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.

Ramon Vasquez

In my house deciding to peruse film at 17 was a risk. My parents didn’t see it coming but I had the grades to do what I wanted. Going to college out of state and then moving to NYC meant I was continuing my risk taking. Read More>>

Ashley Hair Dna

Risk taking can be scary! But I am a strong believer of the fact that fear will paralyze you and I refuse to be a victim of fear. I think that most of my career has been a little risky. The biggest risk that I ever took was at the age of 20 years old when I left my hometown in Norfolk, VA and decided to go after my dreams in Atlanta, Georgia. Read More>>

Yassin Jamal Adam

I used to really fear reaching out to those who I admire within this industry, whether it be just for some advice, or to ask about a collaboration opportunity, but I believe that fear was deeply rooted in the belief that I had something to lose, whether it be my credibility, or reputation. Read more>>

Sarah Massey

Longevity in an artistic career path such as filmmaking requires that you find peace in risk taking. Everyone is familiar with the phrase “starving artist” – no one chooses this path to get rich quick. Yes, a few company CEOs and celebrity actors are enjoying their millions, but most crew members, writers and aspiring actors are living paycheck to paycheck, bar tending and driving Ubers between gigs to pay the rent. Read More>>

Michael Schwartz

I think of risk as being presented with a door of opportunity. The choice is yours to either open the door or not. What lies ahead can only be seen by choosing to open the door and then saying ‘yes’ to walking through it. Read More>>