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.

Ashley Alves | Designer & Founder

I think risk is really a matter of perspective. I’m naturally a pretty anxious person, but I know never venturing out of my comfort zone is risky in itself if I ultimately want a full life. When life confronts me with a pivotal moment, I often have an intuition about which path to take, because it’s usually the scary one and the one that demands the most faith. It’s the choice I call, and I’m laughing nervously as I say it, “walking on water”. Read more>>

Rahkal Shelton | Author Speaker

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,” This is a famous Wayne Gretzky quote that I live by. But in my opinion, taking a risk is equivalent to stepping out on faith. Faith is described as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen. When we operate in faith, i.e., risk-taking, we are moving towards what we hope for even though we may not see it. I can honestly say there isn’t a single thing that I’ve accomplished that didn’t’ require some sort of risk. Read more>>

Sydney Daniel | Visual Artist

Risk as a visual artist is tricky, you have to balance your financial situation over the reward of taking a risk. For example I decided to go ahead and get my MFA at the University of Georgia. Attending and completing any graduate program is going to put you in a position where you are strained financially which is a huge risk as an emerging artist but the reward is huge. Read more>>

Amber Stidham | Artist, Muralist and Graphic Desinger

My success has come from taking risk and has made me a better artist in the process. Once you decide to do what you love doors seem to open and opportunities arise that didn’t seem to be there before. It is super important to take risks and push yourself. In doing so you often find new and exciting ways to expand your skills and creative reach. I am lucky to be married to an artist. He pushes me to go beyond my safe zone constantly. Becoming comfortable with the unknown is truly a struggle but is neccessary for growth. Read more>>

Lois Burnett | President/Owner, Hair Jewels and Lapel Pins by lolo®

When someone chooses to pursue their passion and dreams the first thing they must recognize and accept is they will have to take risks. Success cannot be achieved without it neither can it be sustainable. In order to grow you must continue to take risks or remain stagnate even falling by the wayside while watching others around you blossom. It’s a part of the equation and formula to realize your goals. Read more>>

Susannah Lee | Owner, Thistle & Sprig Tea Co

I used to be terrified of any and all risk. When I first conceived the idea of my tea company, I was petrified – to leave a stable job, to build something from scratch, to try something so completely new – it all seemed so risky. But spending the time to research business models and develop a business plan of my own helped me offset some of that risk. Knowledge, consumer trust, and capital are in my opinion the three biggest ways to mitigate risk in business. Read more>>

Cynthia A. Jones | Preacher, Inspirational Speaker & Christian Life Coach

Anything worth having is going to require some measure of risk. The greater the risk the greater the reward will be. The question then becomes, how much am I willing to risk or in simpler terms, how much am I willing to pay? Before you can move forward on anything worth having; you must first count the cost and then decide if you’re willing to pay the price. The cost may require a considerable amount of time. Read more>>