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.

Nicole Marie Londrico

I always pray and ask God for permission and guidance to do something in my life, according to his will, and the Lord always directs me. He’s never let me down! If God tells me no it’s a strong no if he tells me yes I know I have his blessing. This comes from listening to his voice in all that I do. Read More>>

Shelbi Byrnes

In life, you will work hard no matter what. You are either working hard for someone else or yourself, I’m born and raised in Las Vegas and this city is known for gambling and betting (although I don’t actually gamble and won’t because my moral beliefs) I came to the conclusion although I don’t gamble in that sense I’ll always bet on myself. taking ‘Risks” is what got me to where I’m at in life. Life would be boring following the “rules” and always being told what to do. Read More>>

Robert Szertics

For me, risk has always been intertwined with trust — trust in myself, in timing, and in the idea that life rewards alignment more than comfort. Leaving Sweden and everything familiar to start over in Los Angeles was less about chasing a dream and more about following an inner pull I couldn’t ignore. Read More>>

Anna Brown

As a professional (and former competitive) dancer, risk for me would be not going “all in” and putting myself out there. Whether it’s an audition or after receiving a role, I always give 100% and I never dwell on “what it I don’t make it.” Some people say I should have a plan B in case I don’t achieve my goals. Read More>>

Nadi Filsoof

Choosing to pursue a career in entertainment was the first major risk I ever took, you don’t get guarantees in this business. I graduated law school with an offer to work at a firm, but I turned it down for an opportunity to work in the UTA mailroom, competing with thousands of applicants for a handful of desks. Read More>>

Rachel Peters

As an artist, my life has been full of risks. Pursuing art as a career was a risk! I’ve been in the animation industry for twenty-one years and I spent many of those years saving up and taking breaks to try out entrepreneurial endeavors, take time to create art for myself, and develop original series to pitch. I became a busker for a while! Read More>>

Brynlee Menu

At 14, I made the huge decision to leave my small hometown in B.C., Canada and move to Southern California to pursue a dance and performing career. I’ve always believed that risks are really just opportunities in disguise. Even if I fail, I learn, grow, and redirect myself closer to my goals. Read More>>