Are you a risk taker? Do you think you have a stronger appetite for risk relative to your friends and family? We asked some folks from the community about their approaches to risk and have shared their thoughts below.

Brian Yodice

I think risk taking is a necessary component of learning, growth and development. As we are presented with challenges, we will never truly understand or extend our limits, unless we take risks and step outside our comfort zone. Read More>>

Jinelle Sammartino

Honestly, as I have gotten older I have definitely taken more risks in my world than I did when I was younger. I find as life happens and moments pass, I truly worry less and I just WONDER more. I wonder, “What IF it all works out and EVEN BETTER than I am thinking,” instead of my previous mindset when taking a risk, I was full of worry and fear of failure. I have recognized there is no failure, even if it feels uncomfortable or doesn’t turn out how you expected or wanted, you are always going to learn something, grow from the experience then adapt and adjust as you feel BEST for YOU for the next moment and just ride the wave. Read More>>

Sean Sheridan

I have always been willing to go to the hardest places on earth because I believe this is where the best stories are. This offers, perhaps, the biggest chance to make a difference, but can also come with some legitimate concerns for things like personal safety. But like they say, no risk no reward. Still, I try to take very calculated risks–I have a wife and kids I want to come home to! Read More>>

Bom Sroymalai

“I wish I owned a restaurant – how cool.” There is no in-between. I agree with both – some days are challenging, while other days are filled with the joy of interacting with customers and sharing great Japanese food. I live by risks and rewards and believe in the power of human ability. If I try hard enough and consistently, I will overcome the hard times. Read More>>

Robert Wolfe

I believe in always ‘leaning forward’—pushing boundaries to achieve everything you are capable of. To me, this mindset is essential for anyone in a leadership role, as it embodies the responsibility to continuously grow, improve, and inspire others to do the same. Read More>>

Kelly Nichols

I’ve never been afraid of risk. If anything, I spent most of my life leaning into it headfirst.

I took big, bold risks-backpacking solo in Europe at age 22, played risky sports, moved to Guatemala for three years not knowing a soul, and drove across Central America while navigating my way using a paper map and instinct. There were also myriad reckless risks that could have ended much more catastrophically, but through which I remained mostly unscathed. Read More>>

Lany Grant

I think of risk as expressing oneself openly and authentically—putting yourself out there in a genuine and vulnerable way, where you speak freely without fear of judgment or consequences. Risk is having the courage to tell your friends and family you love them, even if those words have never been exchanged before. It’s confessing your insecurities and inadequacies to those you feel safe with, even when it feels uncomfortable. Read More>>

Rob Edward

As a young man, just out of the Air Force and college, jumping in to work for a small nonprofit whose sole mission is to restore wolves to the Southern Rockies was a monumental risk. I eschewed the typical benefits of corporate life, including health insurance, retirement savings, and sometimes even a paycheck. At about five years in the risks became more stark, as I encountered people willing to make threats to kill me because they disagreed with my organization’s goals. Read More>>