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.

Laura Ashley Smith | Photographer + Content Creator

I have always been encouraged to take risks. My parents vehemently encouraged me to take risks, to try new things or quit things that didn’t serve me, with the belief that things will work out no matter what; which has ended up being a blessing and a curse. As I’ve practiced this throughout my life, I’ve come to realize that risk is like everything in life, it’s the most useful and efficient in moderation. Too much risk can be chaotic and dangerous and too little can enable stagnancy and/or complacency. Taking risk in my own life/career has allowed me to become multidisciplinary and knowledgeable about various industries and experiences, but with little commitment to one path. Now, after many years, the tables have turned, it is the practice, or act, of focus and commitment to one of my passions that feels like my greatest risk. Read more>>

John C. Bell | Entrepreneur

I thrive on risks and adventure. I like to take risks where I know I have control or at least a large part of control. High risk and high reward. Well, there’s the other side of risk also. Not all have turned out that great. Some are expensive and some physically hurt! Live, learn and get better and never stop living and learning. From a career standpoint, I would not be where I am today without taking big risks. I went “all in” twice” the past 10 years. Once with the start up of TrueScripts 10 years ago and the second with Mom Water 3 1/2 years ago. Each risk was with partners that I 100% trusted and 100% knew failure was not an option. I didn’t know how or when we would be successful, but both happened way quicker and way bigger than we initially dreamed. Read more>>

Logan Morgan | Barber

Taking a risk will 100% be scary and unsettling. Taking that risk there are so many opportunities for success on the other side of that initial leap. Me leaving Ohio to drive out here to SoCal was just one example from my own journey, so many new doors and networking opportunities have been opened just by taking that unsettling risk. Read more>>

Sam Hostetter | Content Production Coordinator, Influencer/Content Creator, & Model

I think life is nothing without taking risks and from a young age I learned this. I saw my parents do it, when we had our business ‘Hostetter Sand & Gravel’ and I watched them take lots of risks. I always say if you aren’t uncomfortable, you aren’t growing. And I want to be able to flourish and grow in my life so that I can create my dream life for myself! Read more>>

Tshiamo Tsoku | Marketing agency owner.

In describing myself, I’d say I’m like a burst of sunshine – bright, bold, and assertive. Growing up in South Africa, I was taught to chase after my dreams without hesitation, to never let anyone else set the boundaries for what I could achieve. Read more>>

Kimberly Henson , Jeffrey Peterson | Kim – Gym Owner & Manager, Jeff – Gym Owner & Head MMA Coach

KIM – There is a common saying, “No risk, no reward. No pain, no gain.” Everything you do in life there are risks. The outcome may be good or not so good, but you will never know until you try. Keep trying, especially if you are passionate and obsessed with what you are trying to pursue. We both took risks on our life and our career. The outcome now is that we run the best Mixed Martial Arts gym in our area. Read more>>

Eduardo Togi | Actor, Musician & Spiritual Guide.

Is it the fact of losing everything for a dream? Is it only a moment of excitement that may end in failure but will allow us to understand failure in such a way that we will try it again to succeed? Is it going against the social standards or your family’s desired goals for you? Is it a moment of crisis where you want to start from zero? Read more>>