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.

Luca Fontaine | Actor, writer, producer

I believe that risk is a necessity to grow, thrive and succeed. We often envision risk as danger only and “failure” as the worst thing that can happen. I actually think that the healthiest thing people, especially artists can do is to jump in before they’re ready and step out of their comfort zone. I’ve had many “failures” in my life that I don’t even call failure because they were opportunities to try and learn which made me grow and eventually succeed in the end. Read more>>

Aja Mahogany | Actor, Singer, Model, & Dancer

For a long time I was afraid to take risks- for fear of looking stupid or doing something wrong. I was afraid that risk would put my insecurities on display. Because of that, I wasn’t doing well in my acting classes. I was focused on trying to mimic someone else and give THEIR performance as opposed to my own. The feedback I received reflected that, and it crushed me. Read more>>

Khalida Bennett | Creator of Opportunity-Business Owner

I believe risk are a necessity to success, I’m sure we’ve all heard the phrase “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” And there are a million variations to this phrase, but this lives rent free in my head. I literally altered my whole life around this phrase and even came up with my own phrase/title about who I am and what I do. Creator of opportunity is what I call myself. I can make a whole career around anything because I believe I can whole heartily and I’m not afraid to put my self out there. I took the risk to move to LA right out of college with just an BA degree, internship and 800 dollars. Read more>>

Mihara India | Actress, Singer & Musician

I think taking calculated risks can improve your life. To be successful, it is essential to take risks. As I reflect on my life, everything has been a risk. As a young teenager, being raised in Southeast Washington DC, there was a calculated risk I took each day walking and taking the bus to school. I learned at an early age how to measure the pros versus the cons to a situation. I knew that the benefit of acquiring my education was a ticket for me to my dream. It was my golden ticket to become everything that others told me I could not be. Read more>>

Shelia Curtis | Corporate Attorney and Compliance Professional; Founder & President of SHE for Girls

At my core, I thrive on stability and playing it safe. I have learned over time it has kept my potential locked and limited. While I invest a significant amount of time into my nonprofit organization, I have held on to my career as Corporate General Counsel and Compliance Officer. I love the work that I do in corporate – but SHE (Safe Haven of Empowerment) for Girls is the birth of my passion. I rely heavily on my Board of Directors and team of volunteers to ensure the successful operation of SHE. Read more>>

Chrystal Starr | Brand Photographer

There is a considerable amount of risk involved in creating a freelance career. You take a risk by quitting your full-time or part-time job(s), you take a risk by deciding to work for yourself, you take risks when you invest what little money into your business, hoping you’ll get a solid return on your investments. Leaving your comfort zone inspires motivation, therefore growth comes from getting uncomfortable. If you’re not taking risks, then you’re not growing and living to your fullest potential. Read more>>

Jordan Ali | Rapper, Poet, Author, Artist, & Creative Director

I think Risk is inherent. I think Risk is a necessity. I think without Risk that there is no conflict, and by extension, no evolution is experienced when one does not engage intimately with Risk. In the past couple months, I’ve solidified a stronger team then I’ve ever had before, whilst taking the risk of connecting with newer people in a day & age where Insularity seems to be the overarching theme. Read more>>

Matthew Brush | Photographer

In business and in life, risks often show up and you tend to balance those risks with your appetite for them and what the possible reward is. In my career it’s paid off to be riskier. As a photographer and one always trying to outdo my competition in creative ways, I find it’s better to try the ideas that might not always seem like they’ll work and just go with my gut feeling.  Read more>>

Katherine-Mary Pichulik | Founder & Creative Director and Co-Ceo PICHULIK.

I think “Risk Taking” is a muscle. You build capacity and trust in your instincts and discernment. I have never really worked for anyone, and been an entrepreneur since I was 26 years old. I am happy to take risks but generally have chosen risks that I would be accountable for the consequences. I think there is an interesting dynamic and tension between impulse, preparation, risk and surrender. Read more>>

Michael Weiss | Owns conference organizer business

In the United States, taking risk with a career isn’t all that risky. In other words, if your business fails you are going to survive. Even if you run out of money or accrue some debt, both of which I’ve done, you are still going to survive. That “you are going to survive” perspective helps me take on risk by realizing the stakes aren’t as high as my monkey brain would have me believe. Read more>>

SUNI MULLEN | mostly thinking…artist & writer.

to strengthen how I intentionally take risks has increased with time. Once I began practicing self-possession, it informed my determination to commit, be, and do what I am interested in- always. Read more>>