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.

Michael Duke | Marketer & Real Estateur

I think taking risk is a requirement of success, but managing it is critical. You would be hard pressed to find a person who accomplished anything of meaningful substance without a risk, but the graveyard is littered with failed risks that don’t get talked about. I wouldn’t be where I am today without making moves that seemed bizarre or downright idiotic to my family or former colleagues, and I know I won’t be getting to where I want to be without continuing to take risks. Read more>>

O’shea St.John | Business Owner & Handy Man

I feel like the bigger the risk the bigger the reward. Before I started Stjohn logistics I had recently just got home from prison and was driving forklifts. I drove forklifts and worked my business on the side for like 5 months. I worked sat-mon so I never had the opportunity to service my clients on weekends, and well one day in January 2022 I caught COVID and my job had a super long wait before you could come back to work even if your test was negative. After I tested negative and was feeling better I opened up my schedule for St John Logistics over the weekend for the first time ever! That first Saturday I made would I would have made in one week driving forklifts in one day when I finally was able to come back to work I walked right in and put my 2 weeks notice in lol. I was a great worker so my superiors tried to talk me out of it tried to scare me about my decision but I followed my heart and I had GOD on my side so I quit and never looked back . I’ve serviced over 400 clients since that day and have over 300 5 star reviews. Had I not quit that warehouse job and put my all into myself I wouldn’t be successful right now I didn’t let fear win I took a risk and it paid off. Read more>>

Dakwaun Hampton | Author, Award Winning Songwiter, 2019 DOMA Winner, Telly Movie Award Winner, 2023 Waco Awards Lyricist of the Year, Co-Owner of Tri Media Innovations 2024

Throughout my journey, I have consistently demonstrated an extraordinary willingness to embrace risks, viewing them as essential stepping stones towards achieving my goals. Far from being deterred by the potential for failure, I approached each challenge with a strategic mindset, calculating the potential benefits and setbacks with meticulous care. My fearlessness in the face of uncertainty was not reckless but rather a testament to my deep understanding of the role that risk plays in fostering innovation and personal growth. Whether it was making bold career moves, investing in untested ideas, or exploring new personal boundaries, I consistently proved that a willingness to step outside my comfort zone is often the catalyst for remarkable achievements. My success story is not just about the risks I took, but about how I harnessed these opportunities to propel myself towards my ambitions, setting a powerful example for others who aspire to turn their dreams into reality. Read more>>

 Olivia Sharber | Dallas Real Estate Agent and retired professional dancer

Being a professional dancer most of my adult life, I feel like I am always risk taking. Every day seemed risky. Would I get the job I was auditioning for, how long until I need to audition for my next job, will this specific gig cover me long enough to pay all my bills, does the director like me, etc. etc. I believe that most things worthwhile all come with an inherent level of risk. Relationships, jobs, opportunities. You can’t be afraid to jump. Generally, when I’ve been the most scared, is when I’ve seen the most growth and opportunity. If it doesn’t scare you its not worth it! I love to live on the edge and I think finding the courage to look fear directly in its face has really pushed me to be successful in my various avenues of life. Read more>>

Regina Jones | Co-Pastor Jones

Risk-taking has been very rewarding for me because if I had never taken some of the risks, I couldn’t have accomplished these career paths that I Currently operating in… Being a radio personality and Founder of The Power of Praise show and founder of the DFW Gospel Award show. and to add to that, Co-Pastor of the Precious Hand of God Outreach Ministry. I walked into each one of these positions by trusting God’s word Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me. Challenging at times, but very rewarding. Read more>>

Tara Wright | Artist

My first reaction was to say that I’m not really much of a risk-taker. But when I look back on the past 10 years or so of my life, I realize that others might disagree! I’ve lived a relatively adventurous life, and to this day, I intentionally try to get out of my comfort zone regularly. Read more>>

NATHALIE PEREZ | Personal Trainer

I left my job in healthcare with only having four clients at the gym. I knew it was a risk but if i wanted to make the change it was something i was just going to have to do. Read more>>