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.

Bonnie Gross | Writer & Producer

Risks are the only things that can move you forward and out of stagnancy. Although they can be scary, I look back on these defining moments as necessary to get to where I am today. There are four very significant risks I’ve taken so far in my life, and each felt like diving into a pit where you couldn’t see past the cliff. Once I landed on my feet, I realized that jumping off was the best decision I ever made each time. Read more>>

Cecilia Glenn | Musical Artist

When I was four years old, I took my first risk as a musician. I was shy, quiet, and in a phase of life where my face would turn beet red if I was ever in front of a large group of people. I also loved to sing. Somehow, I got the courage to sign up for a talent show at a church retreat, take the stage by myself, and sing my very first solo in front of hundreds of people. I could’ve messed up, become embarrassed, and raced off never to take the stage again. My parents told me my voice was barely louder than a whisper, but I did it. I took the risk and it was so worth it. It showed me that I could do it. Read more>>

Sam Landreth | Photographer and Director @ For Living

I look at risks more as a matter of trusting my instincts: if an opportunity seems like a worthwhile endeavor in any way, I’ll go for it. When I first launched my photography business in 2016, the phrase “say yes and figure out the rest later” was one that I clung to: any time a road trip, interesting shoot, opportunity to collaborate or meet new people arose, I committed immediately and it always paid off. I ended up booking lots of work right away and making amazing friendships seven years back that are still going strong today thanks to that outlook. Read more>>

Adonis Tsilimparis | Music Supervisor

Risk has been a prevalent factor in my life. It’s always a big part of one’s life when they decide to work for themselves and start a business.. Some people might see it as a negative but, I see it as being very useful. It helped me to cut through any unrealistic notions and forced me to be realistic and honest with myself. I started to know my limitations which is very important. Read more>>

April Diaz | CEO, Founder, + Executive Coach

One of the biggest deterrents to taking a leap of faith is asking “Am I ready?” You’ll never be ready to do what’s necessary for your next transformation journey. The better question to ask yourself is, “Am I committed?” Commitment supersedes readiness. The very nature of risk-taking implies that you’re not ready. You can be prepared, informed, and supported, but rarely will we be ready for the kinds of risks we need to take. Read more>>

Asia Chardonay | Stand Up Comedian

I’d say it played huge role considering I currently live the vanlife. [Laughing] Intentionally, I have to add intentionally because in LA it’s not uncommon. And I’m not judging anybody else’s situation, but my situation was a little different. I quit my job in 2019, purchased a van, converted it, all so I could fully focus on my dream of being a comedian. When I first did it, I didn’t look at it as a risk, but something I HAD to do. But looking back, it’s absolutely a risk, and a risk I’m still taking and would take again and again. Read more>>

Grace Ronquillo | Director of Franchise Development

Risk is a part of life and my career. I see it as an opportunity for growth and innovation. Taking calculated risks has helped me step out of my comfort zone, explore new ideas, and achieve meaningful results. It has also helped me build resilience and develop a proactive mindset to adapt to changing circumstances. I evaluate risks carefully, considering potential benefits and costs. I also understand that failure is part of the process and can provide valuable lessons. I believe that embracing calculated risks can contribute to personal and professional growth and has significantly shaped my career. Read more>>

Meera Sharma | Radio Host and Motivational Speaker

I think it’s important to change how we view risk – rather than looking at risk as something negative, we should look at it as something that allows us to move forward in life. Life is about pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, especially when it comes to living your dream life and achieving your full potential. You can only do this by taking ‘risks’. Risks can help you move towards your goals, open yourself up to new opportunities and can lead to innovative ideas. To me risk means having courage – the courage to pursue ones dreams. Read more>>

Rohit Relan | Film Director

I have built a career out of taking risks. I did my undergraduate in computer engineering and I passed with distinction. I could be working in a high profile IT firm but I deviated from a steady routine job and decided to make films instead. I also chose not to follow the treaded path in the film industry. I worked as an AD in Mumbai before coming to LA. Being an AD there meant I had a good chance of being a director in 10 years. Also, it promised financial and job security. I left that and chose to attend AFI instead. Read more>>

Swati Hathi | Concept Artist

The biggest risk I took was of leaving my hometown and everything familiar to me behind to come to the States in search to do something that aligns with my artistic abilities. This change was not easy, but this leap of faith led me to discover my career path of being a Concept Artist. I used to work in Advertising in Bombay (India), and I constantly felt like I was not utilizing my skills to its full potential in advertising and the only art jobs available for me were mainly in Advertising. I loved to draw monsters, characters, creature with 10 heads but I never got the chance to do it at my job. Read more>>