In our experience, most folks, including ourselves don’t have enough of an understanding of risk and the role it plays in our lives and careers and so we have made a concerted effort as a team to have conversations about risk with our interviewees. We’ve shared some highlights below.

Becky Feldman | Writer, Performer, and Podcast Host

I will say this — I am a naturally risk-averse person. So in that respect any risk that I ever took (or ever will take) is arguably pretty significant for me. Because a lot of the times, my choice to take a risk came from what (to me) were high stakes situations, particularly like how something was affecting my mental health. The decisions I made have led me on a journey to living with more authenticity — I wouldn’t be who I am now if it weren’t for me taking a chance on something. Read more>>

Alyssa Fioravanti | Photographer

I like this question a lot because I don’t think life should be about playing it “safe”. I grew up watching my dad take big risks and stand up for what’s right. If he was in an unhealthy work situation he would bounce…without a safety net. He had enough faith in himself and believed taking risks will lead you where you need to go. So growing up in that environment, he would always say to me, what’s the scariest thing… Read more>>

David Malka | Entrepreneur & Investor

As ‏an Human-being I believe that risks are an integral part in our life. There is nothing in life that is risk free and with that being said – we have to find a peaceful way to live with risks. As an entrepreneur and as an investor, I had to adopt and master the most basic rule of economy which is RISK = RETURN. The higher the risk, the higher will be the reward.. and, of course, vise versa. Read more>>

Stephanie Zhang | Creative – Fashion Designer & Makeup Artist

I think there is a negative connotation of risk in the arts that is associated with failure as if it’s to accept this grueling uphill battle with a slim possibility of success, but I don’t see it that way at all. For me, risk means freedom and exploration, because there will obviously be obstacles in pursuit of any goal, but with artistic endeavors specifically, to take a risk is to challenge something, a tradition, concept, or idea, and interpret it differently. Read more>>

Giannina Gutierrez | Fine Artist, Muralist, Make-up Artist

Risk taking has been a major theme in my life and work. I have learned much from taking chances on not only my work but also myself. As an artist, there is no yellow brick road and risk taking is part of the game. Applying to projects, trying new techniques, learning new skills and dedicating time to one’s craft is all risky and yet so rewarding. Risk taking has shown me to trust and believe in myself like no other ever will. Read more>>

Sam and Johanna Arellano | Co-Founders ABC Brand/Design

Risk is an essential part of life. To achieve anything worthwhile requires an element of risk. Putting yourself out there is risky. Trying something new is risky. Starting a business, very risky. For us, we try and focused on the reward. As if we were walking a tightrope in the sky, better to focus on getting to the other side than it is to look down. The other side is where we want to be, where the reward lies. For us, the reward is living full and meaningful lives with the ability to help others. Read more>>

Molly Karna | Writer & Director

Taking risks has shaped the entirety of my film career. In October 2018, I arrived in Mumbai with four heavy suitcases. To the disbelief of my friends and family, I just taken a huge risk – I had just quit a stable, well-paying job at a prestigious consulting firm in New York so that I could move back to Mumbai to work as a filmmaker. Read more>>

Allyson Spellman | Award-Winning TV Personality & Global Animal Advocate

To me taking risks is key to opening the doors of possibility. I am a big believer of stepping out of your comfort zone. It takes courage to leap from the safety net of comfortability. Taking risks has been a game changer in my career. It is so easy to become static because of negative past experiences and the fear of what the future may hold. Fear of failure easily crams us into a jaded box of “should’ves, would’ves, could’ves” full of justifications of why we shouldn’t go for our dreams. Read more>>

Stella Webb | Artist

The comfort zone is not where the magic happens. I like to push myself to a place of slight discomfort, this is how I know I’m making progress. Risks are just a part of that, every day we are faced with an abundance of choices and if you get bogged down in which ones are the right ones ultimately you’ll paralyze yourself. Take artistic risks where possible, that’s how art moves forward. Growth can often be uncomfortable but that’s when you know it’s working. Read more>>

Vanessa Sigillo | Tattoo Artist

It’s the things in life that scare you and pull you out of your comfort zone that give you the feeling of being alive. Since the day I decided to fully commit to my art and my passion, I went hand in hand with risk. What if it doesn’t work out, what if I put it all on the line, what if there is no going back. But these were the questions I took as my motivation. Read more>>

Ron Mandalian | Architect

When considering risks, it’s important to focus on the client’s vision and goals, without projecting one’s own outcomes. Depending on the nature of the project and the clients goals, it may not be the best to take loud risks that can be polarizing and cut your audience in half. It’s not always about taking the biggest risks, aiming for the spotlight, but rather about taking calculated risks that align with our client’s goal and vision. Risks that bring consistent quality and value to the project, those are the risks I’ve learned to take. Read more>>

Lily Qian | Illustrator

Hi name is Lily Qian. I am a freelance illustrator and adjunct college art professor working in NYC. Many people might not know that Illustration is a self-initiated second career for me. Prior to working as a freelance illustrator, I worked as a womenswear fashion designer, burning the candle on both ends as a design executive for corporate brands. Switching my career in my thirties was a huge risk. Read more>>

Kelli Jones | Screenwriter

I joined the military when I was eighteen years old. Leaving behind everything and everyone I knew felt scary. However,I knew deep down that it was something I had to do to get what I wanted out of life. To me, life is all about taking risks. We must be willing to embrace the fear of the unknown in order to move closer to our goals. Read more>>

Flora Bai | Illustrator & Designer

As a freelance illustrator, one of the main challenges I face is self-doubt, which is often compounded by the solitary nature of the job. Unlike in an office setting, where regular meetings and conversations with colleagues can provide a sense of connection and help keep up with industry trends, working alone can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration, especially when job opportunities are scarce. Social media can also amplify the pressure to compare myself to others’ successes. Read more>>

Violet Davis | Nail Artist and Gel Manicure Specialist

I think risk is inevitable and necessary for growth as an entrepreneur. Everything about my business and career as a nail artist started with a risk. From the time I was 16 years old until I was twenty-three years old, I nurtured a career in the culinary arts industry. I started as a prep cook, went to culinary school in Italy, and eventually worked for prominent chef Susanne Goin. Read more>>