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.

Brielle Farmer | Photographer and Social Media Specialist

I think taking risks is an essential part of entrepreneurship. In the beginning of my photography business, I would say yes to every inquiry that came my way. Sometimes I didn’t like the photography or I struggled getting the job done, but this allowed me to try new things and develop new skills. Read more>>

Charlotte LaRue Mazey | Goldsmith & Owner of LARUE & CO.

Risk taking is so important in business and in life. Its all being an entrepreneur is in a lot of ways. You have to be a risk taker in order to succeed. Getting the balls to start your own business, risk. Knowing what inventory to select/design/create that will be profitable or humans will respond to, total risk. But thats also how you learn. Trial by error is just a cute way of talking about risk taking. Read more>>

Ryan Bram | Producer, Recording & Mix Engineer

I think being willing to take risks is essential for audio engineering and production. There are so many endless approaches to these things… Being willing to take a risk and experiment is paramount to finding your own sound and develop the craft in general. Read more>>

Paul Ogata | Stand-up Comedian

The engine of Growth is Risk. Sometimes the risk pays off. But when it doesn’t, you should be looking for the opportunities among the wreckage. After all, you’re not really losing, if you’re learning. I’ve managed to fail often, and sometimes spectacularly. I opened a comedy club in Waikiki, which ended in bankruptcy. Read more>>