There is a wealth of academic research that suggests that differences in risk appetite are at the heart of differences in career and business trajectories. We wanted to go beyond the theory and ask real people from the community about their perspectives and experiences with risk and risk taking.

Jeremiah Pearcey | Psychologist & Stress Management Expert

Firstly, I think taking risks is healthy – everything in life can be a risk and learning how to evaluate risks, as well as outcomes, is important in understanding how to healthily process risk. I’ve worked with many people that are entirely risk-averse, which leads them to avoid taking chances to better their lives, such as: pursuing education, starting their own business, leaving environments where they’re unhappy, and even seeking relationships. Read more>>

Shelbe Rodriguez | Freelance writer and content creator

Ok, so here’s the truth: I’m a thirty-something divorced working girl-mom learning how to navigate through life and I have no clue what’s next –– and it’s fabulous! That’s it. That’s the opening line to my story. No captivating witty one-liners or fancy quotes that draw you in. Let’s back up a little bit. You know how in nearly every movie ever, just before a character meets their horrendous fate, their entire life flashes before their eyes? When I made the decision to divorce my highschool sweetheart in the height of the pandemic, I felt like my entire life flashed before my eyes, but instead of seeing all the great moments in my life, I saw all the things that I hadn’t accomplished yet. Read more>>

Shakira Huglon | Entrepreneur & Fashion Designer/Stylist

What i think about risks? Taking risks plays a huge part in my career, without risks i wouldn’t be where i am and currently headed. Some risks might end up being a failure, but failure should drive you until you hit that goal. Without risks, where’s the fun? the challenge? the change within yourself & how you move? Read more>>

Anne Marie Blacketer, CFRE | CEO, Lupus Texas Gulf Coast Chapter

Risk is a valuable life and business lesson. Personally, I tend to thrive in a space where I am taking larger opportunities to succeed – or fail! The ability to make decisions on work based on your own ethics is an important step in personal and career growth. Many times, I learned this lesson AFTER accepting a position rather than asking the right questions during an interview – before. Because of this, I have often left a position without a new post – based on staying true to my ethics and character. Can be scary! Certainly is risky! At one point, I made a rushed decision to join an organization as a Chief Development Officer, and after working with them a few months, realized I did not share the same care philosophy as the CEO. Read more>>