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.

Shelby Smeltzer | Founder & Creative Director of Shelby Design Co

I’ve taken many risks throughout my life. I believe that the only way to have a successful and truly fulfilling life is to take risks. One of the biggest risks I took was quitting a job I hated to start my own business. At the same time, my husband was also considering quitting his job to start a five-year electrical apprenticeship program, which was a significant pay cut. We also had just bought our first home and had a mortgage to pay for the first time in our lives. It was a big decision, but we were in our early 20s, and a bit overconfident and naive. I feel that when taking calculated risks, having a bit of cocky confidence and irrational optimism can really get you far. That’s one of the beautiful things about being in your 20s. Read more>>

Makayla Maniscalco | Transformational Coach, Retreat Leader, Realtor

Much of my success in life/career has been rooted in risk taking. It’s usually a combination of financial risk and feeling the risk of the unknown and choosing to believe in myself to make anything I desire a reality. I see risk as any decision or situation that feels a bit scary or that I know will stretch me physically, financially, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. When I feel the stretch I know that the next level of my life or my career is sitting right on the other side of taking aligned action. I measure risk around perceived outcome knowing that if the outcome will get me closer to my future self and it is ecological (good for me, good for others, and good for the environment) then it is worth taking.  Read more>>

Damon Caldwell | Realtor

I think of risk as something that becomes manageable when you fully focus and embrace the tasks others avoid. When you bet on yourself and fully commit, it’s no longer a risk—it’s an investment in your own capabilities. By doing the less glamorous, high-effort work that people tend to sidestep, you minimize the uncertainty—what others see as a risk becomes an opportunity to stand out and add unique value. This approach has been key to my success; it transforms potential risks into a clear path forward. Read more>>

Fred Williams | Kombucha Brewer and Chef

Personally, I feel risk-taking is an essential aspect of both life and business, and my approach to it is deeply influenced by principles I read about in Andrew Tobias’s Invisible Bankers while I was in college. These ideas were reinforced by my first job after college as an insurance underwriter. Together these experiences showed me that risk is unavoidable and, in many ways, the currency through which we advance in life. Rather than viewing it as something to be feared or avoided, I see risk as a framework we all must navigate using information and preparation as we consider strategic decisions. Read more>>

Cindiley Vargas | Victime Adocate, Promotional Model and Entrepreneur

I view risk as an essential part of growth and approach it with a mindset of curiosity and calculated optimism. For me, taking risks is about moving beyond my comfort zone and leaning into uncertainty, which has often led to unexpected opportunities, personal growth, and new skills. Throughout my life and career, risk-taking has been pivotal—I’ve taken on challenging projects, pursued roles that pushed my limits, and embraced change, even when the outcome wasn’t guaranteed. Each experience has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the confidence to trust myself in unknown situations. I believe that by taking risks thoughtfully, I open doors to possibilities I wouldn’t otherwise encounter, allowing me to continue evolving on my journey to reach my full potential. Read more>>

Melissa Torres | Event Rentals & Balloon Artist

Risk taking is a necessary part of any business, and it is always so scary to take risks whether big or small. When I think about myself, the label “risk taker” doesn’t immediately come to mind. However, as I reflect on my life and experiences, it’s clear that risk-taking is woven into my identity. From a young age, I embraced various sports despite my lack of hand-eye coordination, entered talent competitions (often for talents I did not actually have), and seized whatever opportunities came my way. I even wrote to the Spice Girls when Ginger Spice left, letting them know if they needed a fifth member, I was their girl! Read more>>

Phil Better | The Podcast Mogul

Risk is probably one of those things in life that have prevented so many of us from starting any worthwhile venture. The thoughts of failure, embarrassment or fear of being left behind permeate every cell or thought we have when we think of starting anything new or doing something outside our comfort zone. Read more>>