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.

Nigest Solomon | Regional Vice President & Life and Financial Investment Mentor

I do not typically consider risk. What I do consider is the positive outcome as it pertains to my decision making. I have been an Entrepreneur for over 30yrs and making the best decision in a timely manner has benefited me a great deal. The biggest risk is doubting yourself and waiting to long to make a move. Read more>>

Jared Alexndr | Producer

I believe and feel that my entire career has been based on taking a risks. I take the risk of believing in myself and my musicianship and it has payed off in ways that I never could have imagined. Read more>>

Thomas Ballester | AR Fox, Head Trainer, WWA4

Taking risks can be scary sometimes but are necessary to get “buzz” in this businesss. Whether it’s a physical risk, business risk, or just trying something out on social media. Taking risks have been very beneficial for us. Read more>>

Hydéia Harvey | CapturedByHydéia owner, Visual Artist

I look at the word “risk” in a positive sense. I believe that being able to take a risk is a blessing. It’s a privilege that some people can’t afford. Thankfully, I have some powerful risk-taking women in my family like my mother, grandmother, and great aunts, who I can always lean into for assistance should a risk become too detrimental. Read more>>

Melissa Mekhmoukh | Aesthetician

I believe that taking risks is part of starting a business. Opening Bliss Skin Aesthetics was the riskiest decision I have made on my own. It was a decision that took me completely out of my comfort zone. I’ve worked in dermatology practices and med spas for over 20 years, the majority of my aesthetic career and with all the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained over the years I knew I was ready to open my own. Read more>>

Dr. Isabel Eliaschev | Head of School & Athlete

I view risk as a pathway to growth, learning, and success. Through risk, we gain deep insights into ourselves, drawing on every ounce of our common sense, strength, and resilience. While taking risks often involves fear—the fear of being wrong, failing, or not succeeding—it is through these challenges that we truly measure our capabilities. Read more>>

GQ

Risk is necessary for growth and success, however I believe in taking calculated risk. as Jay-z once said, ” I’m not afraid of dying, I’m afraid of not trying.” Embracing risks has been integral to my journey, echoing Nipsey Hussle’s wisdom. Read more>>

Myke Grooc | Artist/Producer/Designer/Engineer

I have a line on my new project called “INSERT DISK HERE” where i say…
I took that energy then I invested in me and my project like I was the stock! If you are not willing to risk it all on yourself, you are not ready mentally in my book. You have to believe the fire that burns in you if you want others too. Once I saw my clothing line’s potential, I doubled down! Read more>>

Isiah Anderson | Music producer, and sound designer.

Risk has played an integral part to the flow of my life. There have been several pivotal moments in my life where I risked my life comfortability, and status quo to pursue a goal, or dream. I believe a level of risk is necessary and comes with the territory when you are a business owner, or creative. Read more>>

Peri Perkins | College Student and Fashion Designer

I am a firm believer that it is impossible to grow in life without taking risks, but I didn’t always feel this way. This used to be a terrifying concept to me because I didn’t like change. I preferred living in familiar territory because I was uncomfortable with the unknown, and I knew that nothing could go wrong if I stayed within my comfort zone. Read more>>

Lee Heisman | Chief Executive Officer at Exit Stage Left Advisors

In both my personal and professional endeavors, I base nearly all my decisions on one key factor: avoiding regret. Failure, surprisingly, doesn’t cause me much pain; in fact, I often welcome it. Failure gives me a sense of vitality. Read more>> 

Deborah Morton | Realtor & Real Estate Brokerage Owner

worked in. The entrepreneur’s journey requires risk. At the early stages of my career, I couldn’t tolerate much … As I grew my business skills and confidence, I took more risks and had bigger rewards. and that cycle continues today. Read more>>

Rodney Perry | Digital Creator & Entrepreneur

I have lived most of my life with a healthy amount of risk, leaving TN to go to school in Atlanta, leaving Atlanta to move to Chicago, leaving corporate to starting a business, I don’t believe anyone can progress staying safe within the lines you have to step out of your comfort zone to grow which is always risky. Read more>>

Vanessa Moon | Spiritual Advisor, R&B Singer/Songwriter & Content Creator.S

I believe risk to be one of the most important aspects about life and especially regarding career. Most of us tend to play it safe and do what we know works for everyone or what we know others want us to do. However, when taking risks one already becomes a standout and a trendsetter. Read more>>

Micole O’Dell | Entrepreneur & Health and Fitness Enthusiast

I think taking risks are important for both personal and professional growth. One of my life quotes is “No risk, no story.” Meaning if you have a dream, wish, thought, idea. etc. you must take all the risk that come with discovering it to know the outcome. Read more>>

Kevin Blackwell | Photographer

I’m a huge believer in taking risks. Just go for it—you’ll be glad you did. “Only boldness can deliver us from fear,” right? As a photographer, risk rears its head in various ways. There’s the risk of rejection, such as reaching out to someone I admire and asking to take their portrait, even if I know it’s a slim chance. Read more>>

Ric Ross | Ric Ross I Founder & Community Leader

When considering risk, I don’t view it solely as taking chances but rather as making informed decisions that align with my values and goals. In my life and career, each decision I’ve made has been grounded in my comfort and confidence in its potential outcomes. Read more>>

April Batemon | Atlanta Makeup Artist & PhotograpHER

Risk-taking has always been a part of my journey, shaping both my life and career in profound ways. When I made the decision to quit my job as an educator after six years, it felt like stepping into the unknown. Read more>>