Shoot your shot? Take a chance? Society bombards us with messages, phrases, examples and stories of how taking risk is the key to success, but is anything ever that simple? We asked some of the brightest folks we know to tell us about how they think about risk. We’ve shared their responses below.

Katy Ho | Commercial/Print Lifestyle Model, Content Creator, & Restaurant Technology Account Executive

I don’t know if I calculate taking risk the best, but if I like & want something, I’d work on the steps to go make it happen until it happens! Taking risks like “going for it” has made me be able to achieve the coolest experiences and some examples are getting into an NCAA D1 Women’s Golf Program and becoming a student-athlete, being a commercial model in national campaigns with brands like Dick’s Sporting Goods/Golf Galaxy/ Shoe Carnival / Joann Stores / Kroger / American Greetings / Visit California, etc. Read more>>

Jillian Imilkowski | President & Doctor of Acupuncture

Taking risks is what life is all about. I feel that if I am not taking risks while I am in this body and experiencing this life, then I’m not making the most of my time here. Real change comes about when experimenting and moving outside of our comfort zones. There was a time when the idea of riding a bicycle was scary to me and now, I use one regularly without a second thought. Same thing with learning to drive, taking my first school exam and even my first kiss. Things are scary when you don’t understand them. Read more>>

Rachel Alexandria | Soul Medic

I honestly never used to think of myself as a risk-taker. I’m not one for throwing myself out of airplanes or taking solo vacations. I have a healthy concern about bodily harm. But when I read a book citing a study that said the highest predictor of an entrepreneur’s success was a propensity for risk-taking, I had to reconsider. Read more>>

Ashlyn Eisenga | Up and Coming Sports Photographer

Taking risks are essential when going after what you want. Michael Jordan said, “I can accept failure, but I can’t accept not trying,” and that sticks with me whenever I make decisions. It all really comes down to the fact that life is so short, and to not go for what you want in this short amount of time is crazy to me. My photography career has just begun, and taking risks and going out of your comfort zone is how you’re going to be successful. Sports photography is what I’m passionate about right now. Read more>>

Jazmyn Glam | Drag Performer, Activist, Mx Gay Pride 2021

I think taking risks is necessary in life. Risks are scary because it invites the unknown, but some times the most beautiful things come from. I took the biggest risk 4 years ago, I packed everything I owned, left my family and my job of 7 years to move to San Diego. It was the best decision I ever made. Read more>>

Kim Genkinger | Creative Director, Writer, Wellness Entrepreneur

In a way, I think we’re all here to take risks. To step into the uncertainty and the unknown because that’s where the juicy stuff happens. It’s where we learn about ourselves and what we’re capable of. It’s where we grow, becoming resilient and confident and interesting and self-aware. Sure, I’ve experienced fear and doubt when I’ve made significant changes in my life and career—most recently, moving abroad deep into my life and career—but I’ve come to trust myself and my intuition enough that, as the path unfolds in front of me, I look forward walking it. Right into the big what’s next. Read more>>

Jason Hoffman | Sports Agent

I view risk taking as a necessary part of business. Having said that, I like to take CALCULATED risks where the odds of the risk paying off are in my favor. Risk taking has played a huge role in my career, I’m constantly surveying the field for “big play opportunities.” That can look like deciding which players I go after to represent as clients or standing firm on a big number during contract negotiations. It all comes back to the likelihood of success associated with that risk and the impact it will have on business. Read more>>

Travis Horn | Pro Wrestler

In my time pursuing my dream I have taken multiple risks, with the first being to believe in myself and not live with regret by never taking a chance on myself. When I applied to pro wrestling school I knew If I was accepted that I would need to bet on myself to fully immerse myself within what I always dreamed about. Over time I have worked multiple jobs and lost countless hours of sleep to take the risks I deemed necessary to find fulfillment because everyone definition is different. Read more>>

Quincy Lavarus | Social Media Personality

i think risks are character builders. taking risks you either win or lose, but whether you win or lose, you still learn something in the end. taking risks has built me into the person i am today, and i’m still learning and taking risks every day. Read more>>