In our experience, most folks, including ourselves don’t have enough of an understanding of risk and the role it plays in our lives and careers and so we have made a concerted effort as a team to have conversations about risk with our interviewees. We’ve shared some highlights below.

Jenna Bachman | L’École de Denver Preschool Director

I have never been one to take risks. “Play it safe”, I used to tell myself even when I had an opportunity to diverge from my path. When I was a high schooler, I got into a French program. Again, risk-free, I was learning a new rather common language, not even knowing how to put it to good use. Even my first trip abroad was your most common choice: Paris. Read more>>

Allison Volk | Filmmaker

I think calculated risk is usually a good thing. We’re basically programmed to avoid risk as much as possible, but if we all played it safe all the time, we’d completely miss out on the joy of life! Knowing when to take a risk — and also knowing when it’s a bit too reckless or will potentially jeopardize our safety or security — is also something that comes with experience. Read more>>

Ariana Ischay | Owner of Walk In Beauty Boutique: Custom Beadwork Creator

The thought that living life is risky business in and of itself is pretty common. It’s something I’ve inherently felt since a young age. I’ve also believed that the risky life is the only one worth living. Im not a base jumper and I don’t scuba dive with sharks, but I have always gone against the grain of convention which in this society is deemed risky. Read more>> 

Nick Steben | Nomadic Photographer

Risks are necessary for the activities that I like to do in my life. Wether it’s shooting photos in some tough situations, or just having fun snowboarding in the back country, risk will always be involved. Everything that I consider fun involves a certain level of risk. Read more>>

Taylor Gulizio | Artistrybytay

Risk taking is really scary. It can lead to failure, but it can also lead to great success! When I decided not to become a cop and changed direction into doing makeup on social media it was terrifying because I know that having a “real job” has stability. When you choose to take a risk and follow your dreams there’s a chance that you may fail, but you will never know the success you could have had if you don’t take that leap and try it out. Read more>> 

Lori Lankford | Photographer, Workshop Instructor and Digital Artist

Taking risk are critical for growth as a person and business owner. I have had to take “leaps of faith” in my career and when starting my photography business. Without risk, you cannot grown, evolve and find your true path. I took a risk by offering my first photo workshop over six years ago. I was scared no one would participate, they would not like it, and I would fail. But with hard work and a passion for my craft, it was a success, and the business has grown. Read more>>

Toni Rene Leslie | Artist & CEO

I truly believe that life is all about taking risks. My whole life is just a long string of risk taking. I was a first generation college student, not only was deciding to go college in the first place a huge risk, but so was going to an art school and studying in a field that everyone told me “wouldn’t make any money”. Read more>>