We asked some brilliant folks from the community to talk to us about how they think about risk and the role risk has played in their lives and careers.

Theresa Caragol | CEO & Founder, AchieveUnite Inc.

For me, the essence of risk-taking lies in measured prudence. While calculated deliberation is key, taking a degree of risk annually is indispensable for growth. Founding my company was undoubtedly a major calculated risk, and retrospectively, the most rewarding decision I’ve ever made. And I’ve never been more grateful for starting this company, alongside our exceptional team. Read more>>

Tina Quiri | Designer & Illustrator

I think, in general being an artist means, you have to take risks. You never know what the outcome will be or what your future will look like. Read more>>

Elsa Holguin | President & CEO, Denver Preschool Program

I wrote a story a while back with my mentor, Isabel Lopez, that I called “butterflies in your stomach” and it is leadership advice to our children and grandchildren. As a first-generation immigrant, risk was a part of my life from the moment I arrived in this country at the age of 17, the eldest of 7 children and the first one to learn English in my family. I quickly learned that I had to not just survive, but step up if I wanted a better future. I had to ask for better classes, bigger challenges, more opportunities, and quickly master job opportunities so I could advance. It meant that I had to take a risk in ways that others may not have had to, but also appreciate that I was learning how to represent and advocate for myself, my family, and my community. It was not easy and it didn’t always work, but I learned every time how to do it better and reach even higher every time. Read more>>

Anne Shutan | wood sculptor, door maker

I think good art is all about risk-taking. My whole Ted talk was about drawing outside the lines and how I got there. I wanted to be a fiction writer when I discovered wood at the age of 23. I was going to go to Cornell for creative writing and did not because of my falling in love with wood. It was a huge risk, but I felt so confident and trusting of my new relationship with wood. Read more>>

Lauren Kayl | Marketing Manager at WeldWerks Brewing Co.

No matter who you are or what you do, risk is inevitable. The piece of that puzzle that varies is… how much fun can you make out of it while going through it? The general motto of my life is, “Kill ’em with kindness” and I share a similar philosophy when it comes to risk. Take all the risks you can/need but ALWAYS make kindness, happiness, and fun the three pillars of priority. Read more>>

 Breanna Harden | Mindset Coach

Taking risks has been one of the many blessings in my life. To take a risk is to step into the unknown. In the pool of uncertainty, there is opportunity. And you will not have the opportunities that can change your life for the better unless you take that risk. To grow into the person you want to be, you must begin by stepping out of your comfort zone. The path I am on now is because of the risks I have taken. Going to the places I have and doing what I do, I don’t let myself linger on the “what if’s” but rather “what’s on the other side?” Read more>>