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.

Emma Menke | Landscape Painter, Adventure Photographer, Content Creator

When I left my stable, consistent teaching job last year a lot of people questioned what was next for me. I simply stated, I’m taking a risk and following my passion of a creative career in art and photography. We’ll see how it goes. 6 months later, I’ve never felt so proud and happy of that decision. I’ve never felt called to have a traditional career, I have always chased after what makes me happy and that is being an artist and having my own business. Read more>>

Matt K Ward | Martial Artist, Expedition Leader, & Speaker

I think it’s important to distinguish between risk and consequence. We must understand both in order to think about them appropriately. Consequence, in most cases and specifically in mountaineering, caving, and martial arts, can be defined as the result of failure in the given situation. This is dynamic and changes based on the situation. Risk, is the probability of that failure. So, we can take more risk when there are low consequences, but should take less risk or engage measures to mitigate risk when dealing with situations of high consequence. Read more>>

Danielle Harris | Digital Creator and Author

Risk taking is something that I think is so important. I was actually a registered nurse in the Midwest before leaving that career to focus on digital creation and write my first novel, making the move to Colorado. I think sometimes our human nature wants us to stay in spaces that feel safe, we don’t want to feel uncomfortable. We have to allow some space within ourselves for feeling uncomfortable, for risk taking. That’s where the most growth happens. Read more>>

Nick Cane | Fiber artist

I think of risk in art like spice in food. Necessary, but dangerous to overdo it.

Art without risk can be vapid. This has its own value, as not everyone wants statement-making pieces everywhere, all the time. Too much risk on the other hand, causes viewer-fatigue. No one wants to be spoken to all the time. Then you’re just like a Twitter doomscroll personified. But even the act of being personally transparent in your art is a risk. Be who you are. Show your anger, depression, cynicism, hopes, and whimsy fully and without compromise. That’s actually the biggest risk. Read more>>

Steve Weil | president and chief creative officer

Innovation is risky. The secret is to do it gradually and organically so that you can test it along the way and not make fundamental errors detrimental to the brand. Our company is based on innovation. The world does not need more of the same. Creative destruction is what moves us forward. Back in the 40s my grandfather created a new fashion identity for westerners with the snap western shirt, mostly focused in the Rocky Mountain states. My father expanded its appeal nation-wide. I expanded its appeal to new markets in the USA and abroad. Read more>>

Chadley Zobolas | Trauma Therapist & Private Practice Owner

I’ve slowly become less and less risk averse throughout the years, which is a shift that’s been an absolutely crucial part of building my practice (shout out to my own therapy for that!) I believe that most (if not all) transformation and growth innately come from taking risks. That being said, we’re often holding a lot as business owners, and in my case specifically I want so badly to do right by clients, my employees, and the younger versions of myself who never believed I was capable. All of these pieces make every move feel so, so vulnerable. Read more>>

Lyndsey Rieple | Jewelry Artist and Entrepreneur

I think there is more reward in taking risks than not. In a way though, stepping outside is a risk so there’s definitely all types. I sort of think along the lines of, “If I can do that, then I can do this.” and also, “If he/she can do that, than I can do that.” I have taken a few different kinds of risks which are really just choices that hopefully come from an ongoing process of getting to choose who I want to be and how I want to spend my time here. Read more>>

Scott McDowell | Brand Strategist/Founder

Simply put without risk there is no reward! In any business, you must take risks by investing your time, energy, and capital to grow. I have taken several big risks in moving a few different times around the country to take advantage of opportunities. Without takin the risk of relocating from NYC to Denver about 7 years ago we would not be having this conversation. Read more>>

Oracle Owen | Psychic Medium + Meditation Guide

Taking risks, also means “taking flight out of your nest”. Your “nest” could be your hometown, your family, your comfort zone or even in modern times your house/appartment. Risk taking has HUGELY IMPROVED MY LIFE. It has helped me to literally and figuratively fly in life, to explore new countries, cultures, opportunities and ways of life. Read more>>

Marc Swersky | Grammy Winning Songwriter | Producer Artist Development | Consulting Founder @monocentricmusic Husband & Dad to Twins

Honestly I believe life is a risk. We are born with free will and we control our thought process and decisions. From a young age I always had a great imagination and always wondered what’s out there for me and to a greater extent, who’s out there and I want to know them. When I was young, I excelled at sports especially baseball and if I stayed focused I could have gone on to great things in the sport but I realized that was not my path. I always had a good and solid business mind and worked in my families bakeries growing up. Read more>>

Antonio Rodriguez | Professional Canine Trainer & Instructor

A calculated risk is a healthy approach to achieving life and professional milestones. Michelle and I place our faith in God and continuously seek his guidance. Read more>>