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.

Nili Peretz | Entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, Author, and Business Coach

I believe that taking risks is essential for succeeding in business and life in general. In today’s world, reality can change rapidly–there is no real way to know what the future will look like. Read more>>

David Moreno | Filmmaker, Videographer & Photographer

In general, I feel as though you spend your whole life taking risks. The moment you wake up, you’re going to have to make some choices that might greatly impact your life – that includes your career. However, taking ‘risks’ within the arts is very different than in other fields. Read more>>

Lani Nicole | Tattoo Apprentice & Photographer

My photography business was started in 2010. This entire path has been risk taking and will always be. I created the business in Phoenix, AZ which I then escalated quickly to a traveling photographer. I was flying back and forth to New York (my hometown – Long Island) every 6 months for clients while also shooting in Phoenix consistently. Read more>>

A.J. Friederich | Actor & Model

isk taking is necessary, but scary. I’m a big planner who likes to have control. Most of my life I only took part in activities I knew I could succeed. Pursuing acting as a career forced me to change my mindset. There is no sure way of becoming a successful actor, it’s risky. And I’ve noticed in auditions you often don’t book the job unless you take risks. Read more>>