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.

Kenya Brock | Vice President of Marketing at We Are Rosie

When I think about taking risks, I think about the worst case scenario first. What happens if I fail? Most of the time it’s not as awful or as dramatic as it seems, and so, I take the risk. I understand not everyone has the privilege of taking risks depending on their circumstances. I don’t always have that privilege, either! But two important times I’ve taken risks are when I’ve moved to new cities for jobs. Both times, I gave myself a timeline to try and out. If it didn’t work, I’d move back home. One city I literally knew no one. It was terrifying because I was just out of college and figuring out my life. But ultimately, both opportunities helped me grow personally and professionally. Read more>>

Latasha Williams | Career Breakthrough & Transformation Coach ▪️Unlocking Career Success for Early to Mid-career professional women

As a woman of color in the career development field, I’ve learned that taking risks is not just a choice, but a necessity. For me, it’s about challenging the status quo and believing in the value I bring to the table. Oprah’s words resonated deeply with me early on and they were: “Do the one thing you think you cannot do. Fail at it. Try again. Do better the second time. The only people who never tumble are those who never mount the high wire. This is your moment. Own it.” Oprah’s words inspire courage to face challenges and accept failure as a stepping stone to success. Read more>>

Keturah Saddler | Commercial model

Risk taking has played a significant role in my life. I started modeling just because I wanted to regain confidence in myself as a woman. I never thought I’d walk on runways or even get booked to model for different brands. My decision to take modeling serious and build on my momentum was a huge risk. I am new mom & newly divorced…I had to figure out how I was going to provide for my daughter and myself all while trying to pursue the one thing that made me feel like myself. I would think to myself “ how am I going to pay for digitalis when my daughter is growing faster than I ever expected “ Read more>>