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.

Nicole Brass | Horse trainer and lifelong student of equine behavior

As a horse trainer, every time I swing onto a horse, especially with the young ones I’m starting under saddle, there is an inherent risk involved. Our growth in life as humans comes from pushing though fears and taking risks in whatever endeavor of choice we are involved in. I must face those risks and fears each day. Conversely, my job is also to help horses face their fears and take the risk of trusting me and humans in general, to help them become the best version of themselves. Read more>>

Emma Muir | Owner, Painting & Vino Tucson

I see risk taking as a necessary ingredient for growth, whether it be in relationships or in bettering yourself or your business. Putting myself out there and trying things that weren’t guaranteed to succeed has been scary but essential to beginning and expanding my paint and sip company in Tucson. When I take risks, I do my best to trust myself and my values and to check in with people I trust. I’ve taken some risks that haven’t worked out and others that have – its been terrifying but has led me to where I am, which is where I feel I’m supposed to be. Read more>>

Dylan Stanton | Singer Songwriter

From my perspective, any kind of venture in life is going to be a risk. It’s more about which risks you’re willing to take for a return of equal or more excellent value. In the short points of my life where It has been full of comfort and zero risk, I’ve found that my enjoyment of life drastically diminishes over time as I naturally started taking things more for granted. Read more>>

Dr. Gilda Carle | Relationship Expert from Boardroom to Bedroom

I started my career as a teacher in the most dangerous neighborhood in New York, the South Bronx. While I taught the kids the academics, they taught ME street smarts. Today, street smarts punctuate all my work: in advising corporate leaders, in my speeches, in my teaching of MBA courses, in my media coaching, in my books, and in my columns. With knowledge, credentials, and experience, what other people consider “risk-taking,” I consider calculated next moves. Read more>>

Rebecca Sobin | Contemporary Artist & Painter

I think risk-taking can translate into opportunity. If you don’t try anything that might be scary to you, in a sense of putting yourself out there and feeling exposed or fear of failing, there may be missed opportunities that were a perfect fit, or can change your work or how you operate in the world, or even help you grow as a person and a creative. Read more>>