Taking Risk is essential, but how much, when and why? Taking risks effectively is as much of an art as it is a science and we’ve asked some of the brightest folks in the community to tell us about how they think about risk taking.

Joe Short | Creative Engineer, Industrial Artist, Visionary, Entrepreneur

I think it’s a necessary step in entrepreneurship. Risk and Reward is what businesses do all the time to stay relevant. Starting out, I had everything to gain and nothing to lose, so I leaned into that and swing for the fences. Now that I’m older, have a family and a 20 year old business, my risks are slightly more calculated but still very much a necessary part of my personal life and business. Read more>>

Kourtney O’Reilly | Spinal Energetics Practitioner & Wellness Advocate

I have taken many risks in my life, not all the best decisions or my brightest moments lol, but I promise, I learned a valuable lesson from each one. The quote: “No risk, no reward” immediately pops into my head. I feel like risk taking is an integral part of life, really living and feeling alive! We get to do this thing called “life” one time. In my opinion, doing it without taking any risks seems like you’re not getting the most out of the experience. I understand that some people are more comfortable with risk than others. For me, I love the challenge, overcoming fear, taking the leap, and the excitement of a fresh start. In 2014, I opened up Local Roots Juice, a cold pressed juice bar inside The Cupcake Zoo. Read more>>

Samuel Nalangira | Musician, Artist, and East African Music, Drum & Dance Instructor

I have always been one to take risks. I started my music journey very young. I was 8 years old when scouts from a school in the city chose me from the village. I left my home to go to school where I began to learn about music. My passion was always music, started around the age of 4/5 when I would use things around my home to pretend to play instruments. Leaving home at such a young age was the beginning of my risk taking. I have learned that taking risks brings opportunities and growth. I learn so much about the world and myself by stepping outside my comfort zone. I realized that by be willing to take risks, I discover so many opportunities. Read more>>