We asked some brilliant folks from the community to talk to us about how they think about risk and the role risk has played in their lives and careers.
Bryce Gibbs | Professional Photographer
I’ve been given the chance to work with people and their luxury cars by taking risks. It’s all about putting yourself out there and just going for it. God has a plan for you and he showed it to me. I went all out and trusted Him. Read more>>
Riley Keen | CEO
The biggest risk you can ever take is to never risk anything at all Read more>>
Donovan Bridgeforth | Entrepreneur & Journalist
In business, the right amount of risk is necessary to making a lasting impact. I have a higher tolerance for risk now, as opposed to when I first began. I would say that is because I have learned that more risk equals more reward. But, with all that said, keep your risk as low or high as you can tolerate. Read more>>
Mallory Herrin | CEO & Principal HR Consultant | HerrinHR
Early in my career and especially when I started my own company, I was overly averse to risk-taking. The fear of the unknown and the potential for failure often weighed heavily on my decisions. That said, I understand that great reward takes great risk, so I recognized that this was a fear I’d have to overcome. Some of the most significant breakthroughs and accomplishments in my life and career came as a result of stepping out of my comfort zone. These calculated risks, while initially intimidating, presented opportunities for immense growth and innovation. They pushed me to think creatively, problem-solve, and find new ways to achieve my goals. Read more>>
Amanda Bradford | Executive Chef and Owner
I always call myself a calculated risk taker. I think you have to jump off and take the risk at some point or you will never know what kind of things you are truly capable of. I think it goes hand in hand with the saying “Don’t stay in your comfort zone, nothing grows there” you have to make yourself a little uncomfortable to grow and change and evolve and also to test your limits. Read more>>
Pierre Simon | Vice President, Head of Global Marketing & Author
Risk, like fear, can either be our greatest motivator or our largest hurdle. In either case, when addressing risk, whether you see it as “Impossible” or “I’m-Possible”, in either case you are right. It was 2008, and I held a contract entry level position at a surgical ophthalmic company, which also had a major pharmaceutical division. I was 22 years old, freshly graduated, and living back at home with my parents in Texas. I’d worked the contract entry level position for about a year, and then two permanent positions opened up within the company. My manager at the time, came to me and presented the two options. He said, “You can take the position in Florida, and you will make a ton of money, win all of the portfolio awards, and have a great work life balance, but your career will go nowhere because it’s too easy to sell in Florida.” Read more>>
Tori Williams | Licensed Eyelash Extensions Artist
I took the biggest risk in my life by starting a business during Covid. I started my journey in the beauty industry by going to PMU school May of ‘20. I then took their eyelash course 2 months later. Eyelash extensions became my full time career in 2020, yes the same year I completed school. Usually beauty services would be a want & not a need. So I had a few doubts during the beginning of my journey. But I remember in 2021, clients were contacting me trying to come to their appointments during a snowstorm lol. I learned quickly that beauty services are a necessity. This risk was well worth every doubt. Read more>>
Elaine Hedary | Stylist , hair extension specialist
I’d definitely say I’m a risk taker, though it has to be profitable or a situation to grow and Im going to work to make sure it is! When I decided to go to Cosmetology school about 15 years later than I originally wanted it changed my life forever and opened a door for a whole new industry that I hadn’t experienced before. Read more>>
Vicky J. | Risk Taker
Risk is my middle name lol. I have been an artist/crafter for as long as I can remember and I’d say risk plays a big part in my journey. It’s about stepping out of my comfort zone, trying new things and learning along the way. It’s scary but exciting! I do believe taking calculated risks can lead to great rewards. It’s all about balance. Read more>>