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.

Lindsay Kreighbaum | Commercial and Wedding/Portrait Photographer

Risk is TERRIFYING but worth all of that in business. Especially as an entrepreneur, without risk comes no reward. Just starting a job as an entrepreneur rather than a safe, consistent full time job is a risk in itself. Pushing myself out of my comfort zone in both my life and career has only gotten me greater rewards. I’ve grown as a person and it has helped me put a lot of parts of my life in perspective. If I didn’t risk the safety of a consistent income and schedule, I would not be the hardworking, disciplined owner of my own photography business. Read more>>

Felix Semper | Stretchable Paper Sculptor Artist

I think risk is essential in growth. I would not have been able to do what I do if I wouldn’t have taken a risk to create the stretchable paper sculptures, the technique was developed with trial and error until I found the right formula to make this art form possible. Read more>>

Beatriz Villarreal | Program Director, Mano a Mano Foundation

Our society tends to view risk-taking negatively. Often regarding it as dangerous and even unwise. Although some risks certainly do not pay off, it is important to remember that there is always a chance that they will I believe that I have been a risk taker all my life. This became especially clear from the moment I finished my BA in Special Education and decided to come to USA by myself. I applied to the University of San Diego, a catholic private school, and had the opportunity to study my masters degree in Special Education. Read more>>

Beatriz Villarreal | Program Director, Mano a Mano Foundation

Our society tends to view risk-taking negatively. Often regarding it as dangerous and even unwise. Although some risks certainly do not pay off, it is important to remember that there is always a chance that they will I believe that I have been a risk taker all my life. This became especially clear from the moment I finished my BA in Special Education and decided to come to USA by myself. I applied to the University of San Diego, a catholic private school, and had the opportunity to study my masters degree in Special Education. Read more>>

Johan Engman | Founder / Owner, Rise & Shine Hospitality Group

I’d say risk taking and how I view it is something that changes overtime. As each year goes by I think I get slightly more conservative as it relates to risk. Risk taking has played a big role in my life, I can certainly say I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t had a high tolerance for risk. Going back to 2014 when I was conceptualizing Breakfast Republic (which opened in 2015) I would ask a few people what their thoughts were on the idea and most answers were along the lines of “Why would you want to open a place that only serves breakfast and focuses on beers and cocktails when its only going to be open from 7am-3pm. Read more>>