There is a wealth of academic research that suggests that differences in risk appetite are at the heart of differences in career and business trajectories. We wanted to go beyond the theory and ask real people from the community about their perspectives and experiences with risk and risk taking.

Danyelle Aguirre | Psychic Tarot Reader, Healer, Reiki Practitioner and Mom

Taking risks is a central theme in my life, especially as a divorced mom and entrepreneur. Moving over 1,200 miles with seven kids after my divorce was a huge leap of faith. While I knew deep down that it was a necessary step to create the life I envisioned for my family, it was still very uncomfortable and new. Starting a psychic tarot business was risky, it is not the most conventional path for a mom to seven (now eight) to take. However, I used my intuition to turn something I’m passionate about into something meaningful. Read more>>

Olivia Peterson | Content Creator

Hey, thanks for interviewing me! Taking risks has actually played a major role in my life. If you don’t really know much about me, I’m a content creator that mostly creates content in south Indian languages. My love for other cultures was something that was developed in me from a young age, It might have been sparked by the Indian auntie and uncle that my family would host though out my childhood or it could have been sparked by watching the African children’s choir preform at my church and deciding I wanted to be one of them when I grew up (no one had the heart to tell me I was not African, and could not be.) Read more>>

Monique G. | Investor at Tlcinvestmentsco

think risk as an opportunity to grow, an opportunity to change your timeline; your life. I use to be terrified of taking risk. But when you think about it, if you know you don’t like your current reality or you know that this one decision could change your whole world why shy away from that? Always look for opportunities to change your norm. If you fall, that’s totally okay but atleast you tried. Risks have made me climb the ladder of life more than sitting in my head ever did. Risks have made me more money than saving ever did. Read more>>

Shelby D. | Model & Dental Hygienist

I think of risk as something dynamic—it’s not just about the probability of failure but also about the potential for discovery, growth, and change. Risk-taking has driven a constant cycle of learning and believing in myself. I took a risk by moving to a new state this year (2024), with no friends and a few family members, which allowed me to become more open and build community. In regards to my career, the move to Atlanta allowed me to flourish personally and professionally in modeling in ways that I couldn’t even imagine. I am grateful for taking that leap of faith. Read more>>

Ryan Von Minus | Yoga Instructor & Dentist

I find the concept of “risk” in the creative world intriguing, as it suggests a choice to create. I didn’t choose to be an artist any more than I chose to be brown eyed, or queer; it’s just part of who I am. This reality means my life is inherently “risky,” and I’ve learned to prepare for that. Read more>>

Yung Meme | Rapper & Songwriter

Taking risks has been the foundation of my music career. I dared to be different, because I know that I am a spectacle. I think everyone should take the risk of betting on themselves. Read more>>

Jasmine Lang | Beauty Specialist

Taking risks has been central to my personal growth and advancement in my career. Becoming a licensed Esthetician and moving from TN to GA was a risk worth taking and it has opened doors to new opportunities, pushed me to develop new skills, and allowed me to overcome challenges that seemed daunting at first. By stepping out of my comfort zone, I made decisions that led to significant learning experiences, expanded my professional network, and helped me stand out as a proactive, forward-thinking individual. Read more>>