We asked some of the most interesting folks in the community to open up about how they think about taking chances and the role risk has played in their lives and careers. Risk is by far the topic folks talk to us most about and we hope the responses below will help shed light on many different perspectives.

KANIKA TRIVEDI

Growing up, I never really thought about risk. I just did what I enjoyed, and that was the most important thing to me. I wanted to find joy in whatever I was doing. But as I started “adulting”, I found myself playing it safe. And honestly, I wasn’t happy. Read More>>

Betsy Oei

Taking risks has always been an integral part of my life. For as long as I can remember, my “risky” decisions have turned out to be the most impactful ones. It may appear to some that my decisions are rash and impulsive because once I decide to take action I am all in. But the research and game theory scenarios have been completed. In deciding to open my new business, I had worked on my business plan for years in my head. I played out decisions and consequences while watching other business models rise and fall.  Read More>>

Shantell Jones

I believe risk is necessary for success. In fact, I often use a midrise building as a way to mentally and visually gauge the level of risk I’m considering. If I jump from the first or second floor, the risk is low. I might stumble, but I’ll recover quickly. A jump from the third or fourth floor is more serious and requires more preparation because the risk of injury is real. But if I leap from the rooftop, the risk becomes life-threatening, and that is where I have to ask myself if the outcome is worth the potential consequences. Read More>>

Jillian Smith

I’ve never been afraid to bet on myself. Whether it’s in real estate, business, or life in general. Every big move I’ve made has involved some level of risk. But I’ve learned that staying comfortable doesn’t lead to growth. Taking risks has forced me to get creative, trust my gut, and figure things out along the way. It’s how I’ve built my career, expanded my opportunities, and honestly, found the most fulfilling parts of my life. Read More>>

Pilar Stolarczyk

I’ve never followed the conventional path, and that’s been a conscious choice. Even as
a kid, I was energized by doing things differently. One of the biggest early risks I took
was moving to Vietnam, and that experience rewired how I see the world. I’ve always
been drawn to change, challenge, and the unknown. Read More>>

Khaliq Superb

Taking risks is never easy but I understand how being in a confront zone can burn out the passion for anything you do for a long time. Taking risks runs parallel with betting on yourself and I understand you’ll never know what god has for you in a confront zone. Read More>>

Pete Mongeau

I think risk is part of the deal when you’re trying to build something worth doing. But I don’t walk into risk blindly — I respect it. To me, risk means putting in the work, being prepared, and making decisions that have a long‑term payoff, even if they’re challenging in the moment. Opening a gym, hiring staff, expanding… none of it came with guarantees. But every step came from a belief that if I put in the effort and surrounded myself with the right people, the reward — making a difference — was worth it. Read More>>