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.

George Meert | Firefighter & Drone Pilot

To me, risk analysis is everything… both in my career as firefighter as well as in the business of drone flying with Huntington Drones. I’ve always lived by the motto, risk a lot to save a lot, risk a little to save a little, and risk nothing to save something that is already lost, In order to get good drone shots, sometimes you have to thread the needle knowing there is a possibility of crashing or losing the drone; I manage these risks by flying regularly, completing online and virtual trainings, and through Youtube University. In some instances, time is of the essence, so practicing and having the ability to pull of a shot with no hesitation is key. Read more>>

Michelle Pagtakhan | Founder, Visionary, & Philanthropist

Risks is a part of the growing process. Many times we’re afraid of trying something new or outside the box fearing that we might fail or things are going to change. If we never took the chance, we may never know the greatness we have in ourselves. Read more>>

Oonagh Ryan | Architect

Risk has been a defining force that’s shaped my life and career. Growing up in a small townland in Ireland, my dream of becoming an architect led me to take several bold steps to where I am today. Inspired by Frank Gehry’s work, I risked a journey from Ireland to LA during a recession when I won a green card in the lottery on the day I graduated from university. Read more>>

Madison Federico | Makeup Artist

Taking risks is a prominent aspect of thriving in this industry. A personal, consistent goal of mine is to surpass my comfort zone and continue improving my work, in hopes of bringing forth future opportunities. Read more>>

Vanessa & Janette Flores | Vintage fashion pickers

Risk taking is all we’ve done in the process of our business. For one example, when it comes to booking flea markets we’re always looking for new experiences & with that comes new territory that we have yet to explore. It’s always risky when it comes to traveling far with the shop because it takes more investing, although that’s how we have made some of the best connections. When it comes to new cities & meeting new people, that’s ultimately rewarding in itself as our network of customers grow while reaching more communities. We also discover what other people feed into when it comes to fashion. Read more>>

Albert Navarro | Son, father,husband,tennis coach,business owner

Risk taking has been a big deal for me. When growing up as a young adult, my families, finances depended on me. Then, at the age of 21 life decides to throw a curveball at me. Read more>>

Abhishek Hajela | Photographer

In life till you don’t take a leap of faith, then you don’t acheive anything. I wouldn’t like to call it risk, but rather a leap of faith. Read more>>

Haze Amor | Photographer/Stylist & Smoothie/Juicer

I’m all for risk. It’s safe to say I identify with the no risk, no reward crowd. There hasn’t been an instant yet where I’ve regretted risk that I’ve taken. It either panned out, or I was able to gain clarity and take notes of the lesson in the risk and move forward with more insight. Read more>>

Alice Millar | Cinematographer / Director

I think that everything involves risk, and that they key is only taking on the kind of risk that you can handle the outcome of. Going into film, and doing a lot of independent film, has a fair share of uncertainly and risk, especially as a freelancer. I don’t gamble for fun, my whole life is a gamble, but I weighed it up and felt that it was the kind of risk I was willing to take. I try and follow things most aligned with my creative soul, which often means not chasing higher paid work, but hey, you only live once! Working with creative people on projects that mean everything to them, and helping those dreams become a reality is such a great reward, the risk has been worth it… so far! Read more>>

Kristofer Gordon | Actor, Writer, Producer

Well, whether people realize it or not… risk is a part of life; its all around us. There’s no way to avoid it and no way to get around it. If you take action… there’s a risk it won’t work out. If you don’t take action you run the risk being stuck in the same place your entire life. I’ve never been the type of person that’s ok being stuck wondering “what if”. What if I’d taken the risk. Read more>>

Skye Amber | Film Photographer

My entire life I’ve gone after what I wanted. Whether that be the job, the boy, the dream. I’m originally from Louisville, Kentucky and when I was 18 I decided I wanted to move to LA to pursue my dreams of photography. I was young, I had no family out here, No friends. My family is well off but not able to support me financially. And although my family is my biggest support system and does help me when they can, I knew mentally and financially this was up to me. I finished my degree and worked in nightlife/ hospitality for years to make it work out here. Read more>>

Rebecca Runyon | Founder & Educator

I once heard it put that entrepreneurs get a bad reputation because they are seen as extreme risk takers. While entrepreneurship does involve risk, I believe that the best entrepreneurs are those who take calculated risks and squeeze the risk out of an idea before investing too much time and capital into the concept. With that said, life comes with inherent risk, since there is no way to see the future. History is typically the best indicator of he future, so we can learn from those who have gone before as for how to mitigate risk. I will never exist in a risk-free environment, so doing my best to take smart risks is always my goal when it comes to my life and career. Read more>>

Cheryl Murphy | CEO Spectrum Global Agency / Talent Agent / Producer

I feel the reason I have been successful.. is I made alot of mistakes along the way Taking those risks I would not know what I know now about the industry, about how the business works and operates. Read more>>

Martin Durazo | Artist, educator, curator.

I think risk is central to the human condition as an artist not just for myself, but anyone who decides to make a mark who’s taking a risk hopefully those risks pay off and even when they don’t, that is how we learn as an artist, and as well for my other business ventures The risk usually involves moving away from convention and what is expected Read more>>

Andrea Howard | Full Spectrum Doula

I am usually a very cautious person, any risk I take is usually very calculated and somewhat thought out. When it came to birthwork, I took a huge risk. I quit a pretty stable, although not well paying, 9-5 for the unknown and that’s something I’d never thought I’d do in this lifetime. But doing so and seeing all the opportunities open up for me changed the way I view risk and made me trust in my intuition more. Read more>>

Martine Melloul | Independant Producer

I think I have taken risks all my life. I am French originally and I was born and raised in Paris, France. I moved to NY when I was 18 to study in an American University then I moved to Israel when I was 20 thinking I was going to do my MBA in Jerusalem. When I arrived the MBA was in Hebrew which I did not speak and I entered instead a language program and found a job in a restaurant. Life in Israel was not for me so I moved back to France a year later and started working in the fashion industry. The biggest risk I took was moving at age 30 from Paris to Los Angeles on a promise of an interview for a job in 3 days! With a 5y old kid! That was very scary. I was leaving everything I knew and started a new life in America. It turned out to be my American Dream working for an amazing Fashion House for 17 years and becoming the Executive Vice President of the company. Then in 2016 the company was sold and I took an even bigger risk; creating my own production company and starting over in a completely new business. This was even scarier than my previous move.I had everything: an amazing career, friends, a great income and all of a sudden I had nothing. I needed to rebuild myself from the ground up. Start over. Huge crazy risk!! But I wanted more in life. I wanted to be passionate about what I was doing. I also wanted to be free and not work for someone else. But freedom has a price. A big price!! Anyway here I am now. Almost 8y later. I am a Producer Guild of America member and I produce films and documentaries. This is my new American Dream and nothing would have happened if I had not taken some risks. Read more>>

Mingyang Alvin Li | Director of Cinematography

For me personally, I have a deep affinity for taking risks. I believe that embracing risk is immensely beneficial for my growth and progress. When faced with risks, I think it’s crucial to understand and assess them, making wise decisions accordingly. People are naturally fearful of risks, but confronting and overcoming this fear is essential for our development. For instance, if I consider starting a new business venture, it involves financial and personal risk, but it also offers the potential for great personal and professional growth. Stepping out of our comfort zones at appropriate times is necessary, but it’s also important to rationally analyze the potential risks and rewards. It’s not about recklessly facing risks but rather about considering them thoughtfully. For example, before engaging in an extreme sport like skydiving, one should weigh the thrill and the experience gained against the safety measures and potential dangers. In summary, taking risks should be a calculated decision, not an impulsive leap. Read more>>

Alexandra Bellefeuille | Artist

There was never a time in my life where taking a risks did not lead to opportunities. The outcome was not always what I expected when taking those leaps of faith, but somehow a door would always open. Read more>>

Tierra Murrell | Artist/ Songwriter

Taking risks has played a major role in my career as an artist. Whether it was reaching out to an artist I wanted to work with, or networking and exchanging information with other creatives alike at social settings. Taking risks is mandatory if you plan to succeed as an artist. It takes those connections and opportunities that force you to step outside of your comfort zone to achieve the next step on the journey. Read more>>

Bill Cakmis | Performance Coach / Media Consultant / Show Doctor

Every success I have had in my professional and personal life was thru risk. There is very little growth, learning or major success without taking risks or motivating people to take risks. Read more>>

HexComix | Independent Comic Book Publisher

Our entire company exists because we took a risk, both as a group and as individuals.

Lisa had been working as a professional illustrator and Lynly had a background in IT and had just moved to LA. It was New Year’s Eve 2014 and, having been friends for years, Lynly was encouraging Lisa to find the next level for her art—being that it was and is amazing. The next level for Lisa looked like taking a years-old idea and creating a comic book, which neither had any real experience with. Luckily, Lynly did have experience solving significant, complex problems and the two of them got busy. After a short while, it became clear that they needed a writer. Read more>>

Angel Ceballos | Photographer & Indie Label Owner

My concept of a ‘risk’ has evolved over time, but due to the ever present need for me to take them, in general, they seem small to me. (The yardstick changes of course if the scenario is survival related, impacts others – etc) Read more>>