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.

Felicia Mason | CEO & Co-Founder

To me, risk is synonymous with growth. Starting LO>E. was a leap of faith—venturing into a saturated market with a business model that prioritizes social impact alongside profitability was not without its challenges. However, embracing risk has allowed us to innovate, to stand out, and to truly connect with our community. In my career, taking calculated risks has been instrumental in overcoming stagnation. It’s about believing in your vision enough to face the unknown, to learn from failure, and to emerge stronger. Read more>>

Chrystina Katz | Speaker, Trainer, Coach, Travel Show Host

My younger self took risks without even realizing they were risks until someone would say something about me being crazy, gutsy, or stupid. I just did what interested me, seemed like the right thing to do, or had to do based on circumstances. Sure, many times it was scary. Read more>>

Joel Solis | Lawyer by profession, Entrepreneur by conviction and Entertainer by passion.

Taking risks, for me, is like the heartbeat of being an entrepreneur. It’s not just a part of the game; it’s the game. Life and business both scream for exploration, and you’ll never know what could happen if you stay within the safe lines of your comfort zone. Read more>>

Christos Watson | Photographer/Creative

Risk-taking isn’t a leap into the unknown; it’s the rhythm of growth. Shifting from a stable career to a creative odyssey marked a pivotal leap. It’s about challenging comfort zones, embracing uncertainty, and evolving with every click. Risks aren’t just about the business; they’re about personal and artistic expansion. Read more>>

Katerina Husar Lazarova | Artist

As an artist, I view risk-taking as an essential part of my creative process and personal growth. Throughout my career, I have taken several risks that have shaped my artistic journey and contributed to my development as an artist. During my life in the Czech Republic, I left my 15-year-long career as a graphic designer, opened a studio, and started my first business as a private painting and drawing teacher.  Read more>>

Quentin Brooks | Engineer, Cheesecake Baker & Party Game Creator

Risks are absolutely necessary. It is quite simple and cliche, “no risk, no reward.” The difference between every successful business person, the small minority, and the everyday person, the large majority, is that the successful business person took a risk. They risked losing money, losing sleep, embarrassment, rejection, etc. They decided to take a risk and lead the pack instead of running with the herd. While listening to a sermon online recently, I heard something regarding entrepreneurship that has been truly thought provoking. It was a road map from an idea to wealth; first there is “conception”, then “creation”, then “commitment”, then “commerce”, and lastly “wealth.” The average person avoids taking risks and stops after “conception.” God has gifted everyone with creativity and imagination, but most people keep their visions to themselves. So, in these last few years, I’ve been more intentional about actually bringing my visions to life and taking risks, and the risks have paid off. I produced something, people liked it, and they paid me money because of it. I’m not a multi-millionaire or even a multi-thousand-aire but I’ve taken risks and I’ve made it to “commerce.” It’s a long way to “wealth”, but I’m a lot closer than I was when all I had was an idea. Read more>>