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.

Adam Pendlington | Songwriter and musician

My bandmates and I started Highbeams, our band/business, in our early 20’s. We were all between 20 and 22. We knew there was a lot of risk involved, as the failure rate for both businesses and bands is pretty high, but at that age we didn’t have a ton to lose. We still worried about money a lot, but we didn’t have very many responsibilities at that age. It didn’t hurt that you could rent a place for only 650 back then. Read more>>

Will Frontera | Director & Producer

Takings risks in a career is how you make a career. Playing it safe will never get me to the full potential I’d like to unlock. Filmmaking as a career in general is a risky one to enter. There isn’t much stability early on and you start at the bottom. I take risks by putting myself out there and making connections, and investing in myself to get my projects seen. I took a big risk last year by putting a lot of saved money into my first short film, and I couldn’t be happier that I did! If I hadn’t done that, I’m not sure where I’d be right now! I feel very confident that taking multiple risks has given me an opportunity to achieve what I’d like to achieve, and hope to take more in the future as I continue my journey! Read more>>

Christina Graham | CEO & Co-Founder of Good Organics, Devoted Wife & Mom

Risk is an inherent part of growth and innovation, both in life and in business. I’ve always seen risk as a necessary step toward achieving something greater. Whether it was starting Good Organics or making tough decisions in my personal life, I’ve learned that taking calculated risks can open doors to opportunities that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. In my career, taking risks has often meant stepping out of my comfort zone and venturing into uncharted territory. For instance, starting Good Organics was a significant leap for me. My personal experiences with chronic pain and the relief I found through CBD products pushed me to take the risk of starting a business in a highly competitive market. It wasn’t just about creating a product line—it was about believing in something that I knew could make a difference in people’s lives. Read more>>

Krystal Molette | Personal Stylist & Influencer

I view risk as a necessary component of growth and innovation. Taking risks is about stepping outside of my comfort zone and challenging the status quo, which is essential for both personal and professional development. In my life and career, embracing risk has allowed me to explore new opportunities and push boundaries, leading to meaningful achievements and growth. For instance, choosing to wear a bold, unconventional outfit for a high-stakes interview at Sephora was a significant risk. Read more>>

Larry Silver | Visual Artist: Painter

I’ve always seen risk as a chance to learn. Taking a risk is an opportunity to be on the other side of not knowing. Risk in my journey has allowed me to have a strong sense of self. I trust myself to still be who I am while in the process of being vulnerable to any outcome when a risk is being taken. As an artist, I see risks as a challenge to ignite my creativity and take away labels such as good or bad, instead visualizing them as an evolution. Read more>>

Phillip Whitaker | Executive Chef/Pastry Chef

I’ve always believed that anytime you have a goal, it takes risk no matter what your career choice is. The term “risk” is something everyone is capable of but most are afraid to execute. I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur at the age of 17. The thought of being a line cook or sous chef for the rest of my career wasn’t going to satisfy me. I made a decision to work harder and risk having a weekly pay check to work for myself full time. Read more>>

Lisa Bell | Yoga Instructor & Group Fitness Instructor

When I think about taking risks I weigh them first. I weigh the good and bad and the possible outcome if I take the risk or don’t take the risk. Ultimately if the good out weighs the bad and if the outcome will be beneficial not just to myself but to others then I take the risk. A major risk I have taken in my career was taking the first step. Investing money and time in a career when I was past a certain age. Also taking this risk at the height of the global pandemic when there was so much uncertainty day to day. Read more>>