Are you a risk taker? Do you think you have a stronger appetite for risk relative to your friends and family? We asked some folks from the community about their approaches to risk and have shared their thoughts below.

Chris Ortiz | Educator and Coach

“No risk it, no biscuit” is a line I heard NFL Head Coach Bruce Arians once say. It pretty much sums up my approach to life and the reason for much of my success. Most folks play it safe and risk very little in this game of life. As a result they may not get hurt but in the process go to their death bed with a heart full of regret. Not me, I fully intend to maximize my time and live life to its fullest. No matter what happens, at least I know what the result was. Win or lose we will at least see how that chapter in my life ends because at the end of the day that is all it is, a single chapter. The first part of my life was spent living very conservatively taking very few chances and not getting to see what was on the other side of the door. As I grow older though I have come to the realization that we only get one crack at this thing called life. Watching my father take his last breath and pass away from covid really set something in motion. His death was not in vain because a very important lesson was learned that afternoon. Life is temporary, so from this point forward it is all gas and no brakes. From that point on I began doing things that I had always wanted to do but never had the courage to see through. I have written six children’s books since his passing including my most recent one “Flow State.” Started a podcast that is currently sitting at one hundred and seventy four episodes. Most recently I have dipped my toe in the sports recruitment world with “Ultimate Prospect” a business that focuses on making content in hopes of helping young people get seen by collegiate scouts. All these ventures have been made possible because I am willing to take calculated risk. My next goal is to somehow get Brazilian Jiu Jitsu into public education. It is a cause I feel strongly about and in my heart the juice is worth the squeeze. Wish me luck because we are fighting an uphill battle. Read more>>

Anhilu Chavez | Clay EarringArtist

In my early twenties, I was afraid of taking risks and often felt stuck while watching others achieve their goals. It wasn’t until I met my husband that my perspective shifted. He encouraged me to follow up on a job application I thought I’d blown, reminding me that I had nothing to lose. Although I didn’t get the job, that experience boosted my confidence. Read more>>

Alyssia Aguilar | Latina Artist & Graphic Designer

Being an entrepreneur you automatically adapt to taking risks. I’ve learned more about the right type of risks to take and how to utilize them to my businesses advantage. I believe that you must take risks which means going outside of your comfort zone in order to push yourself to grow. You may not always get a lead or a “win” from your risk taking BUT you will become more comfortable taking risks and be more willing to just go for it. I know that I have taken many risks in my career and some have lead to conversations I never thought could happen. Another risk I take is connecting with people I don’t know- I love to introduce myself and send a message through social, emails, and even in person. It allows me to put myself out there in a comfortable way, within my own skin and build a new network of people and connections around me. This has led to some incredible opportunities and incredible people loving my work and help amplify my story and talents. Read more>>

Romeo El Chaer | Clarity Coach & Speaker

Risk-taking has been a fundamental part of my life, shaped by both personal experiences and professional aspirations. Growing up in a turbulent country, I was accustomed to navigating uncertainty and making daily choices that involved calculated risks. This early exposure fostered a resilience and adaptability that have served me well throughout my career. Read more>>

Otis Wellborn Jr | Dynamic Speaker & Educational Consultant

While many may see me as a risk-taker, I view my decisions as steps of faith. In 2006, I began my career in law enforcement, starting as a Correctional Officer working with serious offenders. By 2007, I transitioned to patrolling the streets of Cincinnati as a Police Officer. In 2015, I made history as the first African-American Police Officer hired in 200 years at a small department in Monroe, Ohio. The following year, in 2016, I made the bold decision to leave law enforcement, where I had dedicated much of my life, to pursue a full-time career in real estate. Many friends and family thought I was crazy to walk away from a steady paycheck for a commission-based career. However, despite their concerns, my first year in real estate was a huge success. My success fueled another leap of faith in 2020 when I relocated to Farmington Hills, Michigan, to take on a leadership role as CEO of a real estate brokerage. Then, in 2021, I returned to Ohio as the first real estate agent in Cincinnati with Real Brokerage Technologies, expanding a virtual real estate team across 10 markets nationwide. Read more>>

Morgan Rusher | Fashion Designer, Stylist & Creative Director

Taking a risk had everything to do with my growth as a designer, a creative and as a person. Coming from a family where career jobs are an expectation, my path didn’t quite turn out that way. When I became a designer I had no connections in the industry at all. I built my foundation brick by brick through networking, making investments, and consistently wearing my brand. I would DM influencers and artists, collaborate with other designers and stylists, to build clientele. I’ve had the pleasure of showcasing my brand all over the U.S. and it’s rapidly growing,none of this would be possible without taking risks. My brand is slowly growing and I’m so thankful. Read more>>

Jeff Azar | AKA: Demi the Daredevil

Taking risks has had some of the biggest impacts on my life and career. While there is so much to be said for daily routines and being consistent and calculated, sometimes putting myself out there in a way I’m not 100% comfortable with has led to some of the greatest connections and lessons in my life and music career. Read more>>