Embracing risk is one of the most powerful things anyone can do to level up and maximize the probability of reaching your full potential. Below, you’ll find risk-takers across industries sharing their stories of how they began to embrace risk.

Domenica Bernetti

I believe my ability to take risks comes, in large part, from learning to believe in myself. When I was 18, I made the decision to pursue an artistic career instead of following a more traditional path, even though I had strong academic performance and plenty of safer options. That was the first big risk I ever took, and even though it was scary, I knew I had to stay true to what truly moved me.

I also think it’s been part of my personality since I was a kid. I was often seen as brave, even in small ways, like how much I loved extreme sports. I practiced downhill longboarding throughout most of my teenage years and into adulthood. It’s a risky sport that forces you to focus completely and trust your abilities. Over time, I learned to apply that same mindset to my creative and professional life. Read More>>

Mariah Muntimuri

My ability to take risks was forged through a life composed of abstract, nonlinear steps—guided not by conventional structures, but by an inner compass aligned with my Soul. Very little in my journey has been handed to me, and most of the milestones I’ve reached were not delivered in ways that the world would consider “logical” or “secure.” Instead, I have consistently followed an inner knowing—my Essence—what some might call divine intuition. Read More>>

Paige Conway

Oh, man… I feel like my entire life has had risk just baked in. Or like I’ve been chasing it while also trying to keep one foot firmly planted on the ground, which we know is impossible, haha!

But I grew up as a competitive gymnast. I spent over 13 years in that world. And it’s nothing but risk, but it’s SCARY, too! I started really young, so the risk was built in, and honestly, pretty fun at the beginning. As you get older and the skills get harder and more challenging, the risk gets greater, but so does the reward and the fulfillment.  Read More>>

Tim Orscheln

Growing up in a small Midwest town, you learn about risk at an early age. Building a ramp with your friends and testing who had the courage to make the jump was a fundamental lesson; you either succeeded or you didn’t. Risk always presents two outcomes: success or failure. Both can either be a blessing or a curse, depending on your perspective. Read More>>

Jiwon Ham

While working as a motion graphics artist in Korea, one question kept lingering in my mind: “Why are most of the works I admire created by studios in the US?” I wanted to understand how they were able to create work that felt freer and more original— and I wanted to experience it firsthand. That’s when I decided to apply to graduate school in the U.S. But the cost of a master’s degree made it financially out of reach. Read More>>

Erika Vaught

I believe that the development of my ability to take risk has been investing in myself. The more confidence I feel in myself reflects on my ability to trust myself in a time of great risk. Read More>>

Sofia Maggi

I didn’t become comfortable with taking risks overnight. It’s been a slow, ongoing process—learning to live with uncertainty and to trust that I’ll find my way, even when the path isn’t clear. One of the biggest leaps I’ve taken was moving to Los Angeles to follow my passion for filmmaking. It wasn’t an easy choice. Coming from Italy, leaving behind my home, roots, and the people I love was overwhelming. It felt like stepping into the unknown—exciting but also incredibly scary. Read More>>