There is a wealth of academic research that suggests that differences in risk appetite are at the heart of differences in career and business trajectories. We wanted to go beyond the theory and ask real people from the community about their perspectives and experiences with risk and risk taking.

Brandon Chicotsky | TCU Marketing Professor & Business Broker

Having an asymmetric insight, conducting due diligence, and then moving with conviction looks risky, but it’s not. “Risk” is often the opinion or assessment rendered by outside parties (or internal preservation-minded stakeholders) without such thoroughness and conviction. That input should function as informal data (i.e., their fear or concern adds anecdotal context to how or why you are “on to something”), rather than a deterrent from pursuing an opportunity. Read more>>

Richie Conry | Moon Wolf Provisions, Owner

One of the most frequent comments I get from people who visit the trailer is “You are living my dream!!!” Without hesitation I respond “No. I’m living MY dream, not yours. Why aren’t you living YOURS.?” There’s usually a mic drop, crickets chirping, silence of epiphany in those moments followed by an understanding grin of inspiration. I truly believe everything we want in this life, in the deeper sense of that, is on the other side of our fears. I almost feel like I’m wired to take risks or I’m disciplined in a way that makes the risk make so much sense to me. As in, why would I not burn my boats to take the island, if the island is what I want? This life is way too short to not pursue that which brings us the most joy and gives us a sense of purpose. Money comes and goes, but to put your head on the pillow at night knowing you put yourself out there and took a risk and worked hard… it’s a priceless feeling. Take risks and burn the f#$king boats baby. Read more>>

Alicia Peoples | National Director of Advancment

I am a risk taker by nature. So over the course of my life and career I’ve learned more about how to mitigate risk. I think as I get older, like most of us, I have a lower tolerance for risk and I also know myself better, which helps with risk mitigation. As a professional fundraiser, I am managing expectations and puting strategy to something that is never really predictable. Read more>>

Danii Oliver | Founder, Author & Illustrator

In my journey as an entrepreneur, writer and innovator, risk-taking has been a fundamental aspect of my growth and success. I view risk as an essential element of exploration and innovation. It’s not about recklessness, but about calculated leaps of action that are informed by intuition, research, and a deep understanding of my goals and the market dynamics. Read more>>

Callie Twisselman | Singer/ Songwriter

I think taking risks is an essential part of living life to its fullest. If you don’t take risks you’ll just stay the same and never grow. No risk no reward. I have to take alot of risk with my chosen career path. Moving 2,000 miles away from home to chase my dreams of being a singer/songwriter was the scariest decision I’ve ever made. But I’m so glad I did because now I’m living out some of my wildest dreams. Read more>>