How do you think about risk? What role has taking risks played in your life/career? Check out responses from hidden gems from our community below.

Michelle Sexton | Naturopathic Doctor and researcher

I have risked a lot to follow my bliss! I uprooted my family and moved to further my education. If I had not been brave enough (or maybe naive?) to do this, I would not have found the fulfillment that I have in what I do. New opportunities call for us to step outside the norm and sometimes do the unthinkable! Read more>>

Jennifer Morilla | Entrepreneur & Marketing & Sales Consultant

Risking anything whether in life or business, is a gamble. So you have to yourself [and measure] if you’re willing to risk the downfall. So with any risk, what’s the risk cost? What are you giving up? Is It worth It? For example, If you are starting a business and you’re measuring the risk; what will happen if It fails? Are you okay with that failure? Could you deal with It? If not, then don’t risk It, if It’s not a big deal BUT you know in your heart you won’t fail, then go for It. Read more>>

Katie Van Note | Wedding Dance Choreographer

Being a business owner is all about taking risks. It is risky to put yourself out there and do things in unconventional ways. It’s risky to bet on yourself in a culture that promotes playing it safe. It’s risky to jump two feet in and risk failing. The biggest risk I took was when I signed a contract with my former boss who sold me her wedding dance business. I was tied financially to paying her for the terms of our contract in exchange for her well established wedding dance business in San Diego. Read more>>

Annette Jensen | Founder of non-profit

I would not characterize myself as a big risk taker, but I’ve taken some risks in my life and they have all worked out well. When I was 28, I took a leave of absence from my job in Copenhagen (I was born and grew up in Denmark) and went to San Francisco to work for a year. During the last month of that year I met my now husband (we met river rafting). I moved back to Denmark, but 1 1/2 years later, I packed up my life in Denmark and moved to San Francisco. Read more>>

Ben & Kristy Fitts | Small Business Owners / Simply Perfect Powder

Our entire approach has been about taking risks. Our product is new, innovative and most people don’t know about black rice, or even our Sprouted Black Rice Powder. We are the first to introduce it to the US and there is a huge risk in that undertaking. We know that this endeavor is worth it and that our product can help people of all ages and fitness levels. Last year, we quit our long time jobs in education and dove right into selling our product. Read more>>

Lucas Monari | REALTOR® DRE 02163562 & Mobile Notary Public Service

I feel like risk is part of everyone’s journey whether you see it, or not. It is in everyday life, when it comes to business or starting a business facing those risks and challenges will help you build character, learn more about your business and create the habit of overcoming and winning challenges and risks. Read more>>