By far, the topic that comes up most in our conversations with entrepreneurs and creatives is risk. We’ve had conversations about risks that worked out and risks that did not. We’ve seen eyes light eye sharing about career-trajectory changing risks as well as folks sigh about the risks they wish they had taken. Below, we’ve selected and shared some of those thoughtful conversations.

Cory Schnitzer | Fine Artist and Muralist

No risk, no reward. I didn’t always think like that until more recently. When I decide to go skateboarding I’m risking hurting myself, but the reward in most cases far outweighs the risk. More often than not I leave unhurt or relatively unscathed carrying an overwhelming amount of feeling even better than I was prior; whether that be endorphins or adrenaline or just better mental health. Read more>>

Luba Rodina | Singer/songwriter, director, artist

Risk is a necessity for growth. In my experience biggest risks were greatest lessons. Some risks I took were not my best decisions but looking at it now I prefer to see it as powerful lessons that made me stronger. I risked a lot for a chance to pursue my dreams and taste some human rights: moved to United States from Belarus at 17 years old, Read more>>

William Bonnell | William Bonnell | Film Director & CEO of New Frontier Pictures

My entire career path is known as a risk. Film directing is a tumultuous and competitive career, and in my high school student advisor’s words, a risky one. So, what is risk? Risk, defined by Google, is the exposure to danger, harm, or loss. Why then is the film industry known as risky? No one dies because of directing a film, even though many will claim they’ll take the offer if given the change. Read more>>

Marion Weist | Master Hypnosis Trainer & Clinical Hypnotist

Risk is a funny thing. I don’t really believe that it’s risk adverse or fear of risk that holds people back. What if we look at risk as a symptom of something else? When you think of risk it really is the fear of failure or fear of letting someone or myself down. In business it’s not really judging risk like if I was a base jumper or shark researcher. Thats more life and death and a different than someone who needs to do a presentation or needs to network. Read more>>

Abby Brown | CEO & Founder of H2OM

My motto in life is often GO BIG, or GO HOME. With anything in life, there is no reward without any risk. I’ve often been known to be a risk taker (even if it scares myself or others) and just using my gut as a compass in going for it. I think that’s what has allowed me to build this business and do well in previous careers, to be honest. Read more>>

Angela Mendiola | Licensed Mental Health Therapist

Risk is something that I was not prepared for as a child. I have always known that risks are chances that I would have to take on my own in different facets of life especially within my career because waiting for the right time or waiting for others has never worked out for me. The risks that I have taken are the ones that have been the most rewarding. Read more>>

Brent Fouch | Entrepreneur and Author

In order to succeed beyond the nine to five grind working your entire life for a few good years to retire, one must take risk along the way. This risk should be educated and thought out and taken when opportunity presents itself. This may take the form of making that investment you know has a very high probability of increasing or starting the business you have always dreamed of but were too afraid to begin. Read more>>