How do you think about risk? What role has taking risks played in your life/career? Check out responses from hidden gems from our community below.

Lynn Mandziuk

I see opportunity in challenges. And often times I start projects with a certain optimistic naivety only to be pummeled by the realism and pragmatism as to what is actually needed to make dreams come to life. Through my experience, I’ve known that in that rocky bottom, that storm of hopelessness, is where my inner strength comes into play and I’m able to work my way through creative strategy to an outcome. It doesn’t mean it will turn out the way I envisioned in the beginning; often times it doesn’t. But finding opportunity in something impossible is what gives me passion to move forward, and also a chance to learn and grow. Making something seemingly impossible, possible is the greatest feeling. For me the risk is the reward. Read more>>

Peter Sandrib | Real Estate Broker

Risk is an inherent part of any significant decision-making process, and I view risk as a potential opportunity rather than simply just a threat. My intended approach to risk involves careful assessment, weighing potential rewards against possible downsides, and making informed decisions, but this amount of detailed planning cannot be used in all cases. Oftentimes, risk is the intrinsic result of a gut reaction or spontaneous decision. I sometimes think back to choices made regarding life and work, and equally appreciate the moments where I did not put much thought into a plan or process, as much as the times where I had a plan and clear assessment. Read more>>

Josie Schweitzer | Yoga teacher

I used to subscribe to the “leap and the net will catch you” but now I’m more “Step one foot in front of the other, and the ground is beneath you.” It’s more about setting up the conditions to succeed, while taking a risk. Having some money saved, instead of “trusting the universe.” There is certainly times that I’ve done things that seemingly made no sense, and they’ve worked out, but that’s the thing. I believe it will always work out for us, but we can learn to set up the conditions better each time to take more calculated risks. Read more>>

Shelby Louder | Videographer, photographer, & creative director

We say the word risk and most people associate it with a negative emotion but I started to think of the positive emotions of risk. The greatest risks have the most beautiful outcomes. I noticed this in my life as I made small and huge changes for myself. When I decided to change my career and start my own business I knew I was going to risk having to start over and do something new and scary. But I also knew that I was passionate and determined to make something not just beneficial for myself but for others in need. The name of my business “Live Louder” was exactly what made me want to take the risk. Living Louder – Embrace your authentic self, unconditionally. Read more>>

Sharell Whipple | Artist

Taking risks in my business is a essential but these risks are backed by data, a need to be more efficient, or desire to learn a new skill. Gaining more expertise and knowledge, having a better product offering, or superior service allows you to charge more. If you are running a business and not a hobby, this is a great mindset to have. Read more>>

Josh Fairmont | Action sport cinematographer and filmmaker.

I am a firm believer that if you don’t take risks, you won’t learn or grow. The biggest lessons I’ve learned in life have been from taking risks that failed, and the biggest strides I’ve made in my career have been from taking risks that panned out. When you take a risk on something in your career an works out, it makes it 100 more times satisfying and meaningful. I think it is also important to take calculated risks and examine them from all angles beofore making a decision, there is a difference between beeing careless and taking risks. Risks need to be somewhat calculated and throughly considered before acting upon. Read more>>