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.

Jaleaa Lewis | RN and Holistic Healer

I understand the philosophy that no risk can lead to no rewards. Taking calculated risks has been crucial for business success. For example, leaving behind a stable 23-year nursing career to start a holistic healing business was a leap of faith that involved risks. Read more>>

Klarke Jalen | Founder of Sienna Spirits Distillery

At Sienna Spirits we think of risk with a social lens and bring safety and humanity to the forefront of many decisions surrounding risk.
My entire career is based on calculated risk. The spirits market consists of less than 8% women manufactures and producers and of that 8%, 1% are African American producers/manufactures. Yet, 40% 18 -34 year olds prefer spirits to wine and beer & 34% 35 – 54 year olds prefer spirits with 62% of all spirits shoppers being women. Read more>>

Tricia Schafer | Mediator, Arbitrator, and Wellness Professional

From my educational life through my mid-twenties, I played it very safe. I saved money, planned, and strategized. After law school back East, I had a stable job in New York, with fantastic benefits and a pension (!). Read more>>

Drew Shaw | Educator, Author, and Entrepreneur

I think there is gravity to the saying, “No risk, no reward.” We can all pull from examples throughout history where courageous men and women took a risk and became a notable entry in the history books. On my entrepreneurial journey, I discovered that I slowly became more and more comfortable with taking calculated and faith-filled risks. There are so many unknowns: “Will people like what I’m creating?” “Where will the money come from?” “How will I figure out how to solve this new problem?” Despite my trepidation, I had to make a choice, move forward, and be patient. In this process, my risk tolerance increased and the confidence in my decision-making ability strengthened. Now, I can better identify suitable risks for my companies and how they affect my life holistically. Read more>>