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.

Hannah Buzzo | Licensed therapist + entrepreneur

Over the years, I have identified that risk taking is an essential part of a meaningful life, as well as a requirement to building a purposeful career, and impactful business. Starting my own business was a huge risk, and I was so scared to take that first step. As my career has developed and my business has grown, there have been more and more risks – expanding my business to a group practice where I employ other therapists, investing in my business in various ways financially, and focusing on building creative, powerful psychedelic-assisted groups and retreats (something I haven’t seen many other people do). Read more>>

Bergen Baucom | Interior Designer

Being a (calculated) risk taker is one of the most defining characteristics of my life. Whether it was chasing my (then) dreams as a TV reporter and anchor in my 20s or moving across the country and carving out a new life for myself in my 30s, taking risks has taught me to always bet on myself. I’ve become comfortable with change and look back over my life with a sense of pride for my bravery when making big decisions. Taking risks has given me the freedom to concoct wild ideas in my mind’s eye and the audacity to chase them. 10/10 recommend. Read more>>

Helena Bednarski | Mortgage Loan Originator

Risk is the reason I am where I am today. Especially in my industry, you are already taking a risk just by dedicating yourself to sitting down, passing that exam, and then not knowing where everything could go from there. Getting into the mortgage industry right now is undeniably risky, with market volatility and intense competition. But I’m a strong believer in that risk is the lifeblood of success. It’s what drives innovation and growth. It’s what truly propels you forward knowing that you’ve sacrificed a lot to get where you are now. I’m choosing to position myself to learn, fail, adapt, and ultimately, succeed. Read more>>

Peter Carey | Industrial Designer/Woodworker/Artist

I have left every every job I’ve had with an uncertain future in the pursuit of something I enjoy more. This has brought me closer to my ideal life than ever. Taking those risks was scary but I have always thought that staying with something that does not bring happiness and fulfillment is a failure in itself and so why not at least try for what you dream of. Two sentiments have always stuck with me around taking risks in life and those are “If you can still fail doing something you hate then why not fail doing something you love” and “It is never a bad idea to follow your heart”. I wish I could say who said those first but they were simply repeated to me by a friend of mine and I have always found them to ring true. Read more>>

Cade Wood | Male Model, Best-Selling Author, Business Owner, Social Media Influencer

There is a saying that keeps me going: “No Risk, No Story…” When it comes to any aspect of my life, there will always be some element of risk involved, and this is something you must become comfortable with whether. Whether it’s starting your own business, posting on social media, or jumping into the modeling industry, there will always be some type of risk. However, when there’s risk, that means there’s stakes involved. If you are able to take the risk, learn from your mistakes, and bet on yourself, there is absolutely no telling what could happen. Read more>>

Gitta Mikk | Tattoo Artist

Everything in this industry (tattooing) is risky. It’s the wild west out here; one of the few industries left where you can (and often must) make your own rules and do things your own way in almost every aspect of the work and how you run your business. It’s also do or die in this industry. You have to sink a lot of resources and time into starting on this journey, no matter how you start and like any entrepreneurial path, at some point you have to go all in with no certainty that things will work out. Read more>>