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.

Sarah Davis | CEO, Podcast Producer & Writer

On the surface, it might have seemed like I was taking risks regularly. I lived in China twice as a student. I have moved across the country three times, first to live on the East Coast, next, to California to pursue my graduate studies and last, to Iowa to help my aging mom. I regularly changed careers in my 20s, unsettled with the status quo (not to mention, quickly bored!). I regularly risked my life to be an outdoor rock climber, one of my favorite hobbies for many years. Read more>>

Z.L. Singleton | Business Owner, Studio Executive, Filmmaker

I think of risk as a challenge that must be faced on the road towards success. It is inevitable. The numerous factors related to pursuing ambitious endeavors can be very striking at times, in my opinion. Risk is what brings me out of my comfort zone and forces me to grow, not only professionally but creatively and spiritually as well. It is the tool that keeps my mind sharp and aware of the infinite possibilities that lie ahead in the future while maintaining realistic approaches that match the ambition. A heavy challenge I have always faced is approaching things with a fear of failure or a fear of success nevertheless. Read more>>

Kara Marlene | Mystical Author/Podcaster & NDE Maven

It depends on how you look at risk. There’s a set standard whether you’re facing a business or a life decision. And anything outside of that standard is considered a risk. I have lived since I was eight years old in the risk factor. I have never taken anyone’s advice unless I first whip within and wade that so-called advice. No matter what it was . Where there was leaving my small town in Kansas or deciding to move forward without treatment with a cancer diagnosis trusting that I knew what to do myself. Read more>>

Mayy Kalbouneh | Photographer & University Student

That saying, “Life is all about taking risks,” motivates me. Without putting in significant effort and taking risks, one cannot easily achieve a job or life objective. I study at a university full-time and put a lot of effort into achieving my dream of becoming a doctor while also showing the world the outcomes captured by my camera. I distinctly recall being unsure of how people would respond to the images when I first started publishing them a few years back. Read more>>

Alexis Stewart | Cake Designer

When most people think of risks, fear and failure creeps into their minds. And it’s normal to have those reactions when you think about taking a risk but what is for you will always be for you. I think of Jeremiah 29:11 (For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.) Read more>>

Kirt Linington | Owner at Linear Roofing & General Contractors, LLC

Risk taking is a key factor not only in life but in business. With high risk comes high reward and with no risk comes no reward. I’ve learned to become comfortable with the uncomfortable. I believe that fear of failure keeps people from taking risks. If you have to sit and worry about the “What If’s”, in life or your career then you more than likely should’ve taken a risk than to sit and think about could’ve, would’ve,should’ve. Read more>>

Andre LuJan | Paleontologist & Museum Director

I think risk is an essential part of everything in life. Without risk great advances in art, culture & discovery would have never been made. There is a quote often share “I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.” — Pablo Picasso. This has really become a mantra for me, risk sometimes is the reward. It’s where your journey towards your dreams is the most tangible evidence of you making them come true. Read more>>

Jorge BachataJorge” Elizondo | Bachata Dance Instructor & Dance Event Organizer”

Risk taking played an important part of my dance career. I took a dance called Bachata that was not very popular with the Latin dance studios & salsa dance festivals and made it popular all over the world. Bachata was not a main stream dance such like Salsa. There was not many instructors teaching bachata in the USA and non that considered themselves Professional Bachata dance instructor. I decided to share my unique style of bachata called Bachata Fusion to the world. I started teaching classes locally in my home town of Mcallen, TX. Then I decided to produce my Learning to Dance Bachata DVD Series that started to sell all over the world. Read more>>