We asked some brilliant folks from the community to talk to us about how they think about risk and the role risk has played in their lives and careers.

Sandra Horvath | Sandy, Lawyer and Animal Advocate

Even though I consider myself a risk-adverse person, in hindsight I have taken many risks personally and professionally over the years and the advice I would give anyone is to be open to change and take risks. After graduate school I started in a sales position with a financial services company. Commission was scary, but the appeal of the freedom, income potential and being my own boss was the attraction. It did not take too long to figure out sales were not in my DNA, but I did love the business and the organization and worked in various capacities for 20 years there ultimately taking over the business as a Co-Managing Director. Once again, I took a major leap from that position, quit, when I went to law school to pursue my passion of animal welfare law. Read more>>

Damon Terry | Commercial jingle/ voice-over artist

Risks big fail big, to present to the world all things new this is my goal my concept by TvSnackFilms Read more>>

Mykhael Harland | Tattoo Artist & Business owner

One of the biggest things I have put pride in, is doing things that terrify me. Each and every time, on the other side of my fears I have been faced with grace, love, and a new outlook or experience in life. DJing was a risk, during the time I was in a full time career. If I didn’t take it, I probably would be still trying to find a passion in life or possibly filling a void for my love of music. Read more>>

Celine Thomas | Instructional Coach & DJ

One of the biggest things I have put pride in, is doing things that terrify me. Each and every time, on the other side of my fears I have been faced with grace, love, and a new outlook or experience in life. DJing was a risk, during the time I was in a full time career. If I didn’t take it, I probably would be still trying to find a passion in life or possibly filling a void for my love of music. Read more>>

Manii Iverson | Independent Artist

The role of taking risks in my life’s consisted of if you aren’t going to be all in for you why should someone else be? And then with that mental understanding you then elevate and understand that not everyone will have the best intentions for you but I’ll say trust God and his timing, because when he says move just do it don’t ever second guess him. Read more>>

Tia Williams | Creative Consultant

I think taking risks opens the door for new opportunities. Fear of failure previously held me back from putting myself out there and trying new things. Over the last couple years, I’ve really branched out and taken risks in my personal and professional life that have significantly paid off. Starting multiple businesses has really helped me elevate my career. Through my business endeavors I’ve developed many meaningful relationships which I’m thankful for. Read more>>

James Hernandez | Documentary Photographer

Risk-Taking is a huge factor in documentary photography & the visual arts space. I have found myself in unique situations, different spaces and meeting different types of people. Majority of the time if I am photographing a new place, it comes down to taking a risk and putting myself out there to meet new people, cultures, and invading peoples personal space. All the risks I have taken in my career of visual-story telling has brought me new opportunities. Risk-taking is always scary in my opinion. The unknown is fearful. But sometimes, that risk could change your life. Read more>>

Camille Jones of (CA)^2 Dance Crew | Camille Jones C0-founder of (CA)^2 Dance Crew

Risk taking was the first ingredient in our establishment as a dance team. (CA)^2 Dance Crew was founded from a collective decision to leap, head first, into a dance career that centered and empowered our voices as black women in the Hip Hop dance space. (CA)^2 members, Chenelle, Anaya, and I have always shared an innate passion for creativity, collaboration, and confidence-building. Dance was the vehicle for strengthening these traits and during a time in our lives when we realized that these qualities weren’t being fostered by those around us, we decided to nurture those strengths for ourselves. Therefore, (CA)^2 Dance Crew was born from a necessity to empower ourselves and hopefully others through dance. Read more>>

Susan Kaczorowski | Wife, Mother, Business Owner

my business effectively. Risk management is the process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential threats to my business’s success. Here are some considerations and strategies I take when thinking about risk: I start by identifying potential risks that could affect my business. These risks can be internal or external and may include financial, operational, strategic, or reputational risks. Once I’ve identified potential risks, assess their likelihood and impact. I determine which risks are most significant and which ones require my immediate attention. Read more>>

Nicole Barille | Singer/Guitarist for mr. Gnome

Our whole entire journey in the music business has been about taking risks and being okay with sometimes failing. When we started mr. Gnome, we really had no idea what we were doing or getting into. You have to be a tiny bit crazy to jump into this business head first. We just loved making music and wanted to create as much as possible. There is no guaranty with any of this, but I think that’s also what makes it so exciting. Anything can happen at any time. Read more>>