How do you think about risk? What role has taking risks played in your life/career? Check out responses from hidden gems from our community below.

Tamika Adams | Professional Mentor

Risk taking is the ultimate cheat code of success! However, it’s also important to acknowledge that while risk-taking can lead to great rewards, it’s not without its challenges and potential setbacks. Calculated risks, strategic planning, and adaptability are also crucial elements in navigating the uncertainties of life and business. Every win that I have experienced in life came with risks, challenges and perserverence. I’ve learned that it is apart of this game called LIFE! Read more>>

Kanika Bell | Psychologist, Professor & Joy Coach

Existence is based on taking chances. Taking risks is a way of saying to the universe that you bet on yourself, that you are in your own corner. I own two businesses that entail taking a risk and choosing joy. But because positive mental health components can appear esoteric and out of reach to many, it was a risk to invest so heavily in it. Risk is required to meet goals and achieve desired rewards, but it is also required to prove to yourself that YOU believe in your own vision. Every expansion of A.T.L. Psychotherapy & Consulting Services, LLC required risk. Investing in larger office space with the prayer than people would come through the doors was a risk. Building the business in an entirely Black area of the city, because I believed that though there can be stigma attached to mental health care, Black people deserved services in their own communities, was a risk. Keeping the office open during the pandemic and staying committed to the vision, was a risk. I had to learn that a certain amount of uncertainty would always be present, If I waited until I was completely sure everything would work out optimally…I would still be waiting. Bravery does not involve lack of fear, it involves jumping in while afraid and swimming anyway. Taking risks made me proud of myself. It made me feel like I could conquer anything. The risks I have taken in business remind me that risks can pay off. Love is a risk. Friendship is a risk. Charity, faith, parenthood, travel…all risks. Though calculated and made with as much wisdom as I could garner from mentors and elders, I put myself and my ideas out there, and the risks have produced fruit. Read more>>

Fabienne Ami | Wardrobe Style Expert & Health Policy Analyst

I think of risk as an opportunity. All too often, so many of us view risk with a negative connotation. It’s highly associated with fear, and places you in a state of ‘what if’s’ when you could literally just do the thing. I think it’s natural to feel apprehensive, cautious, and aware of a risk, but to have so many examples in my life where I took risks and always learned something, leads me to believe that the other side of risk is success, confidence, and gratitude at the core. Risk has allowed me to see the other side, recognize, and remind myself of my gifts. It’s pushed me into situations that proved to be some of the most life-learning spaces. I’ve been reminded of my bravery, humor, optimism, and so much more. I’ve also learned the effects of stubbornness, worry, and anxiety when a risk is not taken. In my personal life and career, whenever I feel like a risk is leaning more toward worry than excitement, I reach into my faith and regain focus that my steps are already planned, and there’s nothing I cannot do when I’m reminded who I am and from whom I came. Read more>>

Ka’Cee Coleman | Nature & Travel Content Creator

Risks are nothing but barriers that can or can’t stop you from continuing your path. If you never take a risk, how can you evolve in your life? I’ve taken many risks in my life, from joining the military at an early age, to traveling the world alone, and even becoming my own boss. Taking risks is the reason why I am where I’m at today, I’ve had so many accomplishments and achievements in my life, all because I wasn’t afraid to not be typical. The biggest risk many people are afraid of, is leaving their home town. I’ve been to ALL 50 states, and this year I will be leaving the country for the first time. You can’t be afraid to prosper, it’s ok to not know what’s behind the door. Read more>>

Shamara Star” Cox | TV Producer + Business Content Coach”

I used to be afraid to take risks because I was so accustomed to my “comfy life.” The only problem with comfort is that I felt like I was settling and I wasn’t living a purposeful life. Until finally I stepped out on faith. And that faith step led me to take the biggest risk of my career. See, I worked in television for a decade, and I still felt overlooked, undervalued, and underpaid. It seemed that no matter how high I advanced there was always a glass ceiling I’d never reach. But then one day, God said to me, “Quit your job.” And of course I thought that was bizarre, because I didn’t have another job lined up. But the pressures of my career was getting to me. I just felt like I was not being afforded certain opportunities that my other colleagues were. The last straw was when I submitted yet another idea, it was accepted, but I was rejected from implementing it. I was furious. That’s when I knew that staying at my job was no longer an option. And I took God up on His offer. This was January 2020. Now I was afraid. I still remember, pacing my floor, hyperventilating, and crying thinking I made a mistake. But in the midst of my fear, I could hear God say: “It’s too late to go back. Only forward.” And I’m happy that I listened because one year later I started my business and at the close of 2023, I had made 6 figures. That’s more than I’d ever made working a 9 to 5. And the best part is I’m actually transforming lives with my video content. When I chose to take a risk I chose purpose over comfort. Faith over fear. And soaring over settling. Read more>>

Mia Hann | CEO/Founder of Whole Life Healing Center

Whole Life Healing Center was formed in the domestic violence shelter at one of the lowest points in my life. I had to make a choice to take a risk and a leap of faith to walk away from my 100k position to walk in my calling to assist survivors transitioning out of the shelter. The risk was great but the ability to help Domestic violence survivors transition out of the shelter, feed the hungry and bless students have been more than rewarding enough for me. We have expanded from a grassroots nonprofit into a multi-State 501c3 nonprofit organization. Read more>>

Samantha Marie Sciotti | Visual Storyteller

I view life as a series of risks, acknowledging that complete certainty is elusive when making decisions. Throughout my career, I’ve tended to embrace opportunities that have been presented to me, curious to see where they may lead. This approach lead to some incredible experiences with amazing individuals, while others I value as learning experiences. If I hadn’t taken those risks, I wouldn’t have had the chance to truly discover and understand myself. I am currently pursuing my passions and developing trust in my intuition, believing that things will unfold as they are meant to. Read more>>

shye. | Artist & Songwriter

Pursuing music or art of any kind honestly is a risk. It’s a tough business to carve out a space for yourself in. But I just believe so deeply in myself and what I’m creating that I can’t imagine not doing it. Whether it becomes the biggest thing in the world or it strictly remains this space I get to make art in, where I have this little community of people who listen to it, I’m just grateful to have the outlet and the means to be able to do it. I’m having so much fun with it. Read more>>

Besona Bettah | Yhasi Hair CEO & Beauty Enthusiast

I think risk taking is a part of life . I’ve always been a risk taker . Starting my business was a big risk because I used my last couple hundred dollars to begin and luckily it paid off .The way I look at it is if I fail , I’ve learned a lesson on what not to do. Read more>>

ReShonda Parker | Professional Model, Jewelry Designer, Mother

Growing up, I was bullied from elementary til middle school. Back then, I didn’t see a future anywhere near what it is now. I’ve always been so afraid because of that, to try. I stuck with what felt comfortable and safe. I stayed either my comfort zones and because of that I feel I missed out on so many amazing opportunities. When I became an adult my mindset started to change and I found myself wondering ” What if?” a lot. I had my first child at age 21 and I knew that I wanted her to see a mother who she’d be proud of . Prior to having her I got into modeling. That to me felt like one of the biggest risks because with the childhood I had , I definitely didn’t feel I could do it. I started when I was just 14 years old. My mother put me in classes hoping that it would bring me out of my extreme shyness. What I didn’t know was that it would be the beginning of an extraordinary life. I got back into it after sitting out for 15 years because I got married and had children. But it was always in the back of my mind. In 2019 after my separation, I stepped out on faith and the stars became brighter. Read more>>

K’lin Epps | Project Manager | Designer | Public Relations

As a career, I’ve chosen Project Management due to the amount of energy, focus, and ownership that it takes to really manage your book of business, people, group, project, program, or even peers. I strived my entire childhood to become a division 1 collegiate athlete. So, I’ve always been driven, ambitious, and showcase a huge amount of tenacity through adversity. I ruptured my Achilles and was forced to retire but along the way i was majoring in Nursing while playing football. So, I thought that was my back up plan, but I ended up not being accepted due to my GPA being a 3.47 GPA which was .03 pints below the requirement. I was crushed and use these situations to help me prevail myself through a vast number of opportunities giving me the chance to sharpen my operational, administrative, and clerical management skills that I knew would help me land a project manager role eventually. It wasn’t easy getting the role, as I had to take on numerous roles where I would be in an uncomfortable place because I wasn’t exposed to this perspective or way of thinking which ultimately made me grow much more as a man and as a leader/business professional for whatever project I am working on. I’ve learned along the way that no matter if you are a 9-5 type of person or a hustler that anything is possible as long as you stayed determined and positive. I’ve learned that you never should underestimate or count yourself out of the equation just because you aren’t reaching the results you feel you deserve. Hard work waits on nobody but one thing it will help with is paying off for whatever you may put your mind to. Keep going. Read more>>

Asia Grisby | Landlord, Realtor, Air Bob Host, Business Owner, and Corporate America Employee

Risk is an inevitable part of life. It is impossible to avoid it entirely and taking calculated risks can lead to great rewards. In both life and career, taking risks can lead to personal growth and greater success. Read more>>

Alejandra Moreno | Professional dancer & artist

I have learned that taking risks and getting out of your comfort zone always makes you grow. I took a big risk when I left my home country, Colombia to come to the US to start a career as a dancer. 7 years later I reflect and feel grateful for all the challenges that I have been through, my achievements, and the wonderful people I have met. Read more>>

Stacy Georges | Nonprofit founder.

Starting a 501c3 comes with a lot of warnings. Even a friend who works as an accountant, Saud “Don’t do it”. When it became clear that it was time to start the paperwork, it turned out that the paperwork had changed, and everything was in line. Lots of warning that wasn’t relevant. Every time we try to do good, there will be someone warning us of trouble. Read more>>