Shoot your shot? Take a chance? Society bombards us with messages, phrases, examples and stories of how taking risk is the key to success, but is anything ever that simple? We asked some of the brightest folks we know to tell us about how they think about risk. We’ve shared their responses below.

Karissa Hacker

Taking risks isn’t something I’ve always done. Once I graduated college I was left with a sense of not knowing what my future held. I was certain I’d never leave my home state of Illinois, which was full of my family, friends, and the two jobs I’ve had since I was 16. A month after graduating from Northern Illinois University, I was approached by a friend about a job opportunity, but the catch was that the job was in Texas. Read More>>

Jade Collier

Starting over is one of the most rewarding risks I will continue to embrace. The power of pressing reset and trying again is something I refuse to take for granted. In a society that often fears multi-disciplinary artists or those with diverse talents, we are encouraged to focus on one path and stick to it for life. Read More>> 

Jenifer Ortiz

Risk has taken such a big role in my life and career by pivoting and walking by faith and not sight. If I would’ve not taking risks, I would’ve not become the women that I am or have the multiple business which I have today. My faith had played a big role in helping me take steps of faith even when I don’t know t what’s going to happened next. If I don’t take the risk, I don’t want to think years down the line and have regrets. I thank God I don’t allow fear to hold me back from taking those bold steps of faith, because at the end of the day I don’t have anything to loose. Read More>>