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.

Aleah Williams | Owner of Crew Connection LLC

I have always been taught that opportunities and risks go hand in hand, so risks have never held any negative connotations for me. The willingness to take risks is the only reason I have achieved any success in life, so I plan to keep taking those leaps of faith! Read more>>

Nina Schulze | Integrative Health Practitioner, Reiki Master Teacher, Master Hypnotherapist, Master Akashic Records Reader

Being an entrepreneur is all about taking risks! Coming up with an out-of-the-box idea to bring to the masses has risk. Following through and making it your livelihood is a risk. Investing time, energy, and money into your business has risk. I think being able to get out of your comfort zone and willing to take risks has played a major role in both my life and my career. And of course, taking risks can be scary but it’s so necessary for personal and professional growth. Read more>>

Stil Runnin | Hard Rock Band

Risks are everything. We see risks as stepping stones to get to the place we want to be. We have put so much on the line for our music and it pays off slowly and surely. We have faith in our band and in each-other and it is a loving relationship between us and our team. At the end of the day when it comes time to jump you must have faith that you will make it, and we do. Funny story, our first large risk was when Will our singer climbed on top of the Penske truck behind our stage at the Colorado State University homecoming tailgate. Read more>>

Nickolas Gutierrez | Caterer & Private Chef

I’m sure my friends and family would agree that I haven’t been afraid to take risks in life—especially in my career and my business. I quit a stable, well-paying job with benefits and a normal schedule to get my first restaurant job. I was feeling stuck and unsatisfied, so I took a 60% pay reduction and gave up nights, weekends and health insurance to pursue a passion on a whim. Read more>>

Sean Malkasian | Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist

Music has become a form of audible wallpaper. When you seek out new music via say a playlist you get a ‘vibe.’ What you don’t with that is generally personality and idiosyncrasy which is what my favorite musicians bring to the table. The risk for me comes in how much money and resources am I willing to spend to try and break through that noise. My art is not trendy currently. Everything I do is based on taking risk since I can’t separate my personality from the art. Its personal which is therefore risky. Read more>>