There is a wealth of academic research that suggests that differences in risk appetite are at the heart of differences in career and business trajectories. We wanted to go beyond the theory and ask real people from the community about their perspectives and experiences with risk and risk taking.

Jason Laury | Co-Owner of NightHawk Footwear And Director of Marketing and Social Media

I look at risk from a different perspective. The word risk ultimately creates thoughts of negativity, fear of the unknown, and the thought of catastrophic failure! Does that sound like a great motivation for starting a new business? I think not. I tend to look at more at risk as a stratification of short and long term goals. Does the building block you are using to reach your goal require a higher risk based decision or can you go with a lower risk solution to achieve the same goal. All businesses want to grow! But, how do you want to grow. Read more>>

Ashley Marker | Family Photographer & Educator

Facing challenges has been one of the most propelling elements of success in my business. Anytime I have faced a challenge in the past, I was forced to step outside my comfort zone to take risks that I otherwise would not have taken. Those risks have always led to better places in my business. Now I look at challenges from a different perspective. I see them as opportunities to grow. I think it’s a vital mindset to have in order to thrive. Read more>>

Maggi Schultheis (Magnetik Moon) | Choreographer/Performer/DJ/Producer/Massage Therapist

Taking risks in life and business are an important part of growth. You have to get uncomfortable to get comfortable. You have to push the envelope. It’s important to sit with the idea of the risk and see how it makes you feel. Either way, the decision is part of your path. I feel there are no mistakes, only lessons. I feel risks are placed in your life as a turning point, a shift, a new way of looking at things. Go for it. Why not, ha … Read more>>

Theresa Kahl | Executive Director/ Owner of Absolute Dance & Performing Arts and Executive Director of Colorado West Performing Arts Company, a 501c3 Professional Ballet Company

Taking risks is the gamble most business owners learn to do to achieve the next goal. When I think of risks, I think of putting yourself or your service out there with no guaranteed acceptance. Growing up as a dancer, you learn that rejection is a normal and that there are more closed doors than open doors, ultimately training your mental and emotional side to keep persevering towards the open door that’s bound to come up. I think I also learned a lot as a dancer that the world is subjective and that you cannot please everyone. Read more>>

Charlotte Zink | Artist/ Sculptor

In general I would describe my self as fairly cautious, especially as a young person. I do believe in our creative and business endeavors a certain amount of risk taking is imperative. One of my favorite artists, David Bowie said it best. “If you feel safe in the area you’re working in, you’re not working in the right area. Always go a little further into the water than you feel you’re capable of being in. Go a little bit out of your depth. And when you don’t feel that your feet are quite touching the bottom, you’re just about in the right place to do something exciting.’’ Read more>>

Amanda M. Keshner | Wellness & Mental Health Advocate

Risk taking is like a cross between an adrenaline rush and an anxiety attack…for me personally. The mental chatter and external factors could feel like pressure building up where you are unsure if you should follow your heart or your head. But, I have been blessed and cursed with the “gift” of impulsiveness, which makes taking risks almost a guaranteed path to both achieving my goals and also overcoming a lot of anxieties leading up to it. I would encourage people to always take the risk after looking at the pros and cons of the situation from an unbiased perspective first as best as you can. Read more>>

Sara Howard | Photographer / Pediatric Nurse Practitioner / Nurse Health Coach

Risks are necessary. Success does not come with out risk. The greater the risk, the greater the chance of great success. I feel when taking a big or small risk while in pursuit of your success, you must be prepared to accept the failure as well as the success. Read more>>