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.

Tedd Johann Weitzman | Advanced Work Packaging Evangelist with a Creative Sprit

I have an interesting relationship with risk. I am, without a doubt, risk adverse. I can also recognize and describe the risks – or leaps of faith – I have made bother personally and professionally. Almost all of these leaps have been made with great confidence because I have believed and been passionate about whatever the desired outcomes have been. Read more>>

Ana Acevedo | Aupair, content creator, former english teacher and psychologist.

After three years working as a teacher, and basically having my whole life set and organized back in my home country, I decided I needed to get out of my comfort zone at least once in my life before I settle in. That’s why I left everything behind and came to the United States to work as an aupair (basically, a live in nanny, taking care of kids). Read more>>

Desiree Dezir | Hairstylist & Shaman

Well I took a risk moving to Atlanta shortly after highschool . I had no family no friends here in the state of Georgia let alone in the city of Atlanta, and being from a small town Huntsville, Alabama I didn’t have many creative resources like Atlanta did . So I packed up my Nissan Altima with my clothes , dreams and a couple of dollars lol. Read more>>

Georgette Blay | Creative Designer and Artisan

I learned how to process risk at a very young age. I was brought to the U.S. at the age of nine and had to dive in and take risks to figure out how I was going to fit in and thrive in my new environment. That process taught me valuable skills in viewing risk. Read more>>

Sharon Secondus | Healthcare Growth Strategist | International student career coach | Speaker

Risk-taking has been a continuous thread throughout my growth. One of the biggest risks I ever took was following my passion for healthcare technology by moving to the US. While living comfortably in England, UK, I yearned for a more fulfilling experience in this field. Read more>>

ALANZO PHILLIPS | Actor & Army Veteran

What I think about risk is always taking risks no matter if I fail at a job/task or not. You’ll never know if you will accomplish something if you don’t take the risk at it. Read more>>

Sierra Shingler | Plus Size Model

I took the risk in October of 2023 and I left my 9-5 that was mentally and physically draining me. Money was great but I wasn’t happy. Also during October of 2023 I had won my first modeling give away with Big Muva House Agency and so after I became a brand ambassador. Read more>>

DeQuann Piner | Content Creator & Chef

When I think about a risk, I’m thinking of the chances of making something happen with a decision that must be made, whether its a new job out of state, a pay cut to secure temporary happiness, or something that will benefit me in the long run, you never truly know what can happen in life and sometimes you have to make a move regardless. Read more>>

Alessia Secli | Theatre performer

Risk taking is been the most important part of my job and my life. As an artist, there’s no gain without a little risk! Every audition or callback requires some choice making that will determine whether I will get a positive outcome or not. It is always taking a risk and hope that that is what they wanted to see. Read more>>

FlyGod Loco | Millionaire Miindz Entertainment C.E.O And National Recording Artist

Risk have been a big part of my success. I remember when rapping or wasn’t cool, I remember back in school everyone wanted to play football or basketball while I was skipping practice to go to the studio. Since dedicating my self to my career I had to sacrifice spending time with my kids to make a way for them which is a big risk because as a man I don’t want anybody there to teach my kids nothing but me and I don’t want them to have to go through what I went through growing up in the Fair Grounds of Rockford or in Chicago. Read more>>

brian kim | A street photographer who creates images that show that humanity is fundamentally the same.

After working as CEO of a company of 3 billion sales for 7 years, I decided to retire early at the age of 56 and take a risk by choosing a new life as a photographer. In my 30 years of professional experience, I have taken on many high-risk opportunities and have been successful. Read more>>

Shawnteria Wilson | THEHAIRFANATIC/Hairstylist

Shortly after dropping out of college I attended a technical school nearby. Ogeechee tech lol what a name it was located in Statesboro ,Ga. I finished all my courses and was just starting to enter into the cosmetology program. life hit me hard !!! Read more>>