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.

Danny Alvarez

I’ve always believed risk and reward go hand in hand. It runs in my family, and my motto has always been big risk, big reward. Taking risks isn’t about gambling for me. It’s about trusting my vision, putting in the work, and stepping up when others hesitate. Every major step in my life and career has come from taking bold risks, and those moves have always pushed me to grow and succeed. Read More>>

Jennifer Purcell

I’ve always believed that you have to take risks to succeed—there’s simply no reward without risk. Throughout my life and career, risk-taking has played a huge role in shaping who I am and where I’ve ended up.

My approach to risk is that sometimes you just have to go for it, even when you don’t know all the answers about how you’re going to get there. I’ve found that waiting until you have complete certainty or a perfect plan often means missing out on the best opportunities. The key is distinguishing between reckless gambles and calculated risks that align with your goals and values. Read More>>

Alex Heveri

I firmly believe that pursuing my dreams is worthy of risk. Though I am not willing to shake my foundation, such as risk losing my house, I invested all of my free time and money into starting “Glass in Flight”, my traveling-art exhibit business. So far, I made over 150 huge insects, true to nature, out of steel and glass to make three different exhibits, each one has over 40 sculptures. Some of single butterflies are over five feet and are made from vibrantly colored glass. Read More>>

Eden Chen

I’ve always believed the hardest choices aren’t between good and bad, but between good and good. We live in an abundance of opportunities, and the real risk is holding on too long – trying to keep every door open and ending up walking through none. Read More>>

Mimi Pollack

I believe that taking risks in my life has led to where I am today. In December 1982, I moved from Mexico City to San Diego knowing only one or two people. In 1983, I took a chance and became a teacher’s aide at San Diego Community College district Continuing Education. Three months later, I was hired as a teacher and worked there until I retired in 2018. Read More>>