Legend holds that Cornelius Vanderbilt had built a massive fortune in the steamboat shipping industry, but then realized the railroads were the way of the future and invested almost his entire net worth into railroads. The gamble paid off and made Vanderbilt one of the wealthiest entrepreneurs ever. But risks are inherently…risky. How do you think about risk and how has it affected your life and career? Some of our community favorites share their perspective below.

Joewi Verhoeven | Cinematographer

I am a firm believer in taking risks, not to the extent that it would be considered reckless, but I think taking calculated risks and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is the only way to grow as a person and as an artist. Even and especially in the process of making a film, it always pays off to take some creative risks, because you’re embarking on a journey of exploration and you learn so much doing it. I take that same philosophy in how I approach my career and the projects I choose to do. Read more>>

Maryam Siahatgar | Creative Director/Designer

As a child I grew up watching my dad take many risks in life both personal and with his business. I think it was a blessing and a curse because I saw both the success and the failure but I also saw that no matter what my dad was always living out his purpose. When I was about 24 and decided to start my own business, taking the risk to do it was comfortable to me because I watched my dad do it his whole life. My thought process around it is that I can always go get a job and live a comfortable life but creating a life I love takes courage and faith and worth exploring. Momentum is everything. Read more>>

Binoj Jacob | Radio Personality & Podcast Producer

I believe risk is choosing to step out of your comfort zone for the sake of your own growth. When we are able to live uncomfortably, that is when we find what we are mentally capable of. I have taken two major risks in my life, and both were what I call chaotic as well as calculated. Read more>>

Quentin Dupuy | Filmmaker and photographer.

Taking risks, as the expression implies, is always scary. But to me, taking risks is the difference between staying where you are in life, wether professionally or personally, or changing. Of course you can fail, and I did, but in my experience, I’ve never regretted taking risks. Even when things didn’t turn out the way I wanted, I’ve either learned and ended somewhere unexpected with new opportunities. Read more>>

Lauren Wilson | Floral Designer + Plant Installation Artist

I think my practice and risk are like two people dancing a waltz. The basic footwork follows a rise and fall. The two dancers are mirroring each other, moving in tandem. That said, I have an issue with the word risk. I respect that it appeals to danger, luck and opportunity however I think overall it holds a negative connotation. I think to be true to yourself and your practice, you need to evolve beyond risk and feel comfortable in refining and trusting your eye and what makes you, inherently you. Read more>>

Dr. Annie White | Author of The Calm Code

For me, risk-taking has been a central and irreplaceable factor in my life and career. I operate by the motto, “Feel the fear and do it anyway.” In fact, I’ve come to know that the more something scares me, the more important its role is in my soul and life path. If it petrifies me, that’s a good sign I must do it. Now, I don’t take risks without checking in with my intuition to ensure I’m on the right track. I take calculated risks, not silly ones. Read more>>

Franccesca De Struct | Vocalist for FDS

It is tough to be someone who’s creative and logical brain hemispheres remain in a constant battle. I feel as though risk has always been a part of that equation. My creative side just wants to be impulsive and unabridged and loud. The logical, strategic side of me wants to research every possible outcome and plan every step to the “T”. Read more>>

Jenniffer Gonzalez Martinez | Writer/Director

Coming from Puerto Rico every turn you take, is a risk. The job you choose, the career, your life, everything. Since I was a young, I’ve been always taking challenges. It comes in my blood. Back in highschool I dreamt about making the big jump to United states, in order to make my dreams come true. Somehow I manifested so hard, that it came too fast. I migrated to the United States on October 11, 2018. I came looking for the American dream, you know, the ones they talked about. Coming with my undergraduate on digital production, I started applying for internships and jobs but always got rejected. Read more>>

Chloe Gallardo | Musician

To an extent, I’m not really one to shy away from risk taking. I released my first project when I was 18 with zero fear of what people would think of me. I actually released it just thinking that my friends and family on Facebook would give me the generic pat on the back and “good job,” so I was surprised when people I didn’t even know told me they liked my music. Read more>>

Sylvia Friend | Artist

I am an avid proponent of risk taking because I think it goes hand-in-hand with overcoming a lot of one’s own fears. I constitute risk by its immediate effect, i.e., the fear, but then the potential for an even greater outcome — and I think that potential, for creatives, is essential to our growth especially in this industry. Ultimately, overcoming a lot of these fears that comprise risk taking; self-doubt, imposter syndrome, dependance, and so on, is really what life is all about — jumping in the deep end and figuring out how to swim. Read more>>

Louise Anne Marler | LA Marler pop photo artist

The greatest creative risks I have taken have been the biggest rewards. Putting my raw self out there has been healing to myself and others and that feels good. Read more>>

Carlos Lazzari | Drummer & Film Composer

I would think that risk and vulnerability are very similar in some sense. In my career being a drummer and a film composer being vulnerable is a must in order to grow and succeed. Read more>>

christina anastasia Karagias | Business of Digestion

Take calculated risks weighing the worst case scenario against the best case scenario then ask yourself can I take it & make it? Risk is moment to moment. constantly hedging against inflation and at times rolling the dice and saying will I come up snake eyes !? Read more>>

Ethan Brealey | Model & Actor

I think in life you have to take risks no matter what when it comes to doing something special. I see risk as being a test to see if you have the will to take a chance on yourself. Taking a chance on myself when I was in my teens was risky at the beginning and at times scary but I kept pushing. I’m proud of my younger self for going out of my comfort zone and putting myself out there in a creative way when I felt at times it wasn’t going to get anywhere. It was a risk I took on myself and I’m glad I did because it has introduced me to so many great people Read more>>