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.

Bradley Burton | Graphic Designer

My perspective on risk is simple. I’ve seen many people hesitate on the fence of taking a risk to see what’s out there, while others avoid it and find peace with their choices. For me, risk is about stepping out in faith. You have a vision for your life and countless prayers or conversations with God, but without action, it’s meaningless. I remember my biggest risk: taking an unpaid internship in Chicago, a city I had never visited and which didn’t have the best reputation. I went because I didn’t want to work in a nursing home when my passion was in graphic design. Read more>>

Julia Areh | Organizational Strategist | Speaker | Coach

Risk-taking is an essential part of both life and business. Without taking risks, we limit our potential for growth and success. In my experience, what others often perceive as risks, I see as betting on myself and my talents. It’s about having faith in your abilities and taking that leap, even when the path ahead is uncertain. Read more>>

Aida Arias | Painter

I believe that risk is an inherent part of life, necessary to evolve and create. For me, as an artist, every time I start painting on new white canvas, using a new medium or technique, I know there is no guaranteed outcome. I have learned to see the process as creative play, where I push the boundaries of what I’ve been doing as an artist to keep developing and growing. Whether the result is a painting that I love or one that gets painted over, I know that day at the easel puts me closer to a result I’ll be happy with. Read more>>

Alfonte Thomas | Retired Air Force Veteran & Entrepreneur/Cyber Engineer

I believe you have to accept a certain degree of risk to be successful or even experience the opportunity. Taking calculated risk has been positive, because if I had not taken that step I would have not experienced failure nor the benefits. In both cases I was able to lean valuable lessons of either what to do or not do. I have experienced this in my career and life and boldly say that this has made me the person I am today. Last, I would say that I always make sure that these are calculated risk to ensure that I can handle the negative effects of these situations. Read more>>

Sherrika Sanders | Owner & CEO, Transform the GAAP

I have never been a risk taker. Previously, when asked if I would ever start my own business, I would give a vehement ‘no.’ However, after spending several years in accounting being overworked and under-resourced, and following multiple personal challenges involving my family, mental well-being, and physical health, I decided enough was enough and took deliberate steps to change my situation. I am a woman of faith, so I prayed and fasted on what my next journey would be – assuming God would lead me to my next corporate position. Read more>>

Clara (Ciara) Throckmorton | Therapist, Coach, and Speaker

Risk-taking has taught me the power of resilience, unlocking and activating my natural abilities, and unleashing my inner strength. My life has served as a testament to the concept of “risk”. Through taking risks, I have been able to delve into my inner self and discover who I am. When faced with opportunities to challenge my potential and shape my success, taking risks has propelled me forward without looking back. Read more>>

Robert Blum | Photographer

Risk is the catalyst to my decisions as a small business. Many times I had viewed risk as a sink or swim situation, where decisions for what I had invested my time and money in directly impacted the business as a whole. Strategies for growth and finding the roots of my business have shoved me into the workload of problem solving and weighing risks. Most of the time I chose to take the low risk choices for my business, such as paying more for a stable website provider or using higher quality photography equipment. Read more>>

Susan Ball | Entrepreneur, Artist, Influencer, Risk-taker, and Visionary

Risk plays a major role in both my life and career! As a landscaping designer, I face the challenges of always giving my clients the best creations. As a black woman owned company, we employ and mentor other black women who strive, just as I do, to become better versions of themselves. One of the biggest risks I face is buyer’s remorse. This is hard, back-breaking work that I do and I want is for my clients to not understand what their part in our business relationship is. That’s why clients of Mr & Mrs are educated on what it takes to protect the longevity of their investments. Read more>> 

Shanteiria McFarland | Content Creator/ Performer

Risk-taking has been a pivotal aspect of my personal and professional growth. Initially, I hesitated to step out of my comfort zone, fearing failure and rejection. This hesitation held me back from seizing opportunities and showcasing my talents. However, the tragic loss of my brother at a young age became a profound turning point in my life. His passing reminded me of the finite nature of life and the importance of embracing every chance to unlock my full potential. Read more>>

SAMURAE

I love taking risks, they’re like life gifts. Once my mind is made up on something, it’s a done deal & if I’m given a risky opportunity I’ll take my time to see if it really resonates with me but most of the time it’s the right direction! Without taking risks I wouldn’t have experienced majority of the beautiful life memories, first times or literally every show I’ve ever done. Read more>>

Palak Pahwa | Woman in Tech | Blogger | Makeup Artist

When I think about risk, the three words that come to my mind are Courage, Faith and Vulnerability. Courage to defy the conventional path life has created for you and do something different. Faith to always believe in yourself and trust your gut. And vulnerability to accept that it can come with a failure and be prepared to bounce back. But no matter what it comes with, it is a great lesson. If the risk comes with a failure, it will make you learn from your mistakes and make you resilient. And if it comes with success, then voila – you did it! Read more>>

Devika Kundu | an Enthusiast of Creative Solutions and Big Ideas!

Risk-taking has been my secret sauce, both in life and design. Think of me as a creative daredevil, always ready to jump into the unknown. From my spontaneous decision to dive into graphic design during my undergrad, to moving halfway across the globe for my master’s at Savannah College of Art and Design, I’ve always believed in the power of a good leap of faith. Choosing design over a more “traditional” career path was my first big risk. Picture this: Read more>>