We asked some brilliant folks from the community to talk to us about how they think about risk and the role risk has played in their lives and careers.

OJ Neon | Creator

My favorite wrestler growing up was Jeff Hardy. I remember renting his documentary from Blockbuster (when it was a thing) and I watched it nonstop. His motto was “big risk, big reward.” I have used that motto since I was nine or 10 and it still rings to me till this day. At times, you have to take the leap and have faith. Your faith can be as small as a mustard seed, but that faith can still pull you through and bring even greater than what you imagine. Read more>>

CJ Hall | Musician

I think about taking risks in a more so growth aspect. In our society it can often become very much fear based in our personal aspirations and goals. We can allow fear to keep us from taking the next step towards a more fulfilling life or the results we desire to see in our life. I would say taking risks throughout my life & career has definitely helped tremendously. I think back that if I had not taken some risks even if in the moment it may not have made sense I would definitely not be where I’m at today. Read more>>

Justin Turner | Filmmaker & Visual Creative

I think about risk as necessary steps to get to the next level of life, “everything you want is on the other side of fear.” Risk taking has been instrumental in my life from moving from Maryland to ATL in 2018 to quitting my job in 2021. Life has continued to open up since taking these risks. Read more>>

Carmen Denise | Actor/designer

Risks are EVERYWHERE! In every relationship. Business or personal. I was taught “the bigger the risk, the higher the benefit” however; this can be a hit or miss. Once I learned to study my market & fully pay attention to what these risks can mean, my strategy towards my business became beneficial. Same in my personal life, you have to take risks in order to see results. Read more>>

Westside Sei | Recording Artist & Creative Composer

I understand that risk are necessary in life.. We live to die and to live is a risk in itself. To be given chance & choice which we are given everyday is a form of a risk. The role risk taking has played in my life & career is phenomenal.. They say, “ no risk no reward “ I’ve had to take chances and push myself through situations where the odds were against me. Once you decide to still go through & strive through / against the odds that are against you, my friend you are a risk taker.. Read more>>

Debo Loudd | Fashion Designer , Multi-media Artist , NFT Developer, Chef, & Rap Artist

I would have to say that risk taking is extremely major. If not for taking risks I wouldn’t be doing what I love to do, or any of my passions. Instead I’d be living for what someone else wanted me to do. When I think about taking risks I look at it as the leap of faith or the gap from where you are to where you want to be in anything. With that being said you have to make it make sense it has to be calculated risk wether big or small always make sure its forward moving. Read more>>

Rob Springer | Media Company Founder and Producer

Risk for me is everything, and it always has been. If a situation is stagnant, you will die in one way or another. This is true in life as well as business. I have always been hyper-aware of those situations where things have gotten too comfortable. Read more>>

Shari Perkins | Entrepreneur & Influencer

Risk is a fundamental aspect of entrepreneurship, and it plays a critical role in the success of a business. As an entrepreneur, taking calculated risks is an essential part of identifying and pursuing new opportunities, staying ahead of the competition, and growing your business. Read more>>

The Ema | Retconist Artist & Truth Seeker

The greatest risk one can take is to be pulled into the delusion that any of this is real. The English meaning of the word “risk” is “run into danger”; but the roots of these words amount to something more like “flow into vapor”. Most of the things we fear, like getting fired, disappointing people, dog bites, etc, are part of a game we chose to play, not the inherent nature of reality. Wolves live in the woods; dog bites only happen in homes because humans chose to play the game of “I want to own a domesticated wolf”. Read more>>

David Paule | Professor & Consultant

(Note: this is Dave, not Ailena, answering this question.) I find this to be a very interesting question, especially because I have older siblings who believe a life lived without risk is a win. The definition of risk is “a situation involving exposure to danger.” My undergraduate degree is in aerospace engineering. Engineers are trained to always be looking for potential failure. “Risk” is anathema to our training. Read more>>

Kierra Irvin | Entrepreneur

When it comes to being successful, you have to take risk. If you don’t, then who will? Risk taking has played a major role in my life. I wouldn’t be as far as I am in life if I didn’t take risk. I look at it this way, it’s either going to work or it’s not. You can’t be scared of what might or might not happen. All it takes is one time and your life could change forever. Being an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that you have to be willing to step outside your comfort zone in both your personal life and Career if you want to elevate. If you don’t take risk, you can’t win. Read more>>

John Wetmore | Managing Partner, Integrity Marketing Group

I can be quite a risk taker by nature. I have taken a couple pretty big risks in my career, leaving a regular W2, 9-5 job in 2006 to start a mortgage company with no real experience that eventually failed a couple years later during the market crash of ’07/’08. After going back into the corporate world, I again walked away from another W2 job with 5 kids, to get into the Insurance business, which thankfully worked out way better than the mortgage path. Read more>>

Kalaigh Sullins | Certified Medical assistant

I feel like taking risk can be a good and bad thing. Depending on what type of risk you take can be a good thing. The risk I am taking for my life/ career is getting my name out there to help other people. Read more>>