There is a wealth of academic research that suggests that differences in risk appetite are at the heart of differences in career and business trajectories. We wanted to go beyond the theory and ask real people from the community about their perspectives and experiences with risk and risk taking.

Lucas Gauger | Videographer and Creative Director

I think about risk as something that isn’t guaranteed but an embracement of possibilities. Knowing that if I take a risk and jump, that my only choice is to succeed or fail within a pool of endless possabilites. The role risk’s have taken in my life have taught me just to take them more. That on the other side of your discomfort is something that give’s you purpose and meaning. That purpose and meaning may then drive your goals and idea’s to farther than you could’ve imagined. Read more>>

Michael Freeman | Photographer and author

It’s a very fundamental question, especially in a creative industry like photography. The popular, expected answer goes something like “Take risks…get out of the rut…live life on the edge”, because it sounds cool and inspiring. In reality, life and career aren’t that simple, because the risks need to be considered risks, otherwise you’re just rolling dice. I started with one very big risk: I quit my well-paid job in advertising to be a freelance photographer, which had even the directors of the agency concerned for me, not to mention my father. Read more>>

Devynn Thompson | Co Owner- Thompson Family Plumbing and Rooter

Taking risks is vital to any success. In the early years of business we erred on the side of caution, playing it safe out of fear, ego and Identity. Once you take an assessment of your growth and see that you aren’t optimizing what is working out of fear, you realize that you are creating fences and stunting your own success and goals. There is a David Bowie quote that deeply resonated with me and put the need of taking risks into perspective. Read more>>

Rilie Tané Zumbrennen | Pyrography and Mural Artist

Taking risks is the only way to grow in a career, or in life. As a young artist starting out, I took many risks trying to find my style in the art world. I applied to numerous contests and murals. In the beginning, not being chosen really got to me. I never gave up applying though. That is the most important that I have learned, is that success takes many risks; and that failing is necessary to appreciate success. It was not until last year that I was accepted into my first big show in Big Sky, Montana. This ignited my fire and showed me that I could be a successful artist. This pushed me to continue taking risks which has opened so many doors in the last two years. Read more>>

Bruce St. James | Radio Host, Storyteller, Racecar Driver

“Calculated Risk” has always been an interesting term to me. Having been described as a risk taker, daredevil and having a general disregard for my own well being, personally and professionally, I think it’s fair to say maybe my calculations are a bit off. Read more>>