We asked some brilliant folks from the community to talk to us about how they think about risk and the role risk has played in their lives and careers.

Carol Coelho | Creative Director/ Womenswear

I am a risk-taker. 100%. I try to be cautious and analytical but ultimately I follow my instincts. I think trusting yourself and believing in something strongly when you are taking a risk, gives you the strength to keep going even if at the end it doesn’t work out. Read more>>

Tionge Daka | Social media Manager / Paralegal

I am of the belief that achieving something I desire or a specific outcome requires embracing some form of risk. For me, that risk materialized in being open and honest in front of the camera when I launched my YouTube channel during high school. Read more>>

Sean Kizzee | Operations Analyst

I think of certain risks as an opportunities. Everytime you take a business related risk, you’re gaining an opportunity. A common business related risk is advertising. You’re taking a risk losing money for an opportunity to gain more audience. Another opportunity always gained is experience and knowledge. So even if you lose money, you still gain some experience and knowledge to improve yourself and your business. Read more>>

Shamim Malowa | Luxury Realtor and Consultant

view risk taking is leaving your comfort zone to unchartered waters.

This said, it has to be calculated risks and not impulsive or being driven by fear of missing out. Read more>>

Visionary Price | Content Creator

Risk-taking means a lot to me because I understand the concept of having to give something up or letting go of the old to create something new. I have a quote tattooed on me saying ‘All faith, no fear.’ That is how I plan to live my life each day, and taking risks is a part of that Read more>>

Ninika Nnaji | Economic Advisor by Day, Cyclebar Owner and Real Estate Investor by Night

I view risk as a necessary evil. Evaluating the risk and rewards of an opportunity is necessary to achieve the best outcome or to weed out an impractical endeavor. Understanding risk leads to adequately preparing and guarding yourself from any downsides. With this mindset I’ve always lived risk adverse. But let me clarify. I do take risks but the risk I do take are calculated. When I investigate an opportunity I understand the obstacles ahead of me and what could possibly fail and then work on mitigating the risk with various action plans. For example, I am a real estate investor. When I purchase a property to fix it up and quickly sale, I understand that the housing market could change and reduce or eliminate my profits. So as a back up plan I discuss with my realtor the option to rent the property to tenants or have it within my portfolio as an Airbnb. I even discuss if I have to sell it and take a loss, can I afford that loss and how will I recover from it financially? In short, I have learn to evaluate risks to build a strong business case to proceed with an opportunity or forego it and in the event I pursue the endeavor always have a back plan Read more>>