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.

Azizi Carter | Founder & CEO of Suga Bearz

I feel taking risk can be beneficial. Failure will happen with risk but it’s apart of growth, you acquire wisdom from failure. Breathe life to your ideas, that idea came from somewhere great, do not ignore that God wink. Every single person has a purpose, those ideas have purpose. Read more>>

JIXXII | a multidimensional artist – painter, designer, singer, songwriter, music producer, and more

Taking risks is essential for your happiness and purpose in life! We are all here on our own individual and unique journeys, but the one thing we have in common is that none of us were sent to play it safe. The only way that we can activate our divine purpose in life is to take risks, take chances, make mistakes, and to learn by experience. Read more>>

B Swizlo | Musician/Band Leader

As musicians and performing artists, taking risks is near the top of the list when making this career choice. We take risks with our creativity, building fans, and traveling to places as if we are traveling salesman. The reward that comes with taking risks is wonderful. Read more>>

Mario Daye | Director, Actor, & Photographer

I believe that everything has a risk factor. No matter what choice you choose, there’s some sort of risk that you will face. Therefore, I’m a huge advocate for taking calculated risk(s). I personally took a risk of leaving my life in North Carolina to further my career goals as a Filmmaker and Photographer here in the Atlanta area. Read more>>

Camri Dorsey | Children’s Book Author and Publisher

Starting a business is always a risk. Most self-published authors never sell over 250 books in their lifetime. I sold over 100 books in my first month. I shifted my mindset from “What if I fail?” to “What if I succeed?” Read more>>