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.

Quincy Evans | Nationally Certified Dog Groomer

Living is not without risk. I have taken many risks in my life. Some leading to great reward and some leading to redirection. The one thing that I have found is that no matter the outcome of any risk I have survived and learned which is the reason I continue to take risks. Read more>>

Cody Caplinger | CEO and Co-Founder of Klick Solar

When it comes to taking risks, I see it as a key part of growing and making progress. Sure, it can be scary, but stepping into the unknown is often where the best opportunities are found. Read more>>

Janet Flores | Hairstylist & Paul Mitchell Educator

Risk is an important part of life in my opinion. Without risk, there comes no reward. Without reward, life seems to stay still. I once was scared of change. I feared it so much because of losing stability. Once I had a stable income i didn’t want to leave it. Read more>>

Michele Ater | LPC, Clinical hypnotist, Reiki Master

Risk taking is something that has defined who I am as I developed during my career and personal life. I started right after college by going into Peace Corps in central Africa (DRC) for 3 years in a Francophone country where I had to immerse myself into language and culture. Read more>>

Amanda Carlson | Choreographer, Dancer, Fitness instructor & Owner of Night One Productions

As a creative, risk is a natural part of my life and career. Risk has taken me to places that I never imagined I would land. Risk takes trust and faith that the universe is on your side, as well and a deep trust in your own intuition.  Read more>>

Jack Castellion | Hot Air Balloon Pilot

Risk management is extremely important to maintain our perfect safety record. The safety of our passengers always out ways the money factor. Making calculated risks means having limitations and staying within them. We rather be on the ground wishing we were in the sky than be in the sky wishing we were on the ground. Read more>>

Danielle Webster | Photographer & DJ

Risk taking is my middle name. It can be scary and maybe a little unknown, but it’s not until we push ourselves out of comfort zone that things really start to happen, and helps you figure out who you are. I’m a little impulsive, and most of the times the risk pays off. Read more>>

Emily Pennington | Writer and Musician

For me, risk taking is everything. at the end of 2019, I quit my desk job as an administrative/executive assistant, moved ito my van, and embarked on a year-long trip to every U.S. national park. The time ended up being challenging, with Covid hitting in the middle of my adventure, but I stuck it out, and now I have an illustrious new career as an author and journalist. Read more>>

Torri Wilson | REALTOR®

I think about risk as being an essential part of being human. Some risks are bigger than others. Every time you step outside of your home, you’re taking a risk. Every time you say yes or no to a question, you are taking a risk. I think it is important to evaluate risks and decide if the outcome(s) is worth it. Taking risks has played a huge part in my personal life and my career. Read more>>