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.

Soul Penny Circus | A Collaborative Concoction of Aerial Dance, Clowning, and Theatre.

Whenever you start something new, there is always a healthy degree of risk involved. The best case scenario is when the potential reward outweighs the risk. It’s important to be equally calculated and ambitious to make any new project successful! Read more>>

Zoë Antoine | Hairstylist and Salon Owner

For me, taking risks has played a crucial role in shaping my career and helping me achieve my goals. Throughout my life, I have always been willing to take calculated risks in pursuit of my dreams. Whether it was starting my own business, pursuing a new career path, or taking on a new challenge, I have always been willing to step outside of my comfort zone and push myself to the next level. Read more>>

Nicole Uthmann | Beef Producer, Director of Marketing & Sales

I consider risk as an essential aspect of life and growth. But in the realm of agriculture, risks are persist all the time, like weather conditions, market fluctuations, and the threat of diseases. Therefore, we strive to take calculated risks in areas where we possess a certain degree of control, making sure the cattle get the best care first. Read more>>

Rachel Mains | TV & Radio Host / Media Communications Consultant

Any good decision I’ve ever made involved taking a risk. Starting my own company involved many risks and it still does. I only had one client when I leaped to start my own business. You must take risks in order to be creative, I think. A creative mind thinks out-of-the-box and oftentimes those “boxes” require risk taking. To me, risk taking also means living an adventure. Read more>>

Zuri Resendiz | Chef owner of Luchador food truck

I go by no risk no success Of course always with a great work ethic
I as a chef I feel like the kitchens are like evolution , is I the tallest or the stronger who will survive but the one who adapts is the one who will survive , always think about that whenever I start a project or new jobs Adapting to succeed, as time passes everything changes that means your we are constantly learning and adapting Even the decision on coming from another country was the first risk I took and it’s has been a great journey Read more>>

Corinna Sayward | Muralist/ Artist

For me taking a risk is the only way I could really start my career as a full-time professional artist. I knew it was going to take an extreme amount of work and self promotion along with sacrifices as far as being comfortable financially and sticking with something that I knew could guarantee me a steady income. Read more>>

Jennifer Carr | Photographer and Educator

Risk taking is terrifying! Yet it’s necessary when starting your own business. My Dad is a small business owner and the hardest worker I know. His commitment and drive inspired me through example. When I got the idea to start hosting women’s photography retreats, despite my fears and doubts, I knew it was a risk I was willing to take. I always think back to the quote by Erin Hansen “”What if I fall?” Oh but my darling, What if you fly? Read more>>

Denise Liebetrau | HR & Compensation Consultant | Pay Negotiation Coach | Executive Presence & EQ Coach | Board Member | Speaker

Risk-taking is an essential component of being a successful entrepreneur. I took a risk when I left the comfort of being an employee at a large global company to start my business. Leaving the security of a paycheck and the benefits felt like stepping off a cliff. But I know that I am resourceful, decisive, and willing to ask for help. Read more>>

Stan Gottschling | Wood worker, creator and tinkerer.

Taking risks wasn’t too big of a deal early on in my business because there wasn’t very much to lose. Over the years I’ve learned that cliche saying “without risk there’s no reward” holds a lot of truth. These days any risks I take are a lot more calculated and researched. What’s the return on investment? Whether the risk is big or small there’s always pros and cons to weigh. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t. But there’s always a lesson buried somewhere in my decision. And that’s an opportunity for growth. Read more>>

Jaida Pervis | Certified Matchmaker and relationship expert

The biggest risk I have ever taken in my life was starting my own business. Fear of failure, not becoming sustainable, and not having enough finances were some of the biggest fears I faced in taking that risk. But the joy I feel from making successful matches is bigger than any of those fears, and makes being an entrepreneur worth the risk, Read more>>

Nick LaToof | Fly Fishing Guide & Splitboard Guide

My entire life centers around risk but, more specifically, risk management. From the rivers to the mountains, there is inherent risk involved. A constant evaluation of weather, environmental conditions, and management of people in these ever-changing environments leaves you little room for error. Read more>>

Dolly Rickerman | Beekeeper & Small Business Owner

No risk=no reward. Everything has some risk involved, but nothing is ever accomplished without some risk and a lot of effort. Doing your homework and your research, weighing the pros and cons, and doing everything in your control to balance the risk is a dance–but if you know the steps, you’re going to be a success. Just do it. Read more>>