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.

Danielle Smith | Author and Publisher

Understanding risk is essential to life and business. Risk can only be taken as seriously as fear. The more we fear what we can do and how we can bring our dreams towards success, the less likely we are to achieve our aspirations. Read more>>

Kirsti Pope | Kirsti Out Wandering & VanGirl Productions

Good question. Looking back, I’ve always been a risk-taker. Read more>>

Brittany Williams | Licensed Esthetician

One thing about risks is that you may never be ready to take that risk. But when you take it you better go all in. That’s one of my greatest beliefs when betting on yourself. When taking a risk you take a chance on what you believe in and all bets are on you. I think in order to grow and scale into your business you have to be willing to take risks. Risks in my opinion define you in so many ways. Read more>>

Jessica Kameko Rooks | Family Travel Content Creator

Taking a risk means taking a chance, trying something, and the possibility of failing or succeeding. Taking a risk doesn’t scare me. Not knowing what could have been if I didn’t take the risk scares me more. One of my favorite sayings is “Nothing changes if nothing changes”. Read more>>

Susan McGrady | Interior Designer, Collector, Traveler

Risk taking has fed my constant curiosity. For me, each time I take a risk in business it ignites and inspires learning, adapting, problem solving, and yes, always creating. Creation in the past has been in two forms in regards to business-accounting and art. I have a degree in accounting and a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Read more>>

Jessie Addleman | Music Photographer/Videographer

Taking risks is essential to growing as a person and growing your business. It is so easy to get comfortable and not change the work you are doing when things are working and doing well, but I truly believe there is no way to grow unless you step out of your comfort zone, take risks, and do things that scare you! Read more>>

Matthew & Mikki Hostert | Entrepreneur

Risks need to be taken in order to reach goals you are striving for. Do not get complacent. Complacency will keep you in your comfort zone. If you are too afraid of leaving your comfort zone you will never see what you are fully capable of. In life you may fail but don’t stay down. Never stay down. Read more>>

Suzanne Meli M.A. & Jim Kemp PsyD | Counselor & Psychologist

Suzanne: I am in a love/hate relationship with risk! However, I am actively trying to change my outlook. Looking back over my life, I see that my biggest risks have had the biggest impact for positive change. These things include an exchange year in Germany, marrying my high school sweetheart, having kids, learning how to snowboard, traveling to new places, going back to school for my counseling degree and starting my own business. Read more>>