Risk is the most common topic that comes up in our conversations with entrepreneurs and so each week we ask entrepreneurs to talk to us on the record about how they think about risk.

Marilyn Cowley | CEO

I associate risk-taking with stepping out of your comfort zone. You can’t grow if you are comfortable. Taking risks has been the way I grew my business. Whether it was walking into a business to introduce myself, reaching out to a LinkedIn connection, or attending an event, each action was a risk I was taking in the hopes to grow my business. I believe there is no reward, without risk. If you think about your life, everything essentially has to do with you taking a risk on something in the hopes you will be rewarded. It is the people that are not afraid to step out of their comfort zone and grow are the people that can continually better themselves each day. It is amazing how much your life can change by actively taking risks. Read more>>

Marv Ellis 1/3 of Free Creatures | Producer/performer

We all take risks everyday. Why not at least attempt to make it work w what you’re trying to manifest? – Marv Ellis – Free Creatures Read more>>

Katherine Fraser | Fine Artist

Pursuing a life as an artist is all about risk! It’s obviously a financial risk, it’s a hard way to make a living, without a doubt, but it’s also an emotional risk. I firmly believe that it takes courage to make art, to show up in the studio on a regular basis, to face the blank canvas, to confront your doubts, to express vulnerability, and ultimately to put these expressions out in the world to be judged. It’s a huge risk, but very rewarding! Read more>>

Cara Naylor | Multidisciplinary Designer & Creative Entrepreneur

Having always identified as both self-confident and resilient, I tend to dive in head first trusting that if I can’t swim immediately, I’ll learn before I drown. So in the realm of creative entrepreneurship I’ve historically gone all-in on ideas before working out the nitty-gritty of the how and when. Back in 2015 I left the stability of my fine dining career to live on the road in an RV and launch an Etsy store selling handmade goods (which took a path through knit beanies and chalk bags for rock climbing before finally landing on handbags.) Then again in 2018 after a brief return to the food and beverage industry, Read more>>

Dr. Steve Poos-Benson | Speaker, Pastor, Author, Life Coach

I take risks literally every time I step before a group to speak. I don’t believe in being an ordinary run of the mill speaker. I try to present issues, religion and spirituality is new and lively ways. I’m often controversial as I present theological and biblical concepts in progressive ways. I believe in pushing the norms or what it means to do church in a suburban setting. Read more>>

Nick Gromicko | Founder of InterNACHI

I love risk. I love risk because the profits that come from taking risks far outweigh the costs of managing that risk. Read more>>

David Woods | Director of Partnerships for CrossFit, LLC.

The scariest, most heart-wrenching decisions that I’ve faced in my life have led to the most transformative moments in my life. As I was coming up the ranks in my first career path at Whole Foods Market, and as I began applying for promotions, I quickly learned that fear of the unknown can be a stifling feeling. I also learned that stepping into the unknown, and putting myself out there leads to explosive growth. Every time I got ready to apply for a job I would question myself. Am I good enough? What if I don’t get along with my new boss? Read more>>

Sheila Dunne | Co-Founder of Dunne Goodwin and Podcast Host

I view risk as anything that is against the “norm” or status quo where the outcome of an action is not as certain. In my career, I started my digital marketing business during my freshman year of college. I gave myself four years at school to build a foundation that could support me full-time upon graduation. I also had the safety net of my degree if I changed my mind or things did not work out. I believe everyone should pursue their passions with a mindset of responsible risktaking while believing wholeheartedly in their ability to “win” while also being patient, graceful, and understanding if they “lose,” knowing that there is something to learn from every failure or setback. Read more>>

Erica Hostettler | Full Time RVer & Entreprenuer of Soul Fitt

If you want to live a life that is countercultural, a life that looks different from the rest of the world, then risk taking is crucial. Without risks, the greatest achievements would never be possible. Think about it; it’s easy to stay comfortable. It’s easy to stick with your constant paycheck 9-5, your daily routine, your mundane but secure life. What’s not easy is to step out in faith and take a chance on yourself. What is not easy is to be unsure of what your paycheck will look that month. But in return, you get to be with your children more. Take that vacation when you want it. Read more>>

Tyler Johnson | Fabricator & Artist

For better part of a decade I’ve made an obsession fabricating my Father’s large scale public sculptures. Doing so, I’ve forgone building a normal career of my own to build his work that he couldn’t have completed alone because of age and health problems. For a time there was success and pride shared with what we created. But now after his passing I’m left with questions of how much I want to keep risking. Read more>>

Jay Koepke | Owner Jay Cupcake Photography

I operate with a ‘leap and the net will appear’ philosophy. I trust my gut, I take big leaps. My answer would be completely the opposite in another career but I’m trying to make impactful art, so if it’s not risky, what’s the point? Read more>>

Rick Gallina | Teacher & Photographer

Taking risks is an important part of having and keeping a growth mindset, whether personally or professionally driven. Although scary, taking a risk and putting yourself out there (wherever or whatever that may be) can lead to new skill development, new opportunities, and can leading to building a personal confidence and resilience needed to succeed. Read more>>

Matthew Yates | Photographer & Manager

When it comes to taking that extra step to make your dreams come true it can be tough. But for me I love the feeling of progression and results, and it helps me overcome that fear of failure. As failure is just a lesson learned. Without risk you may not ever succeed. This has certainly pertained to my life, sometimes all your resources aren’t in place but you have to find a way to get it done. Read more>>