Shoot your shot? Take a chance? Society bombards us with messages, phrases, examples and stories of how taking risk is the key to success, but is anything ever that simple? We asked some of the brightest folks we know to tell us about how they think about risk. We’ve shared their responses below.

Pernell Marsh

When it comes to risk, I consider myself a calculated risk taker. I really want to know or discover how the opportunity will be an asset more than a liability to me in the present and in the future. In choosing entrepreneurial endeavors in life I have used the strategy of having my full time job yet a side endeavor to pour into. That way if that opportunity doesn’t work out I will have income coming in, but if it does and it does better than my job, I can focus on that opportunity full time. Read More>>

Acquenettea McKenzie

Risks are a little scary at times, however, I’ve learned to keep my eyes on the mission at hand as I watch the rewards overshadow the risks. Read More>>

Suzanne Sam

For me, risk is like working with negative space—it’s what you don’t fill in that holds potential. As a designer, I’ve learned that staying too safe often leads to forgettable work. The most defining moments in my career happened when I chose the unexpected path: pitching ideas that felt too ambitious, blending cultural influences that hadn’t met before, or saying no to projects that didn’t align with my values. Risk doesn’t just add edge to the outcome, it adds soul. Read More>> 

Claudia Lundy

Generally, I believe taking risks is necessary for growth. I believe this to be especially true when it comes to art and entrepreneurship. If I never decided to take the risk of failure when I started tattooing, I wouldn’t have the career I that love now. Read More>>

Rosie Nguyen

To me, risk is about stepping into the unknown when you believe there’s something more aligned with your goals or values on the other side. It’s not about acting impulsively but it’s about trusting your instincts and being willing to grow through discomfort. Read More>>

Jesse Winter

When it comes to the creative industry, taking risks is the only way we can move forward. Creativity thrives on uncertainty, and whether you’re starting your own project or pitching an idea to executives, it’s those bold moves that spark real progress. To grow both personally and professionally, we need to challenge ourselves and push our boundaries to the limit. It’s through risk that we develop new skills, build confidence, and uncover ideas we didn’t know we were capable of. The creative process is rarely linear, and mistakes are not just inevitable but valuable. By stepping out of our comfort zone, we open the door to growth. Read More>>

Natalia Maria Cole

In a creative career, many of the decisions we make are risky. As a fine artist, there aren’t always a plethora of opportunities that we are suited for. There is a lot of rejection that comes with this career path that we have to be able to get past. Once you find your audience and create a community of artists to bounce off of, these risks become more rewarding and worth it. Especially as an emerging artist, each decision you make feels risky. Read More>> 

Aerglo Richardson

Existing as an autistic polyamorous black queer person in this world is risky as it is. Deciding to use those identities and my admin skills to create community within BDSM and kink spaces is also risky. So I guess taking risks is fun for me because I keep doing it and succeeding in my own ways. I don’t think you can get very far being stagnant or playing this life safe. No revolution or cultural impact change has ever successfully come to society by being passive and quiet about it. Read More>>