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.

Sean Keating | Co-Founder, Kea Beverages

Even before starting Kea, my friends and family would say I have a high tolerance for risk. From loving skateboarding and skydiving to surfing and traveling. That being said, you have to have a deep respect for risk. When you’re jumping out of an airplane, you know your parachute may not open and that is why you always have a backup plan. And surprisingly often, plan B turns out better than plan A. Read more>>

Jan Elie | English Teacher

When thinking about risk, I always consider the extreme end of the risk. In other words, what’s the worst thing that could happen? In the case of starting my own YouTube channel, I was terrified. My extreme thoughts were, what if nobody watches my videos?  Read more>>

Mahogany Gee | Content creator

I feel that we all need a little risk, in our life risk is just some thing that’s not only just taking a chance It’s literally can change your life out, in a matter of seconds for good or bad,, for example when I started content creation both fashion and reaction Channel. Read more>>

izuayehu Kassa | Tax proffesional and future RN/Np

I believe that risk is an inherent part of life and that taking risks is necessary for personal growth and development. In my career, I have always been willing to take calculated risks in order to push myself outside of my comfort zone and challenge myself to reach new heights. Read more>>  

Rachel Stockwell | mama|doctor|owner

I have always been relatively cautious in my life when it comes to risk – always playing it fairly safe, setting the bar for success as achievable as possible. After I had my second baby and was working for essentially unlivable wages, I had to really raise that bar when it came to opening my business; Read more>>

Jonathan Dunlap | Licensed Professional Counselor & Speaker

o I define risks as anything you do for yourself. Marketing is a trillion-dollar industry with one clear message, “I know what’s best for you.” Everything about this society encourages me to listen to someone or something other than myself. Read more>>

Jonathan Miles | Food & Beverage Consultant, Global Expansion Director for BTGCCO, Bartender, & Mixologist

Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage. Had I not taken a chance on myself and taken a job offering out of state I would’ve missed a really great opportunity to grow. Assessing risk is the machete that I use to clear my path during my journey in entrepreneurship. Read more>>

Jenny Kahn | Meal Prep and Catering

Risk is an inherent part of any entrepreneurial journey. It involves stepping into the unknown, making decisions without guaranteed outcomes. For Girl With A Recipe, transitioning to her meal prep business from part-time to full-time, understanding risk means acknowledging both the potential rewards and the possible setbacks. Read more>>

Kate Butry | Interior Designer & Staging Stylist

I see taking risks as just part of the adventure of life, especially as an entrepreneur. Risk taking has helped me throughout my life and has led me to where I am today. I moved to Altanta in 2015, without knowing a soul and successfully grew my business from the ground up to where it is today. Read more>>

Celeste Buck | Product Designer & Business Owner

Risk-taking, for me, has been an essential element of both my personal growth and career development. I perceive risk as a calculated decision, but also, to an extend, a GIANT leap into the unknown. Read more>>

Skull Q | Artist / Rapper

Well For Me Being An Artist , Your Really Risk Taking Every. With Every Song , Visual Or Even Just A Snippet Of A New Song. But With All That Fear And Rejections I Still Pursue Because I’m Not Afraid Of That Failure. Read more>>

Hamza Shaikh | Digital Artist & Architect

Despite the tendency to be overly critical of our parents in adulthood, having a child of my own has shown me just how challenging parenting can be. One thing I am particularly grateful for is my parents’ support, especially my mother’s, in nurturing my creative disposition. Read more>>

Jessica Goldstein | Owner & Stylist at J Gold Salon

Launching any business comes with its fair share of risks, but I firmly believe that believing in yourself is the key to navigating the rollercoaster of owning any business. Read more>>

keilan Morrison | creator

I feel like risks are all apart of life, sometimes people don’t get what you do until its considered a “trend.” i’ve taught myself to not get caught up in the hype and always take risks and stand out amongst my peers. Read more>>

Jefferson Thomas | Musician

I can honestly say that every time in my life I’ve ever taken a risk and gone with my gut on something, it turned out to be a great move. And I can also say that the few times I went against my gut and played it safe, the results were regrettable. So I will ALWAYS go with my gut, on anything. Read more>>

Racquel ‘Radcity’ Lee | Producer, Singer-Songwriter, Rapper, Writer, & Actor

It wasn’t always easy to maintain that “risk-taker” mentality, but much of my faith stemmed from my connection to God and the dreams of my younger self. I always strive to honor her, as well as future generations with similar dreams and aspirations. Read more>>

Kyra Eybelman | Destination Wedding Photographer

Risks play a huge part in every entrepreneur’s journey, and as a self-taught photographer, I can confidently say I’ve taken many during my career. One of my riskier moves led to one of my favorite stories: I ended up receiving a press pass and becoming the photographer for my favorite musician!  Read more>>

Amanda Threatt | Real Estate Agent

Every decision or choice you make in your life is a risk because you may not always know the outcome. 2 Corinthians 5:7 “For we walk by faith, not by sight”. Some choices are very simple to make. There are also choices that require a lot of thought, research, and prayer. Read more>>