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.

Tina Strong Freeman

Take the risk! I view risk as a necessary catalyst for growth and opportunity. Rather than avoiding it, I approach risk with calculated judgment—balancing potential outcomes with preparation and resilience. Throughout my life and career, taking risks has opened doors I never anticipated, from pursuing roles outside my comfort zone to embracing change in uncertain moments. Each step forward, though sometimes daunting, has led to valuable lessons and meaningful progress. Read More>>

Mary Beth Harding

For a long time, I believed that a salaried job meant stability. A steady paycheck, benefits, and a predictable schedule felt like security, but I eventually realized that wasn’t always true. You can lose a salaried job in an instant, and in the meantime, you might be spending your days feeling stuck, undervalued, or misaligned with your values. That realization helped me redefine what “stability” really means. Read More>>

Jessica Kepley

Taking risks can be scary! However, I wouldn’t be where I am today had I not taken any. When I first started my business, I was super nervous to do any big changes at all, especially once it got established and I started getting actual clients. I was afraid to raise my prices, I was afraid to put myself out there, and most of all, I was afraid to quit my day job to focus on building my business because it wasn’t guaranteed that I would actually succeed and stay afloat financially if I did. Read More>>

Maria O’Connell

Surprisingly when I take personality type tests I seem to score high in the risk taking category, and yet I do not feel I am a risk taker. I don’t drive fast, seek the adrenal rush of downhill skiing, or any high speed activity. I personally prefer self-propulsion to motors or gravity. See; not very risky. I do tend to think of risk as a matter of choice. For example in my career; I began my career as a dental hygienist. Read More>>