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.

Evelyn Zuel

In my younger years I was certainly not risk averse, and age has brought with it more to lose, however I certainly believe that in order to grow and evolve as a person it requires continually taking risks throughout life. Staying in the safe and comfortable zone tends to breed complacency. Each risk that I have taken in my career has helped me to be more confidence and realize what I am capable of. Read More>>

Sherill Quinn

Change doesn’t come without taking risks. There have been a lot of times in my life where I realized that I wasn’t content with where my life was going. Even if I was happy, something was missing. The best decision I ever made was taking the leap to pursue my dream career in acting and storytelling. Uncertainty is a constant, but I would never feel complete if I didn’t take that risk. Read More>>

Abdallah Seoud

For me, taking risks is part of how I move forward. I try not to see it as something dangerous, but as a way to open new doors. Every big shift in my life happened because I chose to believe more in the possibilities than in the fear.

I left a life in Brazil, close to my family and friends, where I was working as a DJ, music producer, and event organizer. I also started my photography journey there, shooting concerts and eventually working as a videographer for a helicopter company. But I wanted more. I packed everything and came to the US with the dream of building something bigger. Read More>>

Aaron Low

For me, taking risks can feel pretty scary sometimes, but it really comes down to knowing why you’re doing it and what you want to get out of it—whether it’s for your career or just life in general. I think it’s all about having a clear purpose and goals in mind. Read More>> 

Andreka Jasek

As an artist in a band that runs like a business, I’ve learned that risk is the fuel behind both creative evolution and business growth. You don’t break new ground by playing it safe—onstage or in business meetings. Read More>>