Legend holds that Cornelius Vanderbilt had built a massive fortune in the steamboat shipping industry, but then realized the railroads were the way of the future and invested almost his entire net worth into railroads. The gamble paid off and made Vanderbilt one of the wealthiest entrepreneurs ever. But risks are inherently…risky. How do you think about risk and how has it affected your life and career? Some of our community favorites share their perspective below.

Lynn White | Executive Director & animal lover

Risk is ubiquitus. Every day we are faced with risk. Just leaving our house or even staying home. It’s true in life and in work. However, accepting risk is essential for real change and impact. Every major decision I’ve ever made has come with enormous risk. The real trick is to know that risk exists. Once you identify what the possibilities for risk are, you can take steps to mitigate that risk. Read more>>

Yi Sora Zhan | Entrepreneur & Artists & Jewelry Designer

I firmly believe that things don’t always go smoothly when people undertake tasks; risks often accompany opportunities. I find risks quite exhilarating. I enjoy gathering all possible information to assess risks before engaging in any activity. Of course, if taking risks comes with visible benefits, then I am inclined to take them. I believe it’s essential to evaluate whether or not to take risks within a manageable scope because bearing risks also implies incurring costs. Every instance of risk presents a test and challenge to oneself. I might not be a risk enthusiast by nature, but when faced with it, I choose to confront it. Read more>>

Cory Rusch | Custom Woodworker

I have always been a risk taker. Starting a young adult life as an addict was the beginning to a life of daring greatly. Not the addiction itself, but the decision to overcome the challenge was the turning point for taking risks. And that sobriety taught me more things than I could’ve ever expected. I learned that sometimes life feels uncomfortable, and getting uncomfortable is often a genuinely needed process to find long term comfort. Read more>>

Jean Marie Miller | Licensed Counselor, Counselor Educator & Mental Health Advocate

I most recently took the biggest risks of my career. After 20 years in higher education administration (with 16 being in one university), I took the leap and decided it was time to make a significant life change. After the unexpected loss of my husband in 2020, something in my soul told me that in order to take care of myself and begin healing, it was time to resign from my role in the Dean’s office. That decision had led me to incredible learning experiences and personal and professional growth. Read more>>

Heidi Almosara | Multidisciplinary Artist & Sogetsu Ikebana Instructor

The biggest risk that changed my life and career was getting married to my husband. He swooped in like a magic carpet and I immediately fell in love. Within three weeks of meeting, we were engaged. At that time, I was a University fine arts professor putting together my packet for tenure promotion. My fiancé was in the military and being stationed overseas, so marrying him meant resigning and not getting tenure. Since I am a goal-oriented person, this seemed like an incredible sacrifice. On the surface, it felt like too big of a risk, but I was very much in love, and I had an innate sense that this was the right decision. Read more>>

Ethan Pole | DP / Photographer / Brand Specialist | Ethan Pole Media

Absolutely! Risk is the heartbeat of progress and success. It’s the exhilarating edge where opportunities lie. I always gauge the ‘Squeeze versus the Juice’ quotient – if the potential gains outweigh the costs, then not taking the risk becomes the risk itself! Of course, prudence is key, and being rooted in my Catholic faith, I seek guidance through prayer. But in the dynamic realm of creativity and entrepreneurship, risk isn’t a barrier; it’s the fuel that drives innovation and growth Read more>>