. While it’s always safe to perform within a single theme, once you take the risk to expand your sphere of performance and delve into new genres and languages, you suddenly open up your music to more music lovers. We have experimented with blending different musical genres together to create a unique sound. This helped us to stand out as artists and attract a diverse audience. It was a risk worth taking. Read more>>

Natasha Weems , DNP, AGPCNP-BC | Nurse Practitioner and Author

Risk-taking, in my perspective, is the very essence of growth and innovation. Launching a business and pivoting into media, for instance, was a significant leap that extended beyond personal ambition to foster community dialogue on pressing issues. My involvement with nonprofit events, particularly for children in Africa during LA Fashion Week, was a venture into the unknown, driven by a passion for social impact. Similarly, engaging in political and medical media, like interviewing mayoral candidates and discussing healthcare legislation, was a calculated risk, balancing the intricacies of public discourse with the pursuit of informed, impactful conversations. Through my social media and the publication of ‘The Unbreakable Women,’ I’ve embraced the vulnerability that comes with public advocacy, aiming to inspire dialogue around healthcare disparities, entrepreneurship, and resilience. Entering the competitive realms of healthcare and beauty, especially as an underrepresented African-American provider, was fraught with challenges but underscored by a commitment to diversity and equitable representation. Each of these steps, marked by uncertainty and the potential for failure, was taken with a clear vision and purpose, illustrating that strategic risk-taking is not just about confronting the unknown, but about seizing the opportunities it holds for meaningful change and personal growth. Read more>>

 Jamie Williams | Writer & Producer

I know some people who are so worried about making the wrong decision that they become paralyzed and wind up hurting themselves in the long run. People talk about taking chances, but I’ve found that with proper planning the risks dwindle to nothing. Why not take a creative risk if you have the time and resources to make it happen? And of course, I’ve taken risks that were the wrong decision, but humans do not live in a vacuum. We are given so many chances to do things over. However, if I never put that first foot forward for fear it’s the wrong step, I will never truly live. Read more>>

Qianzi Luo | Graphic Designer

I think taking risks is an opportunity for me to change the status quo, and it can bring me unexpected benefits. I used to be an engineer, but now I’m a graphic designer, and the switch I made has been an extraordinary adventure for me. When I decided to change my career, I was really worried about the risks, but after I made the change, I became more and more sure of my love for this career. Now I am very happy with the decision I made and I think this adventure is a huge power that push my life forward. Read more>>

Matthew Blade | Actor

I have a love/hate relationship with risk (don’t we all!). It’s sexy to talk about risk, but man, it’s a different story when we find ourselves in a moment where risk is actually required. The fears that come, they can be crippling. I think that is what is so daunting about risk, it’s the fear associated with it. I know that’s been my story, it’s been one tied closely to fear. Ever since I was a boy, I’ve felt as though I had an extra dose of it. Ironically, around public speaking, social settings, and communication. For most of my life, I would’ve rather jumped off of a cliff than speak publicly. I remember literally almost blacking out in class as a college student when we had to go around the room and simply say our name. Now, to find myself in LA as an actor, it’s surreal to say the least. I’m not all that sure if I could really explain how I got here, but I can say assuredly that taking risks, in the face of fear, has been par for the course. You know, now that I say it, all these risks and fears, they do add something positive to this life. It’s my belief that the real reward in regards to risk is who we become as we face our fears. Each time we take a stand, and face that fear, we come out on the other side a different person. We find ourselves changed from cowardly to brave. We discover a courage we never thought we had, and in time, we find ourselves on a journey we never could of dreamed of. I know that’s been my story. I heard a quote by a man named Kris Vallotton that stuck with me, “The dogs of doom stand at the doors of destiny.” As in, the place that you are called to go will have the loudest voice of fear. I must say, those dogs have one mighty bark on them, but perhaps with this one life we’ve been given, it’s worth risking it to see what’s behind those doors. Read more>>

Kunal Sengupta | Screenwriter

That’s super interesting! Risk has always been the name of the game when it comes to my professional development. I was originally a science student and I decided to leave that and join the world of film. It was a huge risk, of course, but it needed to be taken if I wanted to grow and express myself in the best way I could. Read more>>

Livia Peixoto | Music Industry Professional

Risk-taking for me is an essential part of living a fulfilling life and advancing in my career. I view risks as opportunities for growth and exploration. Throughout my life, I’ve always been driven by a desire to challenge myself and push beyond my comfort zone. Stagnation is something I actively avoid; I thrive when I’m faced with new challenges. Read more>>

Yukino Takenaka | Music Composer

I see “risk” as one of the biggest steps I can take in my life without actually having any risks. When people think of “risk”, some might think a lot of the negative side of the risk. Like, what if this is not gonna work, what if I can not make it, or what if I can not afford it? However, I think in this way. “What can I gain by taking this risk rather than losing it?” And, take that risk first before thinking too much. Of course, sometimes things do not work as I wish, but it does not mean that I lost something. Taking that risk and figuring that some things do not work out taught me a lesson and then, next time I am in a situation where things not working as I imagine, I know how to deal with it. And if the risk that I took was worth it, it also grew me up a lot. I like putting myself on edge so I can practice finding solutions or coming up with ideas in a limited situation. It does not mean that I am not scared of taking the risk, but I try to challenge myself as much as possible. The recent risk I took was to move to LA without knowing a lot of people here and finding a job. However, I knew that coming to LA was worth enough to take the risk than staying where I was because I will more likely to have more opportunities for music and meeting people from the industry that I am seeking for. Read more>>

Annette Vartanian | Vintage & Second Hand Luxury Expert, Fashion & Interiors Stylist

I really think taking risks has only benefited my career and professional growth. I quit my corporate PR job on a Friday and the following Monday I had already landed my first client as a fashion and interiors stylist. I didn’t have my business plan hashed out but I knew if I stuck to what I knew and loved, clients would see that talent in me and hire me – it worked! In the early days of being an influencer (13 years ago), I kept to my niche of vintage and second hand luxury even though it was not popular. I actually had a lot of influencers and brands tell me that there was no future in “old stuff” but I refused to pivot my content direction and passion to fit the fashion trends at the time. Some may call it risky, but I stuck to my niche and passion and have translated it into a 6 figure business. Read more>>

Lina Holub | Luxury Real Estate Specialist in Beverly Hills and Dubai

As a real estate specialist in Beverly Hills, risk-taking is at the core of my profession. In this competitive market, success often hinges on our ability to navigate uncertainties and make bold decisions. For me, risk-taking is about calculated moves that lead to substantial rewards. Whether it’s investing in a property with potential, negotiating a deal on behalf of my clients, or exploring new marketing strategies, I understand that taking risks is essential for staying ahead in this dynamic industry. Read more>>

Annika Burns | Photographer-Family/Lifetyle

1. The first one was spending my last semester in Captiva, FL as an intern at South Seas Resort vs spending my last semester with my college friends, I was unsure if I wanted to go into the hospitality industry or do marketing for the music industry. I lived in paradise for 6 months and the other interns and I had the most amazing time. Read more>>

Charles Constant | Actor/Producer

T. S. Eliot said “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” and I think that applies to nearly everything in life. For an actor or for any creative person, taking risks is our modus vivendi. Doing the unexpected in performance or the visual arts or music is essential in anything creative. If one only does the predictable thing, it isn’t really creative, it’s repetitive. Think of Jazz musicians, Impressionist painters, Architects like R. Buckminster Fuller, you know, people like that who did or do things in a completely surprising way. Laurence Olivier is great example of an actor who took tremendous risks in his performances. Read more>>

Carly Zavala | Photographer

I firmly believe that taking risks is essential for driving real change. Often, we cling to familiarity out of fear of the unknown, even if it means staying in situations that are detrimental to our well-being. Read more>>

Joseph C. Grano | Independent Film Producer

Risk is inherent to the film and entertainment industry, as every project is a huge risk. It’s not like selling widgets – at the end of the day you’re creating art. As an independent film producer, you’re risking capital and other people’s capital for what you hope will be a good, entertaining piece of art that people will want to consume. And “good” and “successful” aren’t necessarily one and the same. You can try to mitigate the risk as much possible – i.e. “this actor has X amount of value, this genre has been performing well,” etc. – but nothing is guaranteed. That’s part of what makes the industry so exciting, and why the risk reward is so big. Read more>>

Linda Arroz | Author, Speaker, Advisor

Risk can be terrifying. Risk requires evaluating what’s at stake, what one is willing to lose, and grasping the concepts of “what if?” What if it works out…what if it doesn’t? Risk has played a big role in my career trajectory and continues to do so. Read more>>

Vicky Rattanavipapong | Cinematographer

Every project I decide to work on has an element of risk. That’s just the nature of the film industry. When I’m deciding on a project, I’m always thinking about how much I believe in the script, the director, the producers. Deciding to work with people on the endeavor of bringing a movie to life is inherently a risk. We never fully know what the movie will be, only what it can be, and putting trust in one another to work towards this vision of what it can be always carries risk. Then, when I’m actually working on a project, there’s always going to be moments where an idea feels too ambitious because I feel like we don’t have enough time, or money, or manpower, and we have to push through. Every day, we use our skills, experience, creativity and connection to deal with these challenges. Read more>>

Zaïa Lebtahi | Music and Film Producer/Actress/Teacher/Consultant

The word “Risk” itself has a negative/dangerous connotation to me. “Taking risks” should be consider instead as “making steps”. Like when a baby learns to walk, there is no other way but to learn by falling in order to build, to move forward. The motto of my company is “Forward”. Read more>>