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.

Joseph Holub

I am far less willing to take risks, than I used to be. People tend to have different levels of risk tolerance. While It is important to take calculated risks, slowing down and making thoughtful decisions is where I like to be. Read More>>

Dakota Bratt

When I think about risk, I look at it from all angles. Not everyone is comfortable with doing something that can cause injury, loss, or the unknowing, but with me, I see it as an opportunity. If I don’t try, how will I ever know if I was capable of making something happen. What if that relationship turns out to be one of my favorites, or moving to a new city shows me new opportunities I never imagined? What if wanting to further my education sparks a new passion in my life? Read More>>

Tanner Dow

I believe risk important if you want to see your life change. You have to trust yourself enough to take risks, and know that by pushing through the trials you will see that positive change. I think I have a positive outlook on risk, because I have seen that the world is scary whether you take risks or not. I have jeopardized a lot to pursue my passion, and achieve the small amount of success I have. So, I strive to do my best, and learn as much as I can about the craft every day. Through risking everything to pursue tattooing, I have learned to trust myself, and believe that I can make my dreams reality. Read More>>

Tanya Bakker

I am a fairly “risk adverse” person. I prefer to have a plan with a solid, expected outcome. Photography forces me outside my box – I have to hunt out subjects, practice my camera skills, edit, and share, but I have no idea how my work will be received. It feels very uncertain to me. My family has been very supportive and it was at their encouragement that I decided to start my Photography page. Read More>>

Jenni Pruett

I have always been a bit of a risk taker, and while owning my own business was not my initial goal, it feels like a natural fit now that I am in it. There is risk in being the sole person in charge of keeping my phone ringing and risk in keeping all of my clients happy while keeping everything else afloat. On the creative side, being on my own means I have license to push the envelope farther than before, which means my clients are getting the best of what I have to offer. The reward is so much greater when the risk is there, it’s a huge motivator and it’s very true that when you are just outside of your comfort zone- that’s where the magic happens. Read More>>

Chris Stake

Being a long time sufferer of Anxiety, fear has always been a great motivator and a great distraction when it comes to taking risks. i think its essential in any area of life to take risks and carry as little regret as possible. Getting out of your own way is something all together different. I often fall back on the quote of: Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear. When i first started to embark on a solo career (after being in band for so many years) i decided in order to push through, take a leap of faith and say yes to all that comes your way. Its helped me see and feel differently then just letting your fear get the best of you.  Read More>>

Craig Gundlach

I believe all of your hopes and dreams lie in the other side of fear. Taking risks require the willingness to get uncomfortable and operate with faith that things will workout for your own betterment. Read More>>