We asked some brilliant folks from the community to talk to us about how they think about risk and the role risk has play in their lives and careers.

Andy Brooks and Shohn Trauth | Co-Creators // Young Optimist

Taking risks for us has evolved throughout our lives. For me {Shohn], I used to say “yes” to just about anything either for the story or just a way to better my own knowledge or just for fun. My whole motto used to focus around, if I don’t do whatever it was that was placed in front of me at the time, then I wouldn’t have the opportunities that could come from that potential experience. In doing so it’s taken me quite a while to realize what I’m actually good at vs. something I want to be good at. Now I tend to look at risk as, the more risk…the more potential reward. So for example in creating Young Optimist’s music, we could go by the book and follow the trends that are happening or write a song and say “it’s good enough”, but then we’re not taking any risks and we’re not putting time and energy into our music. Read more>>

Bernard C. Akomas

I believe in order to get ahead in a capitalist society, one should learn how to take calculated risks. I do not believe in luck! However, I do believe in being prepared for great opportunities as they arise in business and life. The keys for success that have continually worked for me in both aspects of my life are God, patience, persistence, taking calculated risk, and maintaining a positive attitude. Read more>>

Lyndsey Barton | Pastry Chef

In my opinion taking risk is a very touchy topic. Some people are comfortable with taking risk and others seem to be afraid of the idea of what risk-taking may bring. I think that taking risk for your future can be life changing both for your personal life as well as your career. The higher the risk , the higher the reward is what I have found to be true. When asked that question the first person that came to mind was William Jennings Bryan. According to Bryan, “The way to develop self-confidence is to do the thing you fear and get a record of successful experiences behind you. Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.” Read more>>

Marissa Scroggins | YouTuber | Blogger | Recruiting Expert

You know, I think most people become more “risk-averse” as they become older and for me, it’s been the complete opposite! I’m much more likely to take risks now than ever before. Risk to me, is having the faith to go completely out of your comfort zone to grow. Risk is also having the “audacity” to try something new. When I think back on the last few years, most of the things I’ve been able to achieve have come from faith and audacity! Taking risks can also be absolutely terrifying, but I think we have to learn to embrace that feeling as well. My latest example would be starting my new Youtube channel (Marissa Scroggins)… I was soo nervous! I knew a little bit about it from watching my husband do it, but I didn’t realize the amount of effort and commitment that goes into it every day. Read more>>