By far, the topic that comes up most in our conversations with entrepreneurs and creatives is risk. We’ve had conversations about risks that worked out and risks that did not. We’ve seen eyes light eye sharing about career-trajectory changing risks as well as folks sigh about the risks they wish they had taken. Below, we’ve selected and shared some of those thoughtful conversations.

Taresa Scott | Founder of Bleuprint

When I think about the word risk, the first thing that comes to mind is “opportunity”. For me, my greatest “risks” were opportunities that pushed me one step closer to achieving my goals. I’ve learned to trust my intuition to determine what is the next step I should take. When I evaluate what it is that I truly want when a “risk” presents itself, I often ask myself, “Is it worth it?” Risks are not always a bad thing. Read more>>

Joshua Chaney | Musician and Actor

I take risk because I think about being average. To me being average is not going outside your comfort zone or exploring new things and/or opportunities. Life or career taking risks is necessary in order to evolve. You don’t grow in anything if you keep playing it safe. Read more>>

Joshua Carter | Creative Artist

Risk is an essential factor in the journey and process. Without taking a chance on yourself, you miss out on what could be life-changing experiences and opportunities. I think we let the fear or doubt of not getting what we want from taking risks create a mental blockade that hinders us from obtaining what’s already seeking us. Read more>>

Yecheilyah Ysrayl | Author & Poet

There is a saying: “Take the risk or lose the chance.”

I think about risks as a part of life; in many ways, everything we do is a risk. Walking outside that door is a risk since there is no guarantee we’ll return. In my life and career, everything I’ve done has been risky. As an introvert, I push myself to do things I am uncomfortable doing because I understand those things will strengthen and challenge me. I also know that, as another saying goes: “Comfort zones are beautiful places, but nothing ever grows there.” Even if you are on the right path, you can get run over if you just sit there. I am thankful to have a work ethic that refuses to settle for basic. I’m a lot of things, but idle is not one of them. Read more>>

Jason Fletcher | Multi-Disciplined Fitness, Health, Wellness, Personal-Development Artistry & Craftsmanship

Audaciousness is an impetus for Self-Awareness, Actualization, Confidence and Evolution. All of which are integral for a well rounded life and are invaluable tools for a prosperous and purposeful business. Read more>>

Rhondaja Denine | Journalist

I’ve recently just graduated college with my Bachelors In Journlism. I recently just excepted my first position in my career as a multimedia journalist. I packed up my home in Buffalo Ny quit my job at the hospital and moved over 900 miles away with my seven year old daughter to chase my dreams as a news anchor. I walked in to the unknown but I know my faith with Carey me through. Read more>>

Cicley Gay | Board Chairwoman, Black Lives Matter Foundation and Philanthropic Strategist

I believe the greatest risk lies in not taking any.

I bring over 20 years of nonprofit and philanthropic experience to my role as Board Chairwoman of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation and founder of The Amplifiers, a social enterprise standing at the intersection of cause and communications. Stepping into the role as board member has been about taking risks and trusting that I have much to contribute to our community and culture–even at times, in moments of crisis, criticism and controversy. Read more>>

BRITTANI MARTIN | Author, Philanthropist, Poet, Educator

No risk, no reward is what comes to mind when I think of what it means to take a risk. I believe in taking calculated risks of course, but the role that risk taking has played in my life is a very lifechanging. I had to take a risk on myself and my creative ability and talent in order to successfully start my own business. I feel that in life you are constantly faced with opportunities to take risks, or to potentially build yourself up, but maybe at the potential cost of failure or loss. When you have the mindset of a winner, taking risks becomes essential because you will never know how something will go or will turnout unless you try at it. If I would have never taken a risk, and bet on myself with creating a motivational brand, and spent all the money I spent on it, regardless of the profit made back, regardless of the sleepless nights, I would have never saw the other side of my vision and what I could potentially do. I believe taking risks, can have its ups and downs but it just speaks to ones confidence in themselves to see it through, to see the vision through. You never know until you try and the bigger the risk, the bigger the reward. Read more>>

Nicole Panashe | Filmmaker

As a creative, I am constantly brainstorming and developing new ideas that come to mind, no matter how big or small. With that, comes the evaluation each of these ideas and seeing which I would like to pursue further. This is where my imagination meets reality. Whether there are budget limitations, lack of resources or limited time, I always try to challenge my creativity in new ways and try something different in whatever project I have next. That in itself can be risky, as I am constantly choosing to step into an unfamiliar space whether in genre, location, collaboration, or style. But I have found that I always feel fulfilled when I am able to apply myself and my ideas to the fullest without feeling regret, rather than playing it safe and being afraid to take the risk. Read more>>

Mzgucci La’Royke | Serial entrepreneur

i feel like risk taking is a must to succeed in life. if you don’t take the risk you will miss out on an opportunity that could change your life my whole career is based off risking taking because i am going to do what others might me scared to and im in field to where if you don’t take the risk there is no reward Read more>>