By far, the topic that comes up most in our conversations with entrepreneurs and creatives is risk. We’ve had conversations about risks that worked out and risks that did not. We’ve seen eyes light eye sharing about career-trajectory changing risks as well as folks sigh about the risks they wish they had taken. Below, we’ve selected and shared some of those thoughtful conversations.

Brandon Flanery | Author

Getting my book published took a lot of research, time, rejection, and self improvement. I think we are scared of risk because we’re scared of failure. However, failure is the greatest teacher, and we’ll likely fail at most things at first. But failure is not the end; it’s an intricate part of the story. Read more>>

Kushal Shah | Director & Cinematographer

Taking risks is an integral part on the pathway of improvment. Comfort zones are the number one things that kill any kinds of growth or innovation and taking risks enables us to break out of our comfort zones to explore new possibilites. Taking risks of course do not gurantee success but trying and failing is way better than not trying at all. This process leads us to our development and helps us overcome challenges that we face. It helps us build resilience.  Read more>>

Analiese Danielle | Actor and Singer

Taking risks is always scary, but staying the same is scarier. I am big on self growth and self discovery, and that is sometimes a risk in itself, but so worth it. As an actor, risk is inevitable, whether it’s the risk of getting rejected for a role or the risk of being vulnerable as a person to truthfully tell someone else’s story. Acting is grounded in truth, and some roles require heavy emotional turmoil, and it’s always a risk to have to go there emotionally.  Read more>>

Michaela Bidon | Entertainment Producer & Post-Production Specialist

I’ve come to find evolving as an artist isn’t about learning to take less risks or smarter risks– it’s about seeing risk taking as a tool that pushes you forward. It’s one hell of a tool to have in your arsenal. Risk taking is at the beating heart of being an artist, especially when working in entertainment. Every project/decision/action you take is a risk. The only “wrong” risks to take are the ones that sacrifice your artistic integrity. Whenever I’m scared to try something, I like to remind myself that even not taking any risks, staying in the comfort zone, is a risk in itself– and it’s a doozy to recover from. Read more>>

Janhavi Jeevan | Multidisciplinary designer crafting impactful and purpose-driven designs

When I think about risk, I see it as a gateway to growth rather than something to be feared. To me, risk is the necessary leap that often stands between staying stagnant and discovering something new or transformative. It involves uncertainty, yes, but it also carries the possibility of reward—whether that’s in the form of learning, personal development, or new opportunities. I consider myself a bit of a daredevil when it comes to taking risks, and moving halfway across the world for my undergraduate degree was one of the biggest risks I’ve taken. Read more>>

Laura “chef Chel” Wharton | Owner & Personal Chef

Risk is a fascinating concept. For me, it often evokes feelings of uncertainty and anxiety, as the outcome is always unpredictable. However, I view taking risks as an invaluable opportunity for growth. Stepping outside of my comfort zone challenges me to adapt and develop new skills. Read more>>

Jessica Cetrangelo | Ceramic Artist and Energy Worker

When I pictured my future, I knew I could not do the same thing for the rest of my life. The goals of the 9-5, career, marriage, family, wash, repeat, next generation, was not for me. As time passed, it grew to knowing I could not spend the majority of my life working for someone else. It was a risky path to follow…not only is risk a massive piece of choosing to become an entrepreneur, but a creative business…that’s doubling down on the risk. Read more>>

Candace Holyfield Parker | Founder & Community Leader

I view risk as an opportunity for growth and reward rather than just a potential loss. The correct risk taking has lead to innovation and success throughout the years. I also learned several valuable life and business lessons from unsuccessful risk experiments. I’m laughing about it now but I definitely was crying during some of those hard unexpected failures as a business owner. Read more>>