Are you a risk taker? Do you think you have a stronger appetite for risk relative to your friends and family? We asked some folks from the community about their approaches to risk and have shared their thoughts below.

Louise van Aarde | Photographer

In my native language Afrikaans we have a saying “Wie nie waag nie, wen nie”, translated “Those who do not dare do not win”. Early on in life I made the decision that I don’t want to be the person that comes to the end and then regret the things I haven’t done. I dare say this attitude has taken me all around the world. I have lived and worked in 5 different countries. I experienced the most amazing places, met people from so many walks of life that truly enriched my life and opened my mind to different perspectives. Read more>>

Matt Reiter | Music, Motorsport, and Commercial Photographer.

I’m pretty trigger-happy when it comes to new ideas and projects. I’ve started freelance projects, a clothing brand, my own business; I’m certainly not risk-averse. Taking these chances has created many opportunities and just as many setbacks. I don’t think I could have made it 5 years into my photography career without saying yes to the crazy jobs, to traveling for work, or pitching zany ideas to potential clients. You have to take chances on things, otherwise you’ll never move forward. Read more>>

Jalisco Wayne | Unit Still Photographer

Working in the film industry as a Still Photographer I’ve found it very risky. It took a long time to get where I’m at. It would of been easier for me to quit and find a more stable job that brings absolutely no enjoyment but I don’t want to live like that. I go periods without work and not knowing when the next gig will be, but I love what I do. I don’t even see it as work really. Sometimes I work 14 hour days go home and have trouble sleeping because I’m too excited to go to work the next day. Anything worth something of value takes risk. And I thank God that it has paid off. Read more>>

Maurice Cherry | Principal and Creative Director, Lunch

One of my favorite sayings is “fortune favors the bold,” and I think that definitely plays into how I’ve shaped my career over the past 20 years. I have followed my passions throughout my career, which means I haven’t really followed a linear path to success. I have worked in publishing, education, tech, media, design, and even founded and ran my own studio for over a decade. I would not have been able to pursue opportunities in all of these industries without being comfortable with taking risks. Read more>>

Kenneth Thompson | Brand Consultant

Risk comes in all shapes and forms and is accompanied in our everyday life whether it is personal or business. Starting a company and becoming an entrepreneur is one of the biggest risks I have taken in my life and I couldn’t be happier with my decision through all the ups and downs. Making daily decisions both short-term and long all have a certain risk involved and some more extreme than others if the reward is greater than the risk more times than not I will lean on my experience to make the decision, go with my gut and accept the results whether in my favor or not. Read more>>

Julie Schoen | Digital Marketing Freelancer / Photography and Design Lover

I have lived more years of my adult life outside of the U.S. than inside the U.S. Every time I moved to a new city, taking on risk defined my experience. It would have been impossible to grow as much as I have professionally and personally without taking that deep breath and stepping off the proverbial cliff. One example of this was the creation and development of my photography book, “AUGENBLICK”. Read more>>

Walker Landgraf | Musician & Educator

I think that the mindset of eliminating or minimizing risk is valuable but can be at odds with creative decision making. Often when I make music, or food, or major life choices, I’m in some sort of flow. I’m following my heart and I’m listening to my intuition, or even acting on it without having to listen. Allowing yourself to take risks so long as it aligns with your gut is important. It can also teach you that certain things that feel risky really aren’t. I think our society tends towards risk-aversion as a whole. So we’re taught to see any risk as something to be avoided. I don’t agree with that. Read more>>

Kimiko Williams | Photographer

Growing up I was a reserved timid child that had big dreams of starting my own creative business. I didn’t know if I wanted to be a creative director, music artist, or photographer. Risks was never apart of the original plan because I was scared of them. However, I saw the impact that speaking up, taking risk, and jumping in head first had on those around me. Risk are scary but it’ll jumpstart apart of you that you never imagined possible. Taking risk put me in the position to inspire and meet people I never thought I’d come across. Taking risk will put you in positions to be a better person physically, spiritually ,and mentally. Read more>>

Devon Fisher | Author, Entrepreneur, and Ghostwriter

Some risk can be rewarding. For instance, choosing a career or a path that makes you feel fulfilled. Instead of what your parents, close friends, or family believe you should choose. It’s mandatory to choose a career that you love! Read more>>