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.

janarrius howze | Graphic designer

The role that taking risks played in my life was that time management played a huge role. The reason being is that i have school, a job with the football team and my outside life. I say even though i have my independent graphic design thing going i still have task to do for the football team also. Read more>>

Cia Jaye | Actress

Growing up I wasn’t a risk taker at all. I always played it safe because I wanted every decision I made to be perfect, but this industry taught me playing it safe will only get you so far. I actually learned that from one of my very first auditions which was in high school for a school play. I remember as I’m reading the lines I noticed the character was very angry and I was wondering to myself am I suppose to be yelling in this scene or just showcasing an attitude? I played it safe because I didn’t want to be “too loud” or scare off my theater teacher for yelling. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the part and it went to the girl that got cast in almost every play my school had. I always wondered why they always cast this same girl for the plays. Now reflecting back, it’s because she wasn’t scared to take risks and didn’t cared what anyone thought of her acting. I use to be scared to make mistakes because I cared about what others would think or say, but I was tired of asking myself those “what if” questions. Remembering that experience helped me book a role in a film that had similar characteristics of the character I auditioned for in high school. During my audition for the film the director told me I did really good but wanted me to do the scene again. I knew at that moment if I didn’t take the risk of changing my tone and yell with anger and emotions that someone like the girl from high school will get the part. Safe to say I booked it. Read more>>

Juan Alfredo Rios-Rodriguez | Experimental Percussionist / Drummer/ Sound Installation Artist/ Curator

I feel like people tend to see me as a risk taker, but in reality, I like to play it safe and be deliberate. Taking risks is important, yet I tend to recognize when there’s no chances to succeed; so to be safe, I work intensely on building a strong groundwork and if I know that I can’t fly I won’t even try. More than being good at taking risks, I’m great taking opportunities Read more>>

Mykyta (Mick) Rudskyi | Business Owner

The quote “the one who doesn’t risk never drinks champagne” resonates deeply with me. My first risk, perhaps less glamorous, was touching a hot coffee pot as a child (curiosity got the best of me at 4 years old!). Read more>>

Kimberly Epperson | Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

In contemplating risks, the concept of faith consistently comes to mind. Life is inherently about choices and embracing risks. Without taking risks, how can one truly know, grow and learn? This is where faith in a higher power becomes paramount. For me, that higher power is God and His word. I firmly believe that taking risks is an act of faith, trusting that the choices we make align with His purpose for us. Read more>>