Shoot your shot? Take a chance? Society bombards us with messages, phrases, examples and stories of how taking risk is the key to success, but is anything ever that simple? We asked some of the brightest folks we know to tell us about how they think about risk. We’ve shared their responses below.

Eddie Gutierrez | Founder and Brewer

In comparing risk to reward in much of my decision making, I have focused on reward more than risk. Having said that, risk has always been a grounding mechanism to keep life on the rails. Although I, like everyone, have taken many risks throughout life for better or for worse, the big ones that made me a small business owner in my mountain hometown are ones driven by heart and a strong calling for what life should be. Read more>>

Emily Scott Robinson | Singer-Songwriter

I think about risk as an opportunity to build more courage and confidence in myself as a writer and a performer. I think that many artists and entrepreneurs (and people in general!) believe that you already need to have courage and confidence in order to take a risk, but that’s not really possible. You build courage and resilience by taking the risks. Taking risks keeps me interested in my own creative work. It keeps me feeling alive and a bit on the edge! Read more>>

Phee | Aka Meredith Avery – Entertainer, Writer and Entrepreneur

I think risk is everything in succeeding in life. I know I have found that anytime I take a back seat, nothing ever comes of anything for me and I might as well be living as an NPC. I have been in multiple different career fields and, be it a curse or a blessing, I have always had this aspect of my personality where I cannot and will not stay silent when there is something corrupt or even something that could be bettered, or other situations as well. Read more>>

Rebecca Langlois | Entrepreneur & Executive Director

While I wouldn’t identify as someone who is risk-averse, I prefer to take calculated risks. I never thought of myself as an entrepreneur until recently, and I would say I jumped off the cliff by starting two businesses within the past three years. I started Long’s Peak Candle Co. at the beginning of September 2022 and incorporated Bijou Creek Performance Horses in July 2019. I work full-time in addition to owning the two businesses, and I am also in the process of finishing a doctorate in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University through an online program. Read more>>

Kelly Hillick | Videographer & Photographer

Risk is terrifying. I’m naturally very shy, so every little step outside my comfort zone is extreme for me. However, almost every risk I’ve taken has paid off in my career. I took a risk changing my major mid-semester in college, I took a risk applying for a job that I had no grounds to get. I took a risk picking up a camera with no prior experience and just making stupid shorts in my backyard. I took a risk doing free film/photography just get some practice under my belt. Read more>>

Eddie Perrote | Illustrator & Designer

Risk is a constant factor in being a creative professional – from everyday tasks of keeping a business running to honest expression in your field. It’s unavoidable so the acceptance of this play is crucial to feeling secure in your path. Sometime’s things work out and sometimes they don’t – you gotta pay to play! Read more>>

Joelle Prisco | The “Mama JoJo” of Mama JoJo Crayons

I was a teacher for 13 years. Tenured and in a “secure” job position. When I decided that I needed change to better my life and mental health, I was beyond nervous and scared. I didn’t want to hurt my family, embarrass them with my choice, and not to mention the possibility of failure? I knew that I would not make everyone happy with my choice, but it came down to feeling confident in myself and my work and doing what was best for ME. Read more>>

Jayne Sanders | Travel Ambassador, Dream Trips International

Risk is relative, right? What feels like risk to one person may not phase another. I believe success as an entrepreneur is almost impossible without taking risk, it’s part of the game. That doesn’t mean jump blindly off a cliff, it means wear your parachute and have a soft spot below to land on, but do jump! I started my first business 30 years ago, now I’m on my third. Each one felt like a risk, but I used a parachute by asking for help, using coaches, doing my homework and my due diligence. Read more>>

Sarah Quarto | Photography & Videography

My whole life has been about taking risks. When I started getting into photography and videography, I realized the best shots only happen when you take that extra step. Whether it was reaching out to complete strangers on social media to link up with me, what is the worst that can happen? They just don’t message you back? So I figured why not. Or waking up at 2 am to drive 6 hours to shoot sunrise for an absolutely breathtaking view and hopefully resulting in the perfect shot. I always try to go the extra mile for what I think could be the money shot or open a door for an exciting opportunity. Read more>>

Jacqueline Secor | Artist

My work is inspired by all species throughout nature and the risk they take in creating incredible art forms around the world. Humans are only minute contributors to these beautiful images, from the pufferfish nest, the bowerbird courtship rituals, to man’s Venus of Willendorf and Stonehenge. Biology is the greatest contributor of masterpieces, from instinct, trial and error, natural talent, to sheer determination; we all benefit from its magnificence. Read more>>

Ren Bergeron | Artist

WATCH WHAT SHE CAN DO was nothing else if not risky. I was a sophomore at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, when I was assaulted by my professor of CON 151 in the year 2019. His name is Ronald Holt & I want everyone to know that name so they know the threat he poses when given the responsibility of power over others. I called one of my best friends right after & she told me to get evidence right away. To not let this dissolve into silence & doubt. Read more>>

Lerea Mares | Loan Officer & Sales Manager

I believe the biggest transformations come from taking a risk or pursuing change. I took a risk to leave my hometown of Pueblo, to move to Denver 7 years ago. Was I ready to be on my own? Not really. Did I have money? No. This was a change that involved risk. I was moving to a new city to pursue a new job on my own at 22. Read more>>

Neal Ritter | Primitive Skills Instructor

My motto is often : “Leap, then look”. I have always chosen adventure first, looking for my own path to follow. Over the years, that has led to amazing experiences, and also required some tough lessons as well. I usually make decisions that guide me towards the creative outcome. This started out right in the beginning when we decided to start the Laughing Coyote Project 15 years ago. We started our first group with five students. It took us years before we were financially stable, but that first leap started this journey. Read more>>

Luke Garrett | Owner of Freedom Construction and Painting, LLC

He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life. Muhammad Ali I live by this quote in every aspect of life and my business. After serving in the Marine Corps I knew I wanted a life that would allow me to chase my dreams and push myself while having a work/life balance for my family. I took a risk starting my own painting business a few months before my daughter was born. Read more>>