We asked some of the city’s most brilliant and creative minds to tell us about the most difficult decision they’ve had to make.

Riley Smith | Songwriter & Frontman of RYLY

I’d say as an artist and songwriter, the hardest decision I’ve made is the decision to be honest. When I started this thing people know as “RYLY”, the only thing I really knew was that I wanted to be honest and truthful with the songs I write. It may seem strange that honesty was the hardest decision, but I just got sick of hearing the same music over and over. All the biggest hits across the board are about love whether it be hook-ups, breakups, falling in love or out of it. I just got tired of hearing the same idea over and over and seeing a lot of “superficial” songs so glorified. Don’t get me wrong, I love “love” and I think its a great and vast topic to write a song around I just started thinking there was more that goes into life than just your affection or distain for someone. Read more>>

Ryan Claterbaugh | Serial Entrepreneur

Deciding who to let into my life and who not to. Your time is the most valuable asset you will ever own. Unlike money, you don’t get the ability to earn it back or compile it over the years. This one was hard for me. Sometimes the people who are closes to us can be the ones who are dragging us down. Deciding to become an entrepreneur can be a lonely decision. All things with the business at the end of the day fall onto you. Customers do not care what you have going on, you better deliver. So you don’t have that extra time waste spending it with people who do not have the same or greater vision as you do in life for what you define as success. That will slow you down more than anything else. There is a quote from Jim Rohn. “show me your friends and I’ll show you your future”. I would expand that and say also show me where you spend your free time, and what news, social media, articles, books you consume and I will show your future. Read more

Ali Roc | CMO Georgia Entertainment Association & CEO/Founder Rumors Publicity

Over the years, there have been a few tough decisions that have lead me to where I am now. One of the biggest decisions was to no longer pursue a career in Radio. I’ve worked in various markets including Atlanta and Las Vegas, but for me I had to make a choice, if I wanted to continue to chase the dream or pivot and do something different. When I got to Atlanta and realized that the market was not as easy as I thought it would be, I started working with DJ’s and small businesses to help them spread the word about events, marketing and how to move their businesses forward. While the decision to switch gears wasn’t simple, the skills and knowledge I have now, I wouldn’t trade for the world. I’ve been able to work with great companies like Fiverr and Xbox, put on an Afro-Beats show for A3C, speak at General Assembly, Model, cover NY Fashion Week…so all and all it’s been worth it. Read more>>