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.

Kris Goman

Honestly, my whole life has been about taking risks. It started when I was expelled from my second year of university, where I was studying architecture. While everyone else kept following the traditional path, I first felt like I had fallen out of the system. It was uncomfortable, and I had no idea what would come next. Feeling lost forced me to start a journey of self-discovery — exploring what I love, what I don’t, and what I wanted my life to be. Read More>> 

Platinum Pianist

Originally from Slovenia, I knew from the age of six that the piano would shape my life. What I couldn’t know then was how often I’d have to take leaps into the unknown to keep following that passion. Professional opportunities at home were limited, and when the chance came to study in the U.S., I left everything familiar behind. First the East Coast, then Hawaii, then the West Coast. Each move required starting over, and each risk demanded resilience. As a foreign student without access to loans, I pieced together scholarships and assistantships, driving myself to practice harder and stay competitive until I completed my Doctorate in Piano Performance. Read More>> 

Janel Hawkins

My entire career has been about taking risks! Several years ago, I was a broke college kid scrolling help wanted ads on Craigslist and saw an ad for a sand sculpting apprentice. I thought that sounded like the coolest job ever and I had to find out what it was all about. I answered the ad, was hired, and then apprenticed under a master sand sculptor for three years before I decided to quit college (fun conversation with my parents) and start my own business. At first, I really thought it would just be a fun side hustle during college, but my junior year, I realized I wouldn’t be happy finishing my degree and working a regular 9-to-5 job.  Read More>>