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.

Alyssa Wang | Conductor, Violinist, Composer

There’s an art piece on the wall of my music studio in Boston that says, “Great things never come from a comfort zone.” And that’s a mantra that really resonates with me. I think from a young age I’ve always sought out those moments of adrenaline and pressure because it’s highly motivating and, frankly, thrilling. Whenever I’m performing or doing something I’m a little uncomfortable with, I feel extremely in-the-moment, not thinking about what’s coming up tomorrow or what I did yesterday. Right here, right now. Read more>>

Billy Kidd | Magician

Life and Career is all about taking risks. If nobody took risks nothing would get done, there would be no inspiration for others, and we would be living in a world where nothing is possible. Risks are always work taking in my opinion. It makes us grow stronger and enhances our creative minds and abilities. Read more>>

Victoria Smith | Independent Herbalife distributor & Business owner, Mompreneur

I risk “what if” everyday. What if I get no customers today. What if I run into someone who doesn’t like my product. That “what if” keeps me going each day. What if I change someone’s life through health & happiness today. What if today is the best sales day yet. It’s not worth it without the risk and you’ve gotta be willing to put your best foot forward no matter the outcome. Read more>>

Brooke/John Oliphant/Campbell | Founders

We both have always been drawn to adventure; always in search of challenging ourselves to grow as individuals. So naturally, we dove head first into the natural foods business and created the Wild Monkey Bar. It was risky considering neither of us had experience in the food industry, but we knew we had created something special. By no means has this road been easy, but what we have gained from the little bit of struggle has been so rewarding. We say this often: invest in yourself, find what it is that makes you happy and go after it! Read more>>

Scott W. Prior | Artist

As a fine artist, everything is a risk. Especially if you’re ALL in. I mean this is all I do, it’s me, I am an artist to the core, There’s no back up plan, I don’t have a retirement fund from a previous life, I didn’t inherit a bunch of money to fund my career as an artist, it’s all on me. Most people don’t realize that as visual artists, we are basically a one-man-band and it’s a hustle, Read more>>