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.

Herbert Alexander

Herbert:
It’s simple for me, because the way i think about risk is this: “No Risk It, No Biscuit.” But at the same time, it was that type of thinking that had me in trouble with the law in the first place. In the past, I risked my life for literally nothing. From selling dope to bank robberies, I lived that lifestyle until the risk no longer paid off. I risked It all, and I lost it all. The state cashed me in for 64 years. So when you ask me about risk, I’d say: you better be willing to lose what you put up. And now, every risk I take is a calculated one. Read More>> 

Scott “Chaser” Curry

Storm chasing is all about managing risk. You have to take risks in order to find a tornado, but if you don’t manage those risks, you could find yourself with a lost windshield from baseball sized hail, or worse – being flung through the air by a tornado. Some storm chasers have lost their lives because they took on too much risk and tried to get too close to a tornado. Other storm chasers have totaled their vehicles because they were too focused on the prize of seeing a tornado, and they forgot about the other risks associated with severe storms, such as monster hail and flooded roads. Read More>>

Liz Rachal

I tend to be risk-averse, and make decisions after I’ve given them a lot of thought. When I left my corporate job to work for Turning the Corner HR over a year ago, I absolutely thought it was a risk worth taking, and now I know it was.

I believe that the way we think of risk can be very skewed. For example, before working for a small business, I perceived that it was more “risky” than working for a corporation. The endless rounds of layoffs that we’re seeing happen has taught most of us to think differently about the level of risk that comes with working for corporations now. Read More>>

Katie Kantzes

Risk is an integral part of entrepreneurship, and a key component to leading a meaningful life for me. I become bored when I’m not taking risks and challenging myself. Additionally (and critically), the vulnerability inherent in risk helps to create true connections with other people. You will need support at some point, whether it’s emotional, physical action, financial or otherwise. So risk-taking offers multiple benefits – it helps you create something new, something you’re proud of and that represents your personality and what you value. At the same time, I’ve found that it can help build and deepen your connections with the community around you. Read More>>

Mario Tapia

I’ve always been a risk taker. It got me into a lot of trouble as a youth, but as an adult it has lead me to Colorado. 5 years ago I took a risk and moved my family to Greeley. In pursuit of a better future. Flash forward and here I am. A small business owner and breadwinner for my family. Read More>>

Kyle Pollard

Life’s a constant balancing act of the risks you’re comfortable with and the ones you avoid. Starting a company? Super risky; failure’s a real possibility. Sticking with a big company and a 401k your whole life? Also risky – layoffs happen, economies crash. Even waiting for the “perfect” time to start a family can be a gamble, as those opportunities might just disappear. Read More>>

Michelle Roark

I was a professional athlete for 18 years competing on the World Cup circuit in FreeStyle Mogul Skiing Taking risk was the job description. It made one not afraid to fail, to know how to fall down and get back up and how to put yourself out there. Read More>>