We asked some of the most interesting folks in the community to open up about how they think about taking chances and the role risk has played in their lives and careers. Risk is by far the topic folks talk to us most about and we hope the responses below will help shed light on many different perspectives.

Sonya Reyes | Aesthetics Nurse Practitioner

When we make daily choices we are always taking risks. Risks are just measured by how great the loss or optimal outcome may be. I used to be very afraid of risk taking and always followed the course of what I thought I should be doing in life. I avoided taking big risks that could lead to uncertain outcomes. I constantly was airing on the side of caution and limited my ability for growth. I finally accepted that taking risks can be a catalyst for growth and new opportunities. Read more>>

Jose Pereira | Adversity & Resilience Coach, Motivational Speaker and author

I was a risk taker all my life but wasn’t taking the proper measures to mitigate risks ,until occurred my Hostage situation traveling abroad that kept me in captivity during % years until i came back through a miraculous prisoner SWAP , and now i am very much aware of the importance of mitigating risk, and today have a coaching program to help CEO’s and companies to mitigate and make risk assessment and management of thews risk when they are in international business tripe or international assignments as expats Read more>>

Deanna Robinson | Kupkakeologist and happiness bringer

“Risk” is a funny word to me. I can honestly say that I have lived an extremely risky life to most. I have ridden in cars with strangers, traveled across the country to go on dates, and even jumped into the middle of an ocean without knowing how to swim. I have never viewed risk the same as others. Ever since I was young, I have been what I call “a line toter”. I will always find out how far I can go before I get in trouble or caught. Sometimes this was a great attribute, other times it wasn’t, but I realized it is who I am. Read more>>

Jaleah Ledford | Visual artist/painter

Taking the risk is one of the key factors in starting your own business and working for yourself. I have noticed that when I take a risk and bet on my self it always pays me back double. Taking a risk feels like getting on a roller coaster for the first time you’re nervous you’re anxious you’re not sure if this is something you should do. You want to play it safe but that’s never the best option you have to bid on yourself and it is the best decision I’ve ever made. Read more>>

Sushia Lancaster | Musician

Risk taking is needed to me in a life where you are wanting growth and change from whatever point you are at. It should all begin within oneself, to then ease the other outward actions onward. Believing in myself has been the most beneficial and crucial self risk taking I could and have allowed myself. Believing that indeed, I am enough, important, worthy, capable, and my own main character continues to mold me towards the comfortable and authentic reality of myself. Read more>>

Outside Don | Hip-Hop/R&B Artist

Risks are necessary if you want to pursue your dreams. Not taking risks guarantees failure, and eventually life will be filled with a lot of “what ifs” and “I should’ve just”. This reality hit me not too long ago when I was still living in El Paso. As a creative, the small city environment can only help you grow so much. Often times I felt ignored and overlooked, had me asking myself “Am I just not good?” “Am I the problem?” This question wasn’t answered until I took my music to a bigger city, the result, an amazing reaction. Read more>>

Katy Lockman | Content Creator, Dancer & Life Enthusiast

I believe there’s a difference between risk and calculated risk. The best gift that we can give ourselves is to live the life that we are called to live. Obviously be smart about it and weigh all potential outcomes, but if the only thing standing between you and the life of your dreams is the opinions of others or fear of failure, going all in is your only option. Read more>>

Deja Brown | Graphic Designer and Illustrator

I believe that taking risks is a part of building your career and who you are. Without risk, there is no chance for success or failure to teach you the important life lessons needed to be the best version of yourself. I took the risk of dropping everything I knew to move to New York City. I moved out there without knowing anyone and have money to my name.While my time out there was hard, I gained experiences and opportunities I didn’t even know existed. Read more>>