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.

Brooke Mooney | Mobile Glamping & Outdoor Experiences

I believe risk, and even failure, are catalysts for growth, change, and opportunity. I recently had a conversation with a friend who has stayed in a corporate job his whole life and as he’s approaching retirement. He told me that he wished he tried something different, something that challenged him and brought him more joy and purpose. This challenged my thinking on risk and regret. Risk is a powerful thing! It stirs up a myriad of emotions which is terrifying but also beautiful in that it brings new thoughts and creativity to the surface. Risk is a sexy thing to talk about and find cool quotes about. However I’m finding the more I dive into my business the more “risk” really doesn’t sound sexy or brave to me anymore. Read more>>

Kristine Keheley | Artist, Perfumer, Cosmetics brand founder, Clean beauty product developer and formulator

In art, or creation of any kind really, I’ve always been willing to take big risks and be vulnerable. Risk seems to go with ambition and adventure. Risk is inevitable if you’re truly alive and it’s a major growth factor. When I start a painting I’m diving off the precipice every time. I can spend ages in what looks like, and often feels like, aimless wandering in search of the image, in search of a dynamic balance that creates and resolves tension. It’s an emotional and mysterious process that I find exciting and provocative. As a cosmetics entrepreneur (co-founder Vapour Beauty and Taos AER) risk is a very concrete experience. Making a physical product demands constant problem solving and overcoming obstacles in creative ways. Read more>>

Jeff Garnett | Entrapreneur and Tattoo Removal Expert

I believe that if you’re not willing to take risks, you will severely limit your upside potential. That does not mean become a reckless cowboy. Risk can be assessed, analyzed, measured and managed. In business, you can utilize skills to reduce risk. Alex Hermozi talks about how with the right skills and practice, you switch from being the gambler into becoming the house. Read more>>

Lori Theriault | Potter

I think to be creative at all involves taking risk. For me, I don’t see risk in terms of ‘what if I fail?’, but more ‘will I regret not trying?’. There have been moments in my life where friends and family would express their admiration for how brave I was to make a move or change careers, but in those moments the idea of staying put in something or some place that was not fulfilling was a greater risk than taking a leap of faith. In those instances, I see the risk more in hindsight, and it only confirms that my instincts and convictions have been right as I can see several instances of reward for my risk. When I was studying with a pottery studio in DC and I proposed a new staff position (for me to fill) to studio owners so I could have practical experience in managing a teaching pottery studio, I ended up working that job for a year before moving myself to Asheville. Read more>>

Thierry Dossou | Entrepreneur, Senior Product Manager of Software Security & Software Supply Chain Security and Speaker

Risk-taking is an integral part of my approach to life and career. I view risk not as a threat, but as an opportunity for growth and innovation. Throughout my life and career, I’ve embraced challenges that required stepping out of my comfort zone, whether it was pursuing a new career path, starting a business, or taking on ambitious projects. Taking risks has played a crucial role in shaping my character and fostering resilience. Each challenge, even if it resulted in failure, provided valuable lessons and insights. I believe that without the willingness to take risks, personal and professional development can become stagnant. It’s through overcoming challenges that we discover our strengths, learn from our mistakes, and adapt to changing circumstances. Read more>>

Kaylee Smiley | Stylist and Hair Educator

I wouldn’t be where I am in my career if I didn’t take risks along the way. I left my comfortable HR 9-5 to pursue a completely different career path. It was absolutely terrifying and uncomfortable in every way! But I knew in the long run it would be worth every worry, challenge, or obstacle that came my way. I continue to take risks by continuously pushing myself out of my comfort zone. Whether that is becoming an educator with a classroom full of students watching, or creating small talk with a new client. Both come with their own insecurities, but pushing through allows room for growth. Read more>>