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.

Christopher Worth | Singer/Songwriter and Music Producer

My father told me to always invest in yourself. When it comes to my music projects, I tend to go pretty hard in the paint and take a good amount of risk. Often times the profit isn’t financial, but more personal and artistic which pays more long-term dividends. It takes a long time to build up a significant repertoire of songs and also to really ground into one’s artistry, and I think a lot of this comes from taking risks constantly. Read more>>

Jason Jorgenson | Financial Professional

This question stood out to me among the rest as my initial thought was “well, risk is relative to preparedness of the next endeavor”. Let me explain, risk is subjective as are the many other factors that can taunt business owners’ lives. I view risk on a scale, it varies based on the size of the next opportunity we wish to find success in! Many people risk success by playing it safe or being unprepared for the opportunity; I feel some take bigger risks than me by living a life without purpose or a drive towards something greater. Read more>>

Ben Hilzer | Actor, Singer, Filmmaker, Creator

After high school I had no idea what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I blindly chose to major in accounting and corporate finance because I knew it was safe and practical – especially compared to my hobbies of acting and singing. Read more>>

David Vidato | Tai Chi Instructor & Reiki Master Teacher

If we do not take healthy risks, if we do not step out of our comfort zones, our lives and our careers will stay stagnant. Growth, whether it be mental, emotional, spiritual, will be minimal at best. The same principles apply to career/business. If one does not take healthy risks in career, one may not come to know the true potential of their career/business and the beneficial impact it may have on others. Read more>>

Liz McCann | Nurse injector

Deciding to open your own business is a very scary thing. There have been several times where I have wanted to give up and quit. When I decided to start my own business I knew I was taking a huge risk. I weighed the pros and cons several times. Luckily, the business I opened was in the same field as my career. But, I have had to continue with my work in the hospital as a nurse until my business becomes profitable enough. I decided that I would take the risk of starting my own business and jus tho for it. I knew it was be difficult but I was ready for the challenge and hard work. I thought to myself if I don’t do this Ii will regret it. Read more>>

Athena Damianos | Mortgage Broker I Luna Lending

When most people think about risk, I think they associate it with danger. It’s a risk walking out into the street without looking both ways. It’s a risk throwing a stone at a beehive. It’s a risk riding your bicycle without a helmet. But when I think of risk in terms of business, I associate it with fear. The risk you take starting a business, for me at least, was associated with fear of failure and the fear of pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Read more>>