Risk-taking is at the heart of making a difference, but often we’ve been conditioned to avoid risk as much as possible. So, we asked some successful risk-takers to talk to us about how they developed their comfort with taking risk.
Ashley Moss
I developed my ability to take risks by writing out all of the potential problems that could come from a negative outcome and then minimizing the effects of those risks if things go wrong; aka risk mitigation. To give an example, I was nervous when it came to purchasing my first house. Read more>>
Teresa & Tom Shantz
My ability to take risks started at a very young age. I have always had this feeling within me that I knew there was more to life than what I was currently involved in. This feeling was activated at key moments in my life to put me in the right place at the right timing for life changing events to happen. Read more>>
AnnaBeth Guillory
When I was young my father always said “The worst anyone can tell you is no. You’ll never know if you don’t ask or try.” Hearing those words as a young child gave me courage. As an entrepreneur, in my twenties, I had more time but limited funds. I love building and creating. So if the risk created a spark in me and I could make it work financially, I would dive all in! Read more>>
Caroline Pace
As a child, it was evident that I was wired to be a risk-averse person. My mother recalls how I would make sure my arm-floaties were sufficiently inflated before I dared jump into the lake. Somewhere along the line I have become so acquainted with risk-taking that I now rummage the streets of New York City, staring down the barrel of my upcoming off-broadway directorial debut and a dream that I, quite frankly, have no logical reason to pursue. Read more>>
Joe Fingerhut
I gradually increased the discomfort factor with life choices. Step by step, I stretched the rubber band of my known environment, and expanded my experiences and skills. Exercised my message of the “HOW CAN I?” mindset. Read more>>
Liz Arcos
When we decided to become an Area Representative for OHM Fitness and a Franchisee, we knew about the risk involved. We have been through the process in the past by being a multi-unit Franchisee for European Wax Center. Read more>>
Carrie Carney
My family moved constantly when I was growing up My parents divorced when I was young, and my mom became a single parent when I was just 6 and my sister was 7. I was always a bit of a shy kid, but bouncing from state to state, attending sometimes three schools in one year, and growing up in a low-income household absolutely contributed to that. Read more>>
Ed Lee
My journey in developing decision-making skills and embracing risk-taking was deeply influenced by my older brother, Bismark, who always had my back. Together, we ventured into various business endeavors, many of which unfortunately didn’t pan out. Read more>>
Cait Salvino
Leaving a Fortune 500 Account Executive job to be an actress was a very tough decision but one my gut knew needed to happen. Might I say I was acting A LOT while at my cubicle in Chicago. This acting lead me to realize I was not being myself. I was chasing a lifestyle and a language that was not true to me. Read more>>
Teo Marinakis
As a filmmaker I believe taking risks is one of the most important skills to success. As storytellers and innovators it is our duty to push the envelope when it comes to creating, in order to keep evolving the medium and the only way to do so is by taking risks. Read more>>
Kristen Thomasino
Risk taking is something that’s a critical skill for if you want to endeavor to work on game changing projects. I learned early in my Financial Technology career to take risks and keep trying. Even if people say no initially, try again. You never know, maybe this time they understood the value you were trying to convey. Read more>>
Marcel Ames
Being risk averse was once one of my proudest qualities. Sticking with tried and true methods- preferring the “safety” of a routine career/work path was my jam. August 21 2014 was the start date of the Richmond Police Academy for the 110th Basic Recruit class. Read more>>
Richard Glick
A few years back I entered an established art fair in Chicago and purchased the largest booth that they offered. I thought “go big or go home” and displayed large. mostly black toned abstract paintings. My vision was like a Reinhardt show and I now believe were looking for bright and vibrant works. Read more>>
Paula Slater
Risk and then be ready to receive, has been my mantra. Not invoking the courage to face ones fears of failure can stall the creative flow needed to find ones artistic purpose and destiny. Even the fear of success can make a person question, how will my life change(?) can I handle the added pressure and attention of success? Read more>>
Omar Lopez
You know I joined the marine corps back in march 25, 2019. One of the biggest things that you have to deal with in the service is taking risks. Also life itself teaches you that in order to see an outcome u need to take risks. A lot of big celebrities have made it because they have realized the importance of taking a risk. Read more>>
Jessy Greer
Growing up, I had to adapt quickly to change. With constant moves and always being the ‘new girl,’ I learned early on the importance of being open and adaptable. It wasn’t easy, but I found strength in being able to connect with people easily and strike up conversations wherever I went. Read more>>
Liz Simmons
I remember when I was getting ready to leave my job in the Environmental Lab field to pursue a career in the health and wellness field as a yoga teacher and personal trainer I asked myself the question “What’s the worst that could happen?” Read more>>
Amber Soberón
Learning to develop the skills to take risks as a Reiki therapist and business owner has been a deeply personal journey for me. It’s been about embracing life as a continual process of learning and growth, understanding that what may initially seem like defeating situations can actually lead to the most beautiful and transformative experiences. Read more>>
