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 Chisholm | Founder of Wild Rye Baking Co.

When I think of risk, I think of courage. I don’t believe you can achieve a rewarding and meaningful life without embracing risk. It often feels very scary for me to take risks, but that’s usually when I need to take them! It is a risk to put yourself out there. Read more>>

Alexys Brandon | Photographer

I think risk is really all about being in tune with God. For me, I’m a Christian, and I believe Jesus Christ to be my Lord and savior. So it’s called a leap of faith for me. And as long As I’m praying and listening to God, He will handle the rest. And so far it’s got me to this point I’m at now in my life, personally and professionally. Im grateful. Read more>>

Ben Rosario | Executive Director – HOKA NAZ Elite

I’ve come to enjoy taking risks when it comes to business. At 26 years old, I started a small business with a close friend of mine– a running retail store in Saint Louis, Missouri, with money we had scraped together from friends and family. By the time we opened our doors we had less than $10,000 in the bank. Read more>>

Jonathan Lujano | Pastor & Blue Collar Worker

Risk taking is huge in my/family life. We actually, are originally from Texas. For 32 years of my life, I was Texas grown. Born and bred in Texas. My wife born in Juarez MX, and was back and forth from El Paso Tx and Albuquerque, NM. We aMoved to Flagstaff AZ in 2017, for the call of Church Planting. Gave up a supervising position of 4 crews, great pay, 3 vehicles, huge home, and all furniture. Just kept my old RV, church instruments, and the clothes on our backs. Read more>>

Dewey Buehler | Professional Ballet Dancer

Risk to me in my work and my personal life is usually about vulnerability. Being vulnerable is probably the riskiest thing possible, but it is also one of my core values as a human and something I am constantly drawn to in others. I wear my heart on my sleeve and probably let myself get hurt more than most, but to me the high is always worth the temporary low. Read more>>

Cat Machin | Space Artist

I have taken the risk of transitioning from a corporate job to a full time space artist. The transition was a bit scary, I didn’t know what I would do with myself. I ended up working as a cleaner for a few months doing peoples houses and so on. The hardest part was not knowing what I should do. I definitely don’t recommend that. For everyone, I highly recommend developing a side hustle or working out some direction before the jump is made for sure. Read more>>

Sukhjot Singh | Creative Director & Videographer

According to Scrabble, there are 4,791 words that start with the letter R. This may be just a fun fact for most people, but for me, the letter R has always held special significance. Among these 4,791 words are words like “risk,” “rebel,” and “reject,” all of which have played significant roles in my life. Read more>>

Jeff Smedstad | Chef/ Author

I risked leaving a busy restaurant behind in Scottsdale in pursuit of happiness. I moved to a small town that I loved but not many people knew me and I had to prove myself again. I always wanted to do my own thing in my style. I was willing to go for broke and if it did not work out I would have been able to live with it. Read more>>

Cecile Follansbee | Fused glass artist

Taking risk or ‘pushing the envelope’ is the expression of my creativity. Going outside the box, trying something different is a source of learning. I like to take these steps as they are fulfilling for me. Even if they don’t work out, I’ve learned something Read more>>

Amy Maneely | Real Estate Professional

Risk is challenging and rewarding. Throughout my adult life, I have taken risks. It started after college with a cross-country relocation from Michigan to Arizona. I started out my early career as a high school teacher. After meeting my husband, I time to stay home with my children when they were young. I pondered returning to teach, but I have always wanted to run my own business. Read more>>

Bäsmini | Musical Artist, influencer

Being an LGBT Black artist in society when a lot of things are out against you is a big risk in this day and age. Starting out as an independent artist back in 2018 it was extremely competitive within the music industry, even today it is. But that didn’t stop me from pursuing what I love. Read more>>

Drew O’Kane | Entrepreneur/Dream chaser

As an entrepreneur who has worked for himself for 30+ years “risk” has literally been my middle name. I have always been the person to inspire others to take a chance on them self and that is only possible because of the chances I have taken on myself time and time again over the years. Read more>>