Taking Risk is essential, but how much, when and why? Taking risks effectively is as much of an art as it is a science and we’ve asked some of the brightest folks in the community to tell us about how they think about risk taking.

Brandis Montez | Fertility Nurse Practitioner

I would not be where I am today if it were not for taking risks. In nurse practitioner school, I made sure that the preceptors I followed were people that I was the most intimidated by. One of my most vital rotations in school that gave me the most amount of growth was my rotation in the ICU. Read more>>

Timothy Wes | Online Digital Marketing and Entertainment

Taking the biggest risk of my life was leaving my home state of Texas alone 12 years ago. I love listening to influencers like Gary Vaynerchuk. He says he loves to fail because you learn from it. You also humble yourself and learn how to do things better, with more patience, and I truly believe in that. I mentally carry a lot of what Vaynerchuk and Tony Robbins say into my risk taking decisions. Read more>>

Dan and Cathy McNeil | Black Birch Studio

A little background: Dan and I (Cathy) are the owners of Black Birch Studio. We have run the studio all through our professional careers, – Dan as technical director of the Denver Center Theatre Company for 30 years, retiring at 56 to become a full time artist blacksmith. Read more>>

Lauren Lear | Food Photographer + Stylist

I attribute the success I’ve had in my career to date to risk taking. It’s easier and comfortable to stay safe, but that is also the surefire way to stay where you are. I’ve always been looking to the next thing, on improving, growing, building on what I’ve created, and I wouldn’t have been able to do that without the series of risks I’ve taken. Read more>>

Richard Raymond II | Record Producer, Musician and Spiritual Nut

Whether we’re talking artistic risks, or life risks, I try to embrace risk as much as possible. As an artist, I’ve always tried to lean into discomfort and I’ve carried that philosophy into my now marriage as well. My wife, Sammy, and I decided to move from Illinois to Colorado in May of 2020, even though we had been dating for less than a year. Read more>>

Robin Gianakopoulos | CEO/Founder of outdoor products

I truly believe that if we don’t take risks, or push ourselves out of our comfort zones, we eventually regret all the things we might have done differently to make our lives better, or more fun. Read more>>

Jada Anastasia | Founder of Just Jada Skincare

Anyone close to me would tell you I’m a natural rebel/certified risk taker. Taking risks has never seemed like a risk to me. In fact, not taking a chance usually seems like more of a risk. I’m a ‘go with your gut’ type of woman. I trust myself and my instincts and, usually, I’m content with the results. Read more>>

Reed Roller” Barrett | Fighter Pilot & Keynote Speaker”

Risk, while it can be scary, can also be the most rewarding step you take toward your goals. Whether it was performing as a magician in Las Vegas at the Bellagio or its strapping into the F-16, I never would’ve had those opportunities had I not taken the risk to put myself out there for the job. Read more>>

Kimberly Oliva | Art Gallery

Risks have always been part of my decision making role. Working in retail management for two decades taught me one thing- you have to be your own boss. In 2008, when the market collapsed in its most recent form, I decided to branch out and try to do what I love which is sell art and antiques full time nationally. I participated in out of state shows and built up Oliva Gallery into what it is today. Read more>>