Legend holds that Cornelius Vanderbilt had built a massive fortune in the steamboat shipping industry, but then realized the railroads were the way of the future and invested almost his entire net worth into railroads. The gamble paid off and made Vanderbilt one of the wealthiest entrepreneurs ever. But risks are inherently…risky. How do you think about risk and how has it affected your life and career? Some of our community favorites share their perspective below.

Tony Perkins | Morning radio news anchor, KUAZ Arizona Public Media, Tucson.

If you refuse to take risks, you will never achieve your dreams. I have always chosen risk over comfort in my career as a broadcast journalist. Many times it was simply deciding that I would go somewhere and do something that I knew was beyond my ability, trusting that I would grow into the role. Read more>>

Ella Heink | Soul Coach, Energy Healer/Strategist, Spa Owner

My personal motto has always been “Life is a daring adventure or nothing” by Helen Keller. Without risks we go nowhere in life, nothing changes, and that’s certainly not a very fun life – any successful entrepreneur will tell you risks are absolutely necessary! Read more>>

Heidi Bannon | Artist

Risk.. I have never thought about my life choices as being risky. I feel that whatever happens, is meant to be. I have a tendency to say yes to the unknown, mostly because I take people at their word. I did take a chance a few years ago when Michelle Oppenheimer reached out to me about my art on Instagram, and that once-in-a-lifetime bolt of lightning really changed my life. She has become a most precious friend and ally. Read more>>

Joan Hutchinson | Restaurant Coach/Consultant, Public Speaker & Podcast Host

Its funny. I have been described as a risk taker, though I never really thought of myself that way. Risks, they are just choices. They could be as simple as a clothing choice, to where you choose to live and work. I think of CHOICES as an adventure. Read more>>

Shylia Revier | Licensed Massage Therapist, Licensed Esthetician, Permanent Makeup Artist, & Reiki Master

Jump! Take the leap! Without risks, how do we know if there is a reward? I started my business during the height of COVID19. I opened June of 2020, scared out of my mind, sure I would fail. Who in their right mind would want a massage or a facial during the height of a global pandemic? The answer was shocking, I was booked solid within a couple weeks. Risks seem scary, but it’s the thought of failing that is truly scary. Read more>>