Shoot your shot? Take a chance? Society bombards us with messages, phrases, examples and stories of how taking risk is the key to success, but is anything ever that simple? We asked some of the brightest folks we know to tell us about how they think about risk. We’ve shared their responses below.

Alexa Kravitz | Concert, Portrait, & Event Photographer

For most of my life, I’ve leaned towards being risk-averse. I’ve always had a goal of having a steady career that provided predictable personal and professional growth. But recently, I’ve started to heavily lean the other way. I left Dallas, Texas, to go to Emory, with the aim of majoring in business. I learned relatively quickly that that wasn’t the best path for me, and I ended up studying psychology and history instead. After graduating, all I knew was that I wanted to stay in Atlanta, so I ended up getting a job in client services at a creative agency. That set me on a 12-year trajectory of client services roles which I was successful in but ultimately did not find fulfilling. Read more>>

April Green | Owner/Operator “An April Affair” Event Planning and Consulting

One of the most positive impacts that risk has had on my life and career is the confidence I’ve gained in trusting my own talents and abilities. Taking risks has also strengthened my faith. I vividly recall the challenging decision to relocate from my hometown of Detroit, MI, to Atlanta, GA. I was leaving behind my 863 beloved family members and moving to a city where I knew only eight people. At the time, I hadn’t secured a job, so the risk was significant. However, my drive and determination to succeed motivated me. Looking back after eight years, I can confidently say that move was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! Read more>>

Daion Brewer | News Producer & Influencer

At a very young age, I realized I would need to take risks if I ever want to be successful in this life. I’ve never had a problem with leaving my comfort zone. My first life changing risk was applying to my first big girl job out of college. I spent years living in a new state and away from everything that I was familiar with. I didn’t know much about the job and I definitely didn’t know anything about the area I moved to. Over time, I was able to gain new experiences and learn new lessons that would have never been possible if I would have stayed where I was comfortable. That move proved to me that I can do anything. It is also the reason why I have excelled in my career. Read more>>

Erica Beeler | Artist

I feel like any artistic career is somewhat of a risk, let alone starting your own business. Really just following your own dreams is a risk. It’s risky to set goals knowing you might not achieve them, whether in work or in life. And I think the risk isn’t just a financial one, though that’s definitely part of it. The real risk is failing, whatever that means to you. So why do it then? why not just take the safe route? I asked myself this question a lot while sitting behind my desk at my boring, soul sucking accounting job just a few years ago. It was actually a really good job, for a great company. I had a steady paycheck. I had a boss who respected me. I had a 401k. For a lot of people, that was enough. Read more>>

Khalia Adams | Musician

You can’t win without risk. I try a lot of things I don’t want to or maybe I’ll think it’ll fail but sometimes you have to go through with it. A lot of times we take risk with money not knowing if this show or this video/photoshoot is worth it but you never know what results it will bring unless you try. Read more>>

M.v. Oliphant | Actor/Vocalist/Voiceover artist

No one achieves goals without taking risks. Faith in your abilities and in the spiritual source in your abilities are prerequisites of taking risks. Sacrifices comes into play as well. I had to make a choice of staying in my comfort zone continuing living life as usual working jobs I’m not happy doing letting life pass me by, keeping things safe within my comfort zone, or take a leap of faith with my God-given gifts and risk it all, knowing there would be challenges ahead. Taking risks is truly a walk of faith. Read more>>

Shantalle Swift | CEO

I feel taking a risk can be a hit or miss but if you’re confident in yourself you should definitely go for it you will miss opportunities by not taking it . Always think high of yourself like a go getter with no set backs and a risk won’t be a risk it will be a drive determination to get whatever you want done Read more>>

Xian Geist | Curly Hair Specialist & CEO of The Curl Lounge ATL

I believe that taking risks has played a crucial role in shaping my life and career. Without stepping out of my comfort zone, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Sure, it can be nerve-wracking at the time, but as they say, “the greater the risk, the greater the reward” – and I truly stand by that motto. I think risks can lead to amazing opportunities, as long as you approach them in the right way. You might be wondering, “how can you take risks the ‘right way’?” Well, it’s all about following your passion and making sure that the risk you’re taking aligns with something you truly love and will continue to pursue wholeheartedly. Always take risk on something that you’re truly passionate about. Read more>>