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.

Brad Ludden | Outdoor athlete and the Founder of First Descents

My entire professional career as a whitewater kayaker was built on taking risks. What I learned very quickly through taking risks in my kayak was that with risk comes reward and that I always knew in my gut if the risk was manageable. Read more>>

Danielle Anderson | Cofounder of walk with dada

Without risk, there is no reward! Taking risks leads to growth and knowledge and it’s important to be comfortable taking risks as you develop a new business while also being smart about where you put your dollars. Read more>>

Darryl Dwayne Walker | Actor | Artist | Educator

My parents are from the era of low risk high reward however they are the last of that generation. The era we live in today preaches high risk, high reward, but despite that I thrive from the thought of calculated risk equals high reward. Read more>>

Jonah Nash | Singer-Songwriter, Actor, Dancer

I truly feel that when something so deep is placed inside your heart, you have no choice but to follow it. I dropped out of college halfway through my junior year. Read more>>

Shenelle Simone & April B. | Multimedia Mavens

It’s funny because risk taking is something that is new to us, and while it is the most scariest thing you can think of it has also become the reason why we are still able to fuel this dream. Read more>> 

Tabetha McNeal | Actress & Voice Over Coach

I approach the concept of risk with the wisdom imparted by my esteemed former acting mentor, Will Catlett: as an opportunity to serve. Many risks entail venturing into uncharted territories, challenging oneself to accomplish what was once deemed beyond reach. Read more>>

Chanel Ali | Standup Comedian

I’m not afraid to fail and it’s one of my greatest strengths. I’ve always had the confidence to try things and lean in, even if I wasn’t good at first. I took a lot of risks to become a comedian, I dropped out of grad school, moved to NYC on a Megabus, I often spent my last few dollars to watch a show.  Read more>>

Tracey Love Graves | Actress, Podcast Host, and Certified Yoga Instructor

Risk-taking is paramount for a rich life and career. We may not be aware of it, but our favorite actors are taking risks constantly on stage and screen. It takes great courage to couple preparation with curiosity in order to deliver a noteworthy performance. Read more>>

Laura Janelle Downey | Journalist & Lifestyle Influencer

I’ve always heard, “No risk, no reward.” But even contemplating taking a risk can be nerve-racking. And if you let your mind run wild, it will tell you all sorts of things—and a majority of this stuff will be negative. Read more>> 

Ambitious Vue | Entrepreneur & Realtor® — Yen Tran

Being a risk taker can be a very rewarding feeling if done correctly. I do enjoy taking risks but I am also aware that each has its own cost. With personal experiences and observations, I prefer to make sure the risks are worth – being taken with precision and precaution knowing that every action comes with a reaction.Read more>> 

Kristian Herrera | Comics Creator, Editor, and Publisher

Risk has always presented itself for me in my comic career. Whether creating my books from scratch or traveling to multiple states to grow my readership one trade show at a time, it’s all been risky. Unfortunately, I’ve had to get more comfortable with that as the years have gone on. Read more>> 

Crystal White | Permanent Makeup Artist

As an entrepreneur you are constantly taking risk, I feel as if risk are apart of the process. Naturally I am a planner, I like to know outcomes but I had to learn how to be uncomfortable. When I started my business is was a risky because I did not have a job at the moment and was. Read more>>

Tonya Caver | Photographer

Every single time I apply for credentials as a freelance photographer there is always the risk of denial, but I never let the no’s deter my efforts. Also, risk taking is evident with every new concept. Read more>>  

F’iona Mesha’ | Singer, Songwriter

My entire life I’ve been taking risks, it never felt right to stay in the realm of comfort. There were and still are so many things that I want to accomplish. Whenever I decide to take a risk on something I’ve thought through it shows that I’m willing to bank on me. Read more>>