We asked some of the most interesting folks in the community to open up about how they think about taking chances and the role risk has played in their lives and careers. Risk is by far the topic folks talk to us most about and we hope the responses below will help shed light on many different perspectives.

Jennifer Castillo | Action and lifestyle Photographer

Risk is an opportunity to improve but is also necessary to grow. I believe everything has risk. If you want to make change, there is risk but also not making a change can be risky. You have to evaluate the risk with every decision you make in life not just business. Read more>>

Taylor Isom | Intimate Wedding and Elopement Photographer

Taking risks is what has grown and continues to grow me as a person and as a business as a whole! Taking risks is super scary to me, I’m not someone by nature who really likes living on the edge, I like to have some kind of predictability and stability. Read more>>

Jocelyn Catterson | Artist

Pursuing this creative career wholeheartedly is one of the most significant risks I have ever taken, and it is absolutely terrifying. Any time you seek something that sets your soul on fire, there is a big risk involved. You are throwing your whole self at something that tugs at your heartstrings and could ultimately fail. It is incredibly vulnerable. It is scary. Read more>>

Michael Ryan Clark | Filmmaker & Photographer

Risk taking has always been a fundamental aspect of my life and career. The words of George Addair really resonated with me when he said that “”Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” When I was younger, the idea of creating the exact life I imagined seemed too scary. Read more>>

Heather Ferreira | Artisan Candlemaker

I would not say that I have necessarily chosen to be a risk taker. When a situation/crisis arises I take action. As a child, I learned that to make a decision, even if it involved risk, was a decision worth making. Not taking the risk, most often involved, lost opportunities or regret. Read more>> 

Orion Brown | Founder & CEO, Brand Strategist, Consumer Geek

Risk has been a huge theme in my career. I started out pre-med and when life threw curve balls I had to make a choice if I would stay and thug it out another 6 years in school without a support system or try to make it in a completely different world than i knew (business). I decided to take the leap and career switch – landing at a bank of all places. Read more>>

Alex Schupp | Digital Marketing Agency Founder

I founded a small web design and digital marketing firm in Denver called Crowd Digital Marketing. In the past, I’d managed social media startups, boutique agencies and corporate website building factories. After a decade or so in the industry, it was easy to get jaded and burnt out. Read more>>

Alia Delia Eichinger | Olympic Freestyle Skier

“Risk” often has inherently negative connotations, which may bias you against taking smart risks. But in my case and my Sports risk-taking can be a good thing. For me, it is important to consciously remember that risk-taking may lead to positive outcomes. Read more>>

Cristian Mora | Fine artist

I always hear people saying things like “if you don’t risk you don’t win” or things along that line. For me I think risk taking has its place and you need to understand when the right time for it is and what’s at stake. Even though I’ve played most of my life pretty safe, Read more>>

Kellie Alkayam | Owner of Triangle Cabin and Daniel Diamonds

My father, a lifelong entrepreneur, always instilled in me the importance of being willing to take risks. My mother, always the cautious one, tempers his risk tolerance, so I picked up a little bit from each of them. I am always eager to take a calculated risk. I evaluate various worst case scenarios, and always make sure to have multiple exit strategies in case things go awry. Read more>>

Kali Russell | Blogger

I would say that taking risks is something I have never tried to shy away from. I believe the best opportunities can come form stepping outside of your comfort zone! It can be VERY scary, but so fun and rewarding to try something new. Read more>>

Lanae Lang | Air Force Officer

Since I was young, I was willing to take risks. When I was 16 years old, I heard about Air Force ROTC from my cousin. Since both my Grandpas were in the Air Force and I heard about their experiences and that I could get my college paid for, it interested me. At just 17 years old I accepted a scholarship that would change the rest of my life. Read more>> 

Lee Ross | Designer, Stratigist, Writer and Producer

Everything. Risk has many forms and will disguise itself often as we adventure down the road of the unknown, in career, in love, in play. Risk is often opportunity, yeah, that opportunity may be terrifying or daunting or require trust and a leap of faith. Risk is an every day occurrence. We are faced with choices and options as artists and creators. Read more>>

Diana Proemm | Recreation therapist (Certified Therapeutic Recreational Therapist – CTRS)

I have many thoughts on risk. Mainly the perception of risk. Is it real or perceived? After working, training, and playing in the outdoor industry for the last 25 years, I realized that perception is everything. Risk to me versus a friend is very different. This affects how we handle fear and our ability to move forward within our daily activities. Read more>>

Tabitha Clotiaux | Owner of Evolve into Wellness & Massage Therapist

I am all about taking calculated risks. I was raised by two very cautious parents who taught us to weigh the pros and cons of every option before making a final decision. When an opportunity presents itself, whether it’s for personal or business growth, I ask myself, Read more>>

Jerrod Hardy | Podcast Host, Author, and Full Time Traveler

Risk and the fear associated with it are essential to have in life. Those feelings allow us to recognize when we are doing something that challenges us, expands our limits, and makes us feel alive. I know if I feel those butterflies in my stomach when I am pondering whether or not to accept that new project, write the new book, Read more>>