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.

Buck Branson

It’s funny because risk management and fear is a constant to manage in rock climbing and learning how to deal with them to be successful has a direct correlation to every aspect of life. Especially business. Risk management is a game of odds. Previous experience helps adjust those odds when running the calculations for your next move. I’ve noticed that some of the more successful businessmen I’ve worked with have the ability to make these calculations in an instant but can still take time to look at every angle. I’ve tried to handle risk with confidence but not brash expedience. Read More>>

Julie Taing

I see risk as a necessary part of growth. For me, risk isn’t about being reckless—it’s about being willing to move forward even when there’s no guaranteed outcome, especially if it aligns with something I believe in or want to build. I approach risk with curiosity, preparation, and intuition.

Taking risks has played a huge role in both my personal and professional life. Leaving a stable role to launch my own business was a big one. I didn’t have a roadmap—I just had a strong sense of what I wanted to create.  Read More>>

Travis Borkenhagen

I’ve never been much of a risk taker. I supposed that taking risks is somewhat inherent; some people are more inclined and others less. However, in the world of business, risk taking is a necessary factor. For myself, I try to take the necessary risks in the most calculated way possible, in order to mitigate and potential downfall. In life, risks can provide an influx of dopamine, which provides a natural form of excitement. However, it wouldn’t be a risk if the potential for a crash was not evident. Personally, I have worked much too hard to risk any of my accomplishments on taking risks; when not a necessity. Read More>>

Adrian Cisneros

I have realized that whenever I become comfortable with money making scenarios or even marketing strategies I start to get anxiety and I get scared, because when I get the sense of comfort, I know I am going down a stagnate path and I need to think bigger. Feeling comfortable is as much as a gamble as taking risks. Read More>>