We asked some brilliant folks from the community to talk to us about how they think about risk and the role risk has played in their lives and careers.

Anthony Giovanni Elias | Actor, Martial Artist

“Empty your cup so that it may be filled”. – Bruce Lee In life, you’re gonna make mistakes and you’ll have to live and learn from those mistakes. I believe that is the true journey to self discovery in becoming a better and stronger person each and every day. Read more>>

Tyler Lord | Creative Director

I wouldn’t be where I am without taking risks in both my career and personal life. There are three key risks I took in my life, which I am truly grateful for. The first is meeting my wife, I knew right away she was the one and after a year I asked her to marry me and we have been together now for 14 years and have two handsome boys. Read more>>

DB Bantino | Artist, Producer, Songwriter

Taking risk is one of the most important things to do in this career. For one, anybody that you ask for help in your journey is taking a risk on you. But most people won’t do that for you if they don’t believe you would do it for yourself. Read more>>

Brittany Bah | Branding and Lifestyle Photographer

Taking risks in the past used to seem like this unimaginable feat that could never be reached. I was afraid to embark on uncharted waters in fear of disappointment, rejection, and I was just plain ol’ scared to fail. Author Brené Brown has a quote that says: “Stay awkward, brave, and kind.” Read more>>

Coral Mizrachi | Actress & Singer

Wow, that’s a difficult question for me. I’m not a gambler, I’m organized and I love planning. I’d rather not take a risk if I can help it. But time and time again I find that when you are an artist it’s inevitable to take risks if you want to do real, integral, captivating art. Read more>>

Jeralyn Victoria | Artist

I think of risk mostly in terms of braving to challenge tradition instead of uphold it. Which as an artist is absolutely necessary as a practice. Entertainment allows us to be passive, technique and craft uphold tradition, but if these are going to be combined in some nuanced way they aren’t going to function as art without risk. Read more>>

Elicionne Washington | Entertainment Executive

Being a risk taker comes with great rewards at times. I started my career by taking a risk. I jumped in head first on the strength of believing in myself. Some of the greats will tell you low risk low reward, what’s the worse you can hear…a no? Read more>>

Rachael Nerney | Artist & Muralist

My first thoughts of risk-taking were associated with college when I enrolled in SCAD. I had serious doubts from guidance counselors and peers about pursuing art school as opposed to a liberal arts school. Going to a university seemed to them the only way to guarantee a job after graduation. I was told over and over again that there was no money to be made in the arts. I am grateful for the 18 year version of me who dove into the unknown and persisted. Read more>>

Marian Simmons | Singer/Songwriter

Risk taking can be daunting, yet somewhat necessary if you want to live a life of purpose and meaning. I think it takes a sense of self and a desire that drives you toward an experience more than a a definitive outcome. Following your intuition married with instincts to guide you along the way. Most artists live in a state of uncertainty and you have to be able to face it to take a risk. Read more>>

Stacey Ruth | CEO, Unstoppable Leader & Inside Out Marketing

Most people crave comfort, safety and certainty – especially right now. Entrepreneurs and leaders of all types need to lean into the risks that come with blazing new trails. No one has ever innovated in the herd or by playing it safe. I think people like myself, who are drawn to entrepreneurial ventures are wired to take bigger risks. Read more>>

Amy Rees | Founder and Creator of Personality Plates by AmyWynne Designs

I think of myself as someone who wants to take risks but who has always needed a safety net or looked for security before taking a step in a new direction. Since I have always taken the safe route in my career, my growth was slow. After 12 years of being a stay-at-home mom, I re-entered the workforce post-divorce. Read more>>

Domonique Donegan-Baker | Trucking and Transportation Company & Logistic Coordinator

Deciding to start my own business was a leap of faith. It required pushing out of my comfort zone and trying new things. When I started Best Logistics and Freight in the heart of Arlington Texas. Read more>>

Ahsan Manji | Future Public Health Professional & Lifelong Volunteer

I think about risk as a chance to succeed. My father taught me from a young change, that taking risks is an integral part of one’s life. It allows you the potential to accomplish bigger achievements in life. Risk played a role in my undergraduate education when I decided to transfer back home in my sophomore year and also change my major while transferring. Read more>>

KENNETH COPELAND | CEO

How do I think about risk? Risk is necessary it’s the blood that sustains the body; without risk their would be no Nobel peace prize for poetry or medicine or physics, or the pulitzer prize for music composers. Read more>>

Gus Darnell | Woodworker

When thinking about risk I try and boil it down to a list of choices and potential consequences. It’s the unknown that’s terrifying, so the more I can sketch out what a decision could look like in reality the more comfortable I feel. That also allows me to prepare, to a certain extent, for any outcome. Read more>>

Moise Michel | Author, Brand Owner & Public Speaker

Just living life is a daily risk because you never know what can happen to you at any moment or anytime. In regards to my life/career currently speaking, I take calculated risk. These risk have had both negative & positive effects on my life/career, but I always choose to see the positive in the negative effects. I analyze them & work on ways to not repeat that same risk. Read more>>

Alexandria Jade | Podcast Host & Videographer

When I think about risk, I see it as an opportunity to bet on myself. At an early age I always considered myself as a daredevil. Never being afraid to as most would say “shoot my shot”, or take on a role even if I didn’t have the proper experience. Read more>>

Jaylen Billingsly | Serial Entrepreneur, Brand Owner, Label Executive, & Aspiring Entertainment Attorney

My brand is Living Without Regrets, the basis of the brand is about risk taking and improving your lifestyle everyday but it all starts with your mental. I believe if there is no risk there will be no reward. Read more>>

Mezsi FueGo | Entertainer & songwriter

I welcome risks! I look at everything as a risk, because in actuality it is. If you take a new job, that’s a risk. You decide to learn a new instrument, that also is a risk. I’ve always been a person who likes to challenge myself, so I’m open to trying new things. Read more>>

Dontre Weaver | Master Home Exterior Enhancer and Owner of Back To Normal Pressure Washing Services LLC

As human beings we all tend to suffer at being risk takers because we are so scared of failure. As we all know nothing in life comes easy and you have to be willing to work your butt off and be somewhat of a risk taker to succeed in life. All entrepreneurs are risk takers. Read more>>

Padma Jonnavithula | Snuggly Blanket Company, Owner

Risk taking is definitely something that has taken a huge role in my entire life both professional and personal. I was a Learning & Development professional in the financial services industry for 15+ years and giving up all of that to start “Snuggly Blanket Company” my own small business is one of the biggest risks I had taken in my entire life. Read more>>

Cam Herring | Mixing Engineer & Producer

Going into my final year at MTSU, I am tasked with coming up with plans post-graduation. I could go the safe route and apply for any job with an opening or I could invest in myself and take the risk of freelancing as an audio engineer and producer. Read more>>

Mechelle Townsend | Special Agent-Adjudicator, Student Doctor, Holistic Teacher and Spiritual Advisor

Taking a risk is also taking a chance. And you know what they say? Chances makes champions. My life has been a constant revolving door of risks, sacrifices and discipline. It’s what I live by. Read more>>

Gregory Metcalf | Costume Designer and Portrait Photographer

I feel that when you are a creative artist risk taking becomes part of your innate behavior. I’ve molded and changed in my career several times in my life, all with the risk of it not working out. Read more>>

Wycovia Sanders-Dawkins | Entrepreneur & Accountant

How do I approach risk? By being fearless… Stepping outside of your comfort zone and taking risks are essential in reaching goals and becoming successful. Being uncomfortable helps push your personal growth financially & emotionally. Read more>>

Spudcutz | The luxury celebrity traveling Barber

The bigger the risk the bigger the rewards as far as what roles taking risks played i would have to say going state to state traveling making a name Branding Spudcutz paving my way through Cali,Illinois,Indian,Ohio,Michigan,Tennessee and now here in Atlanta I leaped with faith putting god first hoping my lord grant me serenity on my journey Read more>>

Percy Glover | Genesee County Deputy Sheriff Ambassador

I always say that the best education for me has come through the pain I’ve experienced. In life. I was able to find a higher level of creativity as well as become a better person based on the tougher lessons. Read more>>