Taking Risk is essential, but how much, when and why? Taking risks effectively is as much of an art as it is a science and we’ve asked some of the brightest folks in the community to tell us about how they think about risk taking.

Michael McLaughlin

From the beginning, I was well aware of how much of a risk I was taking, but it really was how I viewed that risk that led to our eventual success. Before I decided to take the risk of going all in on music and focusing on making it my career, I was a department head at Home Depot. I found myself scared at how many hours I was putting in at Home Depot every day, and I couldn’t stop thinking about how I could’ve spent that time doing what I really wanted to do. I was making decent money at my age and I was getting too comfortable, so I decided to leave. Read more>>

Kristin Lewin | Dessert Stylist

Risk-taking has been a fundamental part of my journey in the bakery business. When I first decided to do Sugar Dot Bake Shop, it was a significant financial and personal risk, stepping into an uncertain market with no guaranteed success. Each decision, from choosing the menu options, experimenting with new recipes and marketing strategies, involved calculated risks. Embracing these risks has allowed me to innovate and grow my business, ultimately creating a unique and beloved bakery that stands out in the community. Reflecting on my career, I see that taking risks was essential not only for overcoming initial challenges but also for driving the continuous evolution and success of my business. Read more>>

Marco Carreira | Personal Finance Coach & Software Engineer

For me, risk-taking isn’t about reckless decisions, it’s about making calculated moves that push me towards growth and my goals. Risks have been instrumental in my career, shaping who I am today. I firmly believe that if you’re not taking any risks, you can’t fully take control of your life. Reflecting on the past decade, I’ve taken several risks, some bigger than others, that have brought me to where I am now. Read more>>

Eileen Hayman | Entrepreneur and Biotech Research

For me, risk-taking has always been a signal of potential. I’ve come to embrace that feeling of being uncomfortable because, to me, it means I’m about to do something big-something that could lead to real innovation and growth. Risks have played a huge role in my life and career, especially in launching ELY the Label. Juggling a full-time job in biotech, where I was comfortable, and adding in a completely different industry felt like a huge leap. I had to accept that there were no guarantees and investing the money I earned from biotech into my business was a massive risk, but l believed in what I was building. Read more>>