Every meaningful transformation starts with a risk

It’s not talent. It’s not timing. It’s the risk you haven’t taken yet. On The Risk Worth Taking Podcast, financial educator and trading expert Teri Ijeoma brings you real conversations with people who faced fear, made bold moves, and chose the bigger life anyway. Tune in for the stories, lessons, and proof you need to stop waiting and start moving.

Think bigger. Move smarter. Take the risk.
New episodes dropping. Start listening now.

LATEST EPISODES

We're Not Doing Unhappy

Amber Grimes, Record Executive
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Amber Grimes is an industry powerhouse with 15+ years of experience in the music industry. Grimes is currently the EVP and GM of Love Renaissance (LVRN) Records and a Partner in LVRN MGMT - overseeing the company’s daily operations, marketing and revenue strategies. Previously, Grimes was appointed by UMG’s chairman Lucian Grainge as the SVP of Global Creative at Capitol Records, where she was the youngest SVP ever in the label group. Prior to that, she was appointed by Troy Carter as the Head of Urban Indie at Spotify, championing artists such as Jack Harlow, Brent Faiyaz, Lil Baby and more! In 2024, Grimes started Amber’s Book Club, a non-fiction book community that highlights non-traditional authors and is on a mission to help others unlock the power of books! Grimes is also a respected media personality and speaker. She has hosted several festival live streams in partnership with Amazon Music such as Campflognaw, Dreamvillefest & Something in the Water, and has delivered keynotes at Harvard University, Berklee College of Music, University of Texas, and more. In 2026, she expanded her media presence through a partnership with iHeartMedia and The Black Effect Podcast Network to launch “If You Knew Better with Amber Grimes,” a podcast dedicated to turning lived experiences into practical lessons for personal and professional growth.

If It Doesn’t Feel Right, It’s a No.

Paula Patton, Actress
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Paula Patton made her feature film debut opposite Will Smith in the hit Sony comedy HITCH. She has since starred alongside Denzel Washington, Tom Cruise, Mark Wahlberg, Adam Sandler, Kevin Costner, and Queen Latifah. Patton starred in and produced FINDING FAITH, streaming on Hulu, and will next be seen in REIMAGINED and CIPHER. She completed two seasons of the BET+ legal thriller SACRIFICE, serving as executive producer and playing entertainment lawyer Daniella Hernandez. Season two arrives on Paramount Plus in 2026/2027. Patton earned a SAG Award co-nomination and NAACP Image Award nomination for Lee Daniels' PRECIOUS, and an Essence Shining Star Award for MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – GHOST PROTOCOL. Additional credits include DÉJÀ VU, 2 GUNS, WARCRAFT, IDLEWILD, JUMPING THE BROOM, JUST WRIGHT, BAGGAGE CLAIM, SWING VOTE, and the ABC series SOMEWHERE INBETWEEN. She also produced and starred in TRAFFIK for Lionsgate. A magna cum laude graduate of USC's School of Cinematic Arts, Patton is a creative entrepreneur developing film and television across multiple genres.

If I’m Going to Take a Risk, I’m Betting on Myself

Jeanette Jenkins, Celebrity Trainer & Health Coach
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Celebrity Trainer & Health Coach with 30 years of experience, author and creator of The Hollywood Trainer Club — an online Healthy Living community at www.TheHollywoodTrainerClub.com — featuring 600+ streaming workouts, 200+ healthy recipes, and daily motivation. She inspires millions through online workouts and challenges with over 200 million views across social media and her podcast, The Jeanette Jenkins Show. Jeanette collaborated with Apple Inc. to offer workouts on Apple Fitness+, including a celebrity workout with actress Jurnee Smollett. She studied Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa, is a graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, and holds 18+ international certifications spanning strength training, kickboxing, cycling, pilates, yoga, and metabolic testing. Born in Hollywood, CA, Jeanette was raised in public housing in Oshawa, Ontario by a single mother. Sports became her safe haven, building discipline, teamwork, and unshakeable self-confidence. Her celebrity clientele includes P!nk, Alicia Keys, Nia Long, Shonda Rhimes, Mindy Kaling, Jurnee Smollett, Shawn Johnson, Laurie Hernandez, and NBA Champion Chris Bosh. Jeanette's mission: educate, motivate, and inspire the world to live healthy!

The Risk Worth Taking with Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba, Award Winning Actress
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Three-time Emmy winner and Tony Award nominee Uzo Aduba stars in Netflix’s The Residence, earning an Emmy nomination. Known for Orange Is the New Black, she recently appeared in Roofman, narrated PBS’s Caregiving, released her memoir The Road Is Good, and has multiple projects in development with CBS Studios.

The Risk Worth Taking with Sir John

Sir John, Celebrity Makeup Artist/Beauty Founder
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Sir John is a globally renowned celebrity makeup artist, creative director, and cultural tastemaker with over two decades of experience shaping the worlds of fashion, beauty, and entertainment. Known for creating iconic looks for legends like Beyoncé, Zendaya, Naomi Campbell, and Serena Williams, his work spans red carpets, runway shows, and major international campaigns, with features in Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Elle. He currently serves as Creative Director of Medicube, the Korean skincare brand, where he blends artistry with cutting-edge innovation. Beyond artistry, Sir John is a visionary business leader who has partnered with global brands including Disney, Estée Lauder, Barbie, Genesis, and MasterClass, helping to modernize and elevate both mass and luxury beauty. Having also served as Creative Director at L’Oréal Paris US for over a decade, he continues to push the boundaries of beauty through both creative and strategic leadership. Driven by the belief that “beauty is a feeling,”

The Risk Worth Taking with Jurnee Smollett

Jurnee Smollett, Actress
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Jurnee Smollett most recently co-starred in Apple TV+’s SMOKE opposite Taron Egerton, created by Dennis Lehane (MYSTIC RIVER, THE WIRE, BLACK BIRD). The series drew critical acclaim for Smollett’s searing, emotionally charged performance, praised for its intensity, vulnerability, and command of the screen. Jurnee received the Actress Award - Series at the 8th Critics Choice Celebration of Black Cinema & TV Awards for her work in this series. Her recent film credits include Justin Kurzel’s THE ORDER, starring opposite Jude Law and Nic Hoult, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2024 and currently holds a 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes. She starred in and produced WE GROWN NOW, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival before being released by Sony Pictures Classics. Additional notable features include Amazon’s THE BURIAL opposite Jamie Foxx, Netflix’s SPIDERHEAD opposite Chris Hemsworth and Miles Teller, and LOU opposite Allison Janney, on which she also served as Executive Producer. In television, Smollett earned an Emmy nomination for her commanding lead in HBO’s LOVECRAFT COUNTRY, a performance that also garnered Critics Choice and NAACP Image Awards recognition. She was widely praised for her portrayal of Rosalee, a runaway slave on the Underground Railroad, in WGN’s critically acclaimed series UNDERGROUND. Smollett first broke out opposite Denzel Washington in THE GREAT DEBATERS and has since built a career defined by fearless performances across both prestige drama and genre storytelling. As an actor and producer, she continues to elevate every project she takes on, making her one of the most versatile and impactful voices working today.

The Risk Worth Taking with Janeika & Jasheika James

Janeika & Jasheika James, TV Writers
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JaNeika and JaSheika James have had an ongoing love affair with film and television since childhood. It wasn’t until college that the twin sisters decided to pursue careers in film and TV, both graduating with bachelor’s degrees in Telecommunication from the University of Florida’s College of Journalism. While sharing common goals to write for television, JaNeika and JaSheika have taken very different paths in achieving those goals. Upon graduating from the University of Florida, JaSheika went on to work for the hit series, DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES and DEXTER, and later in post production at ABC Studios. Her professional experience in the writers’ room began on ABC’s REVENGE, where she joined the writing staff in the third season. Following JaNeika’s master’s studies at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communication, she had the opportunity to interview Yvette Lee Bowser, Creator and Executive Producer of the hit FOX television series LIVING SINGLE. She began her career working for Mrs. Bowser on UPN’s HALF & HALF. JaNeika went on to work under the producing team of Jennifer Crittenden and Gabrielle Allan (SEINFELD, SCRUBS, WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER?) at ABC Studios, and later in Scripted Development at VH1. JaNeika and JaSheika rose up the ranks from Staff Writers to Supervising Producers on Fox’s groundbreaking hit series, EMPIRE. They went on to serve as Co-Executive Producers for Netflix’s TRUE STORY and HBO Max’s GOSSIP GIRL. Most recently, they served as Executive Producers on Peacock’s BEL-AIR. They are committed to creating, developing, and writing projects that enlighten, inspire, and entertain audiences around the world. The James Twins’ debut book, LIVING DOUBLE, is a behind-the-scenes look at the competitive world of writing for television, as well an inspiring account of two sisters determined to make their dream careers a reality – and to share life lessons with those who have big dreams, but are uncertain how to achieve them.

The Risk Worth Taking with Codie Elaine Oliver

Codie Elaine Oliver, Producer, Founder-Black Love Franchise
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Codie Elaine Oliver is a media executive, producer, and cultural strategist known for authentic storytelling and connecting brands with diverse audiences. She is Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Black Love, Inc. — a multi-platform media company reaching millions worldwide, recognized by Fast Company as a Brand That Matter for two consecutive years. Codie co-created and directed the five-time NAACP Image Award-nominated docuseries Black Love, which premiered as OWN's most-viewed unscripted series in network history. She is also co-host of the award-winning podcast The Mama's Den. A partner at Confluential Content, her credits include the Emmy-winning HBO documentary Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project, Apple TV+'s Fancy Dance, and Netflix's The Perfect Find. She has executed campaigns for Netflix, Paramount, Target, and more. An Adweek 50 honoree and LA Times DEIA Visionary, Codie holds degrees from Howard University and USC's Peter Stark Producing Program.

The Risk Worth Taking with Dominique Crenn

Dominique Crenn, Michelin Chef
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Dominique Crenn is the co-owner and chef of Atelier Crenn in San Francisco. In 2018, Crenn became the first female chef in the US to receive three Michelin Stars. She has long drawn inspiration from her childhood and personal journey to craft the narrative of her flagship restaurant and her menus continuously evolve along with her. Born and raised in France, Crenn spent many summers in Brittany, developing a deep love and respect for the sea. Today, her menu at Atelier Crenn showcases the bounty of the sea and the finest products sourced from local farmers. Crenn also owns Bar Crenn, a swanky cocktail lounge that serves a Michelin-starred, French omakase tasting menu alongside expertly curated cocktails. In February 2025, Crenn partnered with the iconic House of Dior to open Café Dior by Dominique Crenn in Dallas’s Highland Park Village, followed later that year by Monsieur Dior by Dominique Crenn in Beverly Hills. Dominique Crenn continues to be recognized for her constant presence in the international culinary community, promoting innovation, sustainability, and equality through her restaurant ideals and participation with various panels and summits. In 2024, she was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in the World.
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