By far, the topic that comes up most in our conversations with entrepreneurs and creatives is risk. We’ve had conversations about risks that worked out and risks that did not. We’ve seen eyes light eye sharing about career-trajectory changing risks as well as folks sigh about the risks they wish they had taken. Below, we’ve selected and shared some of those thoughtful conversations.

Andy Johns | Serial Entrepreneur

In my opinion, you have to take a risk to live a fulfilled life. Put one foot in front of the other and worry about facing today, not tomorrow. Herb Keller said if you don’t change, you do. Part of life if is taking risks! Read more>>

Aaron Glover | Executive Director, Creator of the Dallas Is Lit! Literary Festival & Poet

I think risk, and taking risk, is about having vision. Building or creating anything–a business, an audience, a poem, a festival–requires me to see and imagine something beyond what is there at the start. Risk is predicated on imagination. “What if, in this poem, I try to write my exact feelings down on this page?” I’m risking exposure of what’s going on in my head and my heart; someone could see what’s really in there! Read more>>

Detra Harrell | Esthetician & Make up artist

I think about risk like this, if there is no risk, then there is no reward. Taking risks have been a common theme throughout both my life and my career. Does taking risks always work? No. But I would say that the majority of the risks that I have taken have warranted great results. Read more>>

La-Shawnda Thompson | The Transformation Specialist 💋

Taking risks has been a defining factor in my journey, especially when I reflect on pivotal decisions like relocating from the hustling streets of New York City to city of Dallas, Texas. While New York is often seen as the ultimate destination for dreamers, I felt a pull to explore new territory and carve out my own path in Dallas. It was a leap of faith that led me to discover a community rich in opportunities for creatives like myself. Read more>>

Sunshine Emery | Singer/Songwriter, Teacher, Small Business Owner, and Founder and CEO of People Feeding People Inc Charity

Taking risks is important in order to grow and learn. Taking risks has made me into who I am today, and every advancement I have made can be tied back to taking some kind of risk. I do not jump blindly into things. I try to carefully and thoughtfully consider what can be lost/gained, and decide if it is worth the risk. Read more>>

Darwin Stephens | Selling Dallas – Entrepreneur

Risk has always been an integral aspect of my life and career philosophy. I perceive risk as a gateway to growth and innovation rather than a hindrance. Embracing calculated risks has been pivotal in shaping my professional journey, pushing me beyond my comfort zone and opening doors to new opportunities. Read more>>

Amy Jo Teague Pasek | Athlete & Content Creator

Risk taking is something I’m not a stranger to. Everything good that has happened in my life has come from stepping into the unknown and being okay with whatever the outcome may be. The quote “You never lose, you either win or you learn” is engraved in my mind. At 31 years old, I have learned to trust myself to figure it out no matter the obstacle that is in front of me. Read more>>

Andrea Waite | Animal Massage Therapist

I’ve always had ambition and a risk taker. Doing what makes me happy and having no regrets. I think taking risk is essential to your growth. Its normal to feel scared with any risk but you should be more afraid it staying where you are. It’s so easy to play things safe. When chasing a dream, get uncomfortable! Read more>>

Kayley Swan | Pen & Co. Branding | Branding & Marketing Consultant

I believe that taking risks is a necessary part of life in order to truly experience growth. Throughout my life, I have had to make many decisions that involved the possibility of an uncomfortable outcome. With change comes worry, doubt and fear. There are a lot of “what ifs” involved while making such big decisions. Read more>>