How did you develop your ability to take risk?

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.

Natalie Izquierdo

I think a lot of it comes from my Dad. Growing up my parents were pretty supportive of the things I wanted to do but I definitely got a the “no risk no reward” bug from him. If you never put yourself out there to try something, theres no way you can succeed. So I always tried to put myself out there to try new things when opportunities prevented themselves. It didn’t always work out or wasn’t always for me and often I was nervous about trying new things but I never regretted not putting myself out there for the risk. Read more>>

Maxx Slater

Honestly it took awhile for me to start taking risks in my career. When I started out as an artist, really pursuing my passion and working to turn it into a sustainable career path, I was hesitant to really get outside the box when it came to alot of things. I think when one starts out, it’s easiest to take the safe route and kind of go for the “sure thing”; whether it be a thematic choice when working on a piece, or even a choice of what color to go with. Once I became more comfortable in my ability as an artist, and really just being an artist in general, I found myself willing to take more risks and challenge myself as an artist.  Read more>>

Draza Jansky

“Choose and Move” is a a mantra I’ve learned to live by!
It came to me in a dream when I was at a major turning point in my life, and I still use it daily.
It’s a powerful antidote to perfectionism and overthinking. The reality is that every choice we make in life involves risk. It’s built into the game. There is zero certainty on this journey. So I’ve learned to embrace the positives of that. I use it as inspiration to make moves that offer the most potential growth. (Because not moving also involves risk!) Read more>>

Hazen Hackett

Taking risks has always been a part of my journey, but it really started to develop when I decided to pursue woodworking as more than just a hobby. Working with wood—and later incorporating epoxy—taught me that trial and error is part of the process. Whether it’s trying a new design, experimenting with materials, or starting a business, every step felt like a leap into the unknown. Read more>>

Grace Nori

I feel like it started when I was younger and taking the leap of faith on trying new things in school especially having to meet new people and new environment moving to Florida from Texas in 5th grade with my family. Looking back, I’m amazed at how many risks I took without hesitation like marching band, band competitions, dare program, trying to get into modeling, student council, step dance, volleyball, creating art and so much more. At that age, I didn’t question the idea of trying something new—I just did it. I think as kids, we have fewer self-limiting beliefs because we haven’t yet had enough life experiences to create fear and doubt. We’re more willing to take on challenges and explore new territories. Read more>>

Courtney Connelly

Like most people, risk taking does not come naturally for me. However, I have realized that growth is fueled by the ability to push your limits which means taking small leaps towards your goals. Any “leap” so to speak has inherent risks; your pushing yourself into new territory and stretching outside of comfort zones. For instance, I used to avoid any situation that involved public speaking, but I was required to take public speaking in college. I didn’t like the anxiety I had the night before a speech. I decided I would face this fear head on and sought out experiences that would help me feel more comfortable such as performing with a dance troupe and singing karaoke. And guess what? I didn’t die and I even managed to have fun! Read more>>

Sydney Wang

One of my favorite aspects of being an artist is that there is no “set” career path to follow; there are a million and one ways to carve out a professional life in music, and the possibilities are endless. However, with this freedom also comes a significant amount of personal responsibility. The onus is on me to constantly find ways to expand my network, challenge my abilities, and seek out new opportunities. I used to believe that if I was afraid to try something – be it auditioning for a prestigious program or introducing myself to someone new – it was a sign that I shouldn’t, or that I wasn’t ready. But in reality, the only person holding me back was myself. Read more>>

Ailise Beales

You know those fleeting moments in life that have a strangely lasting impact on you? I remember being in elementary school, probably 9 or 10 years old, playing baseball in sports class (not my forté). I was stuck at second base when our teacher announced that the next ball would be the last. The batter swung, I ran to third, and assessed my chances of getting to home. It was close— I couldn’t be sure I would make it in time, so… I didn’t try. I stayed at third, the whistle was blown, and as I walked back towards the rest of my class my teacher nudged me and said, “Why didn’t you run for it? You had nothing to lose, the game was going to end anyway!” Read more>>

Devon Hudson

Taking risks is essential for growth and innovation, but it’s a skill that develops with practice and strategic thinking. Risks vary in consequence—from trying a new dish at a restaurant (low-stakes) to pursuing a business venture with your life savings (high-stakes). Developing the ability to take risks involves these key steps: Read more>>

Erica Salinas

Firstly, I’m an Aries LOL. So I think I was innately born with it. As a fire sign, accepting challenges and having determination to accomplish things really keeps us going. But there’s a curiousity within me and a need to push myself that I have explore to be fulfilled. I am way too much of an overthinker to go back and wonder “what if I would have done this” or “should I have done that”. Like no- do it. Now. Or else you’ll regret not knowing. And taking risks doesn’t always equate to success! But it definitely leads to experiences which, in my opinion, is more valuable anyway. Read more>>

Sadler Priest

“I developed my ability to take risks by cultivating an unwavering belief in myself. I’ve learned that I can work my way out of any challenge because I trust my own determination and resilience. Depending on myself means I know I won’t let myself down. I’m always striving for more—not just for me, but for the people around me. Taking risks feels worth it because I understand that the greater the risk, the greater the reward. And honestly, what’s the worst that can happen? If I fail, I get the chance to learn and try again. But when it all clicks, the payoff will be huge—and that’s what drives me forward.” Read more>>

Hadley Sui

Reading and stories have always been important to me. I have kept a daily journal since high school, and that practice has been my bedrock for stress relief, creative ideation, and risk-taking. When I look back at my ramblings, I want to read a good story and see growth. I want to recollect my life someday and have no doubt that it was a grand adventure! I believe that no good story comes from a stagnant, risk-free place. As a freelancer, there will always be a need for balance between security and risk, but my biggest payoffs have all been due to heightened risk. Conquering one risk builds momentum to tackle the next, and so on… In a nutshell, keep a journal or start a daily writing practice! Track your wins and what led to them. Read more>>

David Jefferson

When I decided I wanted to be an entrepreneur in the fashion industry, I remember I was doing some research online and came across a pack of 100 shirts for $1000 that I wanted to purchase. That came out to $10 a shirt so I figured I’d be able to sell them for $30 each, make some profit, and be on my way to success in no time. The problem was that I only had $300 cash at the time. I was working at a call center doing customer service work for General Motors and I knew I was getting paid in a few days, so I waited patiently.  Read more>>

Suzanne Dix Kaliko

I had a great mentor in my father. He believed in me despite the social norms at the time that would have put a woman at a disadvantage, especially in any male dominated field – like art. He was also an excellent gambler. Through his view of life, regardless of how hard a situation may seem, there was “juice” to be gleaned from difficulty. There was lemonade to be made of lemons.
To have a smooth, unchallenged life doesn’t make one’s character grow. Rising to challenges makes one stronger. There is far more satisfaction and better stories to tell from overcoming adversity. Read more>>

Iesha Hayes

My whole life, I dreamed of being someone bigger, someone who the world would always remember. Some would say this idealistic view was wrong. I was around so many people who thought small. As a young girl, around the age of nine, I began writing music. My development of public speaking had grown and what I wanted to do was not my reality. I ended up growing out of music and started writing poetry. As I grew older, around the age of 16, my life took turns, I made mistakes, and I simply was a screwed up intellectual teenager. Read more>>

Dr. Isaiah Pickensharo

Taking risks has been a journey of intentional growth and an unshakable trust in my purpose. I’ve learned to see challenges not as obstacles but as doorways to greater impact. This perspective became deeply personal—and life-changing—in October 2020. At the time, I held a position I had worked hard to achieve: Assistant Director for the UCLA-Duke National Center for Child Traumatic Stress. It was a role where I excelled, helping individuals and systems heal and thrive in the face of trauma. By all accounts, it was a dream job—comfortable, impactful, and respected. But comfort, I realized, is not the same as fulfillment. Deep down, I knew I wasn’t fully unlocking my potential. Read more>>

Carter Beck

On the morning of February 24, 2022, I remember sitting upright on the edge of my bed watching the television as scenes of the Russian military invading Ukraine we being shown on all news network shows. Being so far away from the conflict, I of course, felt sympathy and a sense of helplessness for the Ukrainian people. However, two days later, a demonstration was held in the Lviv town square where an empty stroller was set up for each of the children that had been killed by the Russian attacks in just those few days. Read more>> 

Jeffrey Mincey

I found the ability to take risk out of being uncomfortable. In most situations I am scared to step out of my comfort and I’ve learned throughout the years that in most cases the best ideas, the best shot, the most memorable moments are those created when you are uncomfortable. Read more>>

Nicole Sciacca

There’s something to be said for calculated risk taking. I’m not talking about climbing Mt Everest or free diving into the Mariana Trench. A calculated risk is one that potentially comes at a personal cost but resonates as the aligned next right step. An example might be moving across the country at the age of 21 to pursue your dreams of entertainment. Or walking into a Hells Angel’s bar while filming a motorcycle documentary in Sturgis, South Dakota. Or opening a fitness studio on the “coolest street in the country” as a first time business owner. Or choosing a future of love, possibility and freedom after losing the love of your life from a heart attack in his sleep. Read more>>

Robert Francis

One of my strongest attributes is my willingness to take risks. While it hasn’t always worked in my favor, overall, it has been a key driver of my success. My love for taking risks began early in life, during my theater acting days. I still remember the butterflies in my stomach just before stepping on stage. That feeling—so closely tied to fear—became something I learned to harness and transform into excitement, channeling it into a burst of effective energy.  Read more>>

Jesus Alonso Cabrera A.k.a ( Jac Alonso)

I believe the ability to take risks is influenced by a person’s character. I have always been the most daring in my family, something that has stayed with me throughout my life. At the age of 18 I started working for a multinational chain of hypermarkets, where I stayed for 14 years, holding various positions in different cities. During the last seven years, I worked as a manager and director, but in the end, I no longer felt happy with what I was doing. I took one of the biggest risks of my professional career: leaving that stable job to pursue the artistic path I had been passionate about since childhood. Read more>>

Erica Hoyt

A saying on the wall in my sixth-grade classroom was, “Reach for the moon; even if you miss, you will land among the stars.” Reading that saying over and over again made me realize from that moment on there are many opportunities toward your goals in life. Taking risks is one of the stepping stones in order to achieve your dreams in anything you want to pursue. Learning life lessons can help guide your path and stay on the right path. Another saying that also lives in my head: “You only live once.” My mom instilled this saying in me if I was on the fence about trying something new. These words pushed me to become the woman I am today. Read more>>

Megan Shaffer

I wouldn’t say that I am a natural risk taker. Being someone that faced instability due to divorce as a child and also having anxiety and OCD, my safe place is knowing what to expect and planning for all outcomes. However, a few experiences in the last few years really altered my view on life and my desire to be happy and fulfilled outweighed concerns of ‘failure’ or losing a self-imposed status. After the birth of my daughter in December of 2021, I soon was faced with severe postpartum depression and anxiety. While I had some minor mental health issues in the past, most of which I self-managed, I had never dealt with a depression that deep. I didn’t realize the extent to which it can take hold, hurt physically, and completely halt life.  Read more>>