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.

Joe Manley

Risk is intrinsic to life. There is an alchemy to embracing vulnerability so as to accept the potential positives.
When I began Kitchens the overhead was roughly double what I’d budgeted. I recall thinking; I’d rather fail trying, than to fail to try.
Embracing the ability to face risk has prompted a conscientious adaptation, an attempt to recognize and prepare for contingencies, which has been intrinsic to staying in business for the last 20 years. Read More>>

Metaphysical Marc

I believe that if you don’t take risk and bet on yourself then no one will. In order to become successful in anything you have to have some sort of courage and that is where risk taking comes into place. Now I am a firm believer and applier of Calculated Risk Taking. Read More>>

Electra Johnson

Risk-taking has been central to my life and career—though I don’t always think of it as “risk” in the traditional sense. It’s more about stepping into the unknown, following what feels right, and trusting that the work will resonate.

Every major move I’ve made—whether starting my own firm, advocating for communities that feel overlooked, or pushing for policy changes that challenge the status quo—has involved a level of uncertainty. But I’ve never been interested in playing it safe. I believe the best work happens when you’re fully invested, heart-first, in something you know matters. Read More>>

Marissa Poppens

I think a lot about risk. I’ve never been in a position where risk wasn’t a big part of everyday. Upon getting my diagnosis with MS. I asked telling employers I had a disability. I risked working to hard and making my MS worse. I risked retiring early to get disability so that I wouldn’t have yearly relapse with my MS. I risk every month knowing that disability doesn’t cover all of my rent and that I could loose my housing. I risk loosing the ability to have an organization to help others daily by not having secure funding. Risk is a part of life and without it you’re not growing or pushing yourself to be and do better. The risk is stressful, but most often pays off. Read More>>

Mike Merrill

Have you heard of the saying no risk, no reward? I wouldn’t be where I am today without taking risks.

You have to take risks in todays world, not all go the way you want but you have to be willing to try and they can be great learning experiences as well. I’ve always been a planner and an orchestrator when it comes to creative projects and getting them done in a timely manner. I think Applying what Ive learned through taking risks has helped me be a better professional and Its also helped me ask the right questions during introductions and meetings as Ive learned from experience what to ask and to avoid as much back and forth / unnecessary communication as possible. Read More>>