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.
Andrea Magwood
I am not a risk taker. I am a true Libra. We can be indecisive by nature, even with the littlest things. So taking a risk can be challenging to our psyche. What I do is decide if I think I can do something or not. Then what will it take to do it, is this a good use of my time to learn something new to be in this space, or what my goal of doing something is. For instance, I used to work at the morgue. I had never even touched a dead body in my life. But I saw the job opening and applied. Why? Because I thought I could do it. And I did, for three plus years. I took that risk, and it panned out. Other examples are when meeting new people. I’m a shy, quiet person. But I go to these organized happy hours because I want to meet new people to perhaps have someone to do non-work affiliated activities with. I knew I had to take that risk in order to achieve that goal. So some risks I take are out of what I deem as a necessity more than a want, at first. Read more>>
Cristian David Burbano Salazar
My name is Cristian David Burbano Salazar. I am 24 years old and I am writing this to talk about my story and share how I developed the ability to take risk. I was born in Colombia Raised in Spain. Left Spain at 22 years old and decided to stay in the U.S. I took the risk to move to a country where I knew close to nothing and to no one. If there is something I learned, it is that America is the place to make things happen. I saw an opportunity to go and took the risk leaving my life behind. This decision took me out of my comfort zone and I decided to trust in myself that whatever I decide I want to do will work because when you have nothing to lose that is the best moment to try everything. Read more>>
April Padilla
I think being raised in a home of achievers over achievers, and my father and family being immigrants, instilled incredible resilience and a fierce and strong willingness to achieve and overcome no matter the obstacle at hand. With no risk there is no reward. Seeing my parents pivot as professionals, elevating their lives and careers, and never taking no for an answer despite success and failure, was hugely inspirational and rewarding. Read more>>
Shenelle Dubose
I’ve always been a rule follower. I followed the American dream to the letter: go to school, get a good job, stay there for 30 years, and retire comfortably. In fact, I thought I was taking a risk by leaving my family to go to college, following the path that was mapped out for me. They told us what classes to take, what jobs we could get, and what life would look like if we stayed on track. And honestly, it worked — I became an educator, settled into a middle-class life, and for a time, I thought I had everything I needed. Read more>>
Patricia Shade
Throughout my life, I always took what I called “calculated risks” — those are risks that took me out of my comfort zone, required some bravery, without totally jumping off into the abyss. Why? I’ve always wanted to do things in my life that had “purpose and meaning”. (I’m not sure where that came from). That philosophy was my blueprint, my interests the launching pad and baby steps heading in the direction of those interests that shored up my bravery to continue. Read more>>
Christine Emano
My ability to take risks has grown from a mix of hope, curiosity, and belief in myself. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about who I am and what I’m capable of. I take risks that I know I am capable of overcoming—no matter the outcome. So if things don’t go as planned, I know I’ll figure it out and make it work. I’ve always believed that we can always choose better experiences and more, and the only way to discover it is by taking a leap. Read more>>
