Legend holds that Cornelius Vanderbilt had built a massive fortune in the steamboat shipping industry, but then realized the railroads were the way of the future and invested almost his entire net worth into railroads. The gamble paid off and made Vanderbilt one of the wealthiest entrepreneurs ever. But risks are inherently…risky. How do you think about risk and how has it affected your life and career? Some of our community favorites share their perspective below.

Alex Schulte | Vice President/Creative Director

I am the Co-founder/Vice President/ and Creative Director for Mango Mustache Media so I wear a few different hats. In the creative realm, I LOVE taking risks! The best creativity comes from taking risks, thinking outside the box, and trying something that might not have been done before. Read more>> 

Adam Vigil | Professional mma fighter

If you want to achieve greatness risks and leaps of Faith must be taken! In the other side of your fear there lies your purpose and higher version of yourself! Read more>>

Diana Horowitz | Acupuncturist, Skincare Specialist and Teacher

Acupuncture was considered a little weird in 2003 when I graduated from acupuncture school. But I had fallen in love with it, so I started Opal Acupuncture and made the bet that it would become a viable profession. My bet paid off. The tides have shifted over the years and the acupuncture profession has flourished. Read more>>

Maria Rendon | Energy Healer

Taking risks has been a pivotal part of my journey. When I moved to Boulder from Colombia two years ago, I knew I wanted to create my own business. What I didn’t anticipate was having the courage to pivot from my personal strategic planning business to my true long-life passion: energy work.  Read more>>

Sno E. Aschman | Diy Home Decor Influencer & Real Estate Investor

I think taking risk is very important but it is also relative. The more risks you take the more you can get comfortable in uncomfortable situations and have growth. I like to take calculated risks so I am by no means someone who won’t do my research first before taking a risk. It’s just important to not get too complacent and get stuck overthinking things. Read more>>

BROOK AITKEN

I think you have to take risks in life & in work. I think growing up at a young age naturally you often take more risks and risk less as you get older and that parallels your career. I think the real danger is continuing to take maintain that trajectory. I’m sure it looks different for everyone, creative and artistic chances in my line of work can pay off, you just have to make sure you do your best to “C.Y.A.” & know when to take risks and when to play it safe. Read more>>

Zoey Berg | Equestrian, business owner, college student

This is not a simple question, and therefore, not a simple answer. Taking risks is the only way you grow. Every choice you make in life has risk to it! I personally think risk is a really good thing! Yes, risk is terrifying, but that’s why you can use it to your advantage! Everyone can make a plan, but not everyone will follow through with their plan. Read more>> 

Rylee Shae | Photographer & Creator of Rustic Outsiders

Taking risks is how you grow as a person and a photographer. You constantly have get out of your comfort zone. For example, I’ve always had issues with taking photos of other people. Read more>> 

Katie Frondarina | Fitness Enthusiast

When it comes to risk, I view it as essential for personal growth and innovation. Risk-taking has played a pivotal role in my life trajectory by stepping out of my comfort zone living in Georgia and moving to Colorado. Read more>>

Katy Kidd | Artist & Musician

It took me years to get comfortable with taking risks. I spent half of my life playing small and safe. My son is a pro athlete and we talk a lot about “going big”. He taught me how to question my fears and self limiting beliefs. At one point in my life I told him, more or less, that I was too afraid of screwing up so I just wasn’t going to try. Read more>>

Andrew Bell | Street & Film photographer

Being a street photographer, I have always told people,”the riskier the shot, the better.” What I mean by this is, the higher the risk you take to capture a shot, the better the chance you have of getting great results. If you have to get up close and personal to a stranger on the street, or someone doing something mischievous, or want a portrait shot of a person you pass by, you have to take the risk of getting rejected, or yelled at, among other things. Read more>>

Paige Dauphinais | International Fashion model

Risk-taking played a crucial role in my career when I decided to leave a toxic agency that manipulated me into believing I couldn’t succeed without them. Recognizing the detrimental environment, I chose to step away and start freelancing. This risk led to greater success and fulfillment in my career, and I’m grateful for taking that leap. Read more>>

Jordy Bron | Designer / Entrepreneur

I believe taking risk is a necessary factor to grow your business and growing as a person. The right calculated risk or act of getting out of your comfort zone can result in experiences and lessons that bring you closer to your goals or potential . Every risk I have taken whether successful or not, resulted in a lesson that I used to grow. Read more>>