Risk is the most common topic that comes up in our conversations with entrepreneurs and so each week we ask entrepreneurs to talk to us on the record about how they think about risk.

Lester Greene | Actor | Producer | Rapper | Writer | Bus Driver

I was a NYC bus driver for 12 years, and I dealt with so many risks and dangers on the job – from working the overnight shift to dealing with unsavory people. It really made me a stronger person. I then moved to Atlanta where I was able to apply those past experiences to my acting career. I am more fearless and more confident in my approach when interacting with producers, casting directors, talent agents, etc. I am now an Atlanta bus driver who has to still do my job despite the existence of Covid-19. My life is in danger every time I get behind that bus, but because of my tough resolve, I know I can overcome anything. Read more>>

Da’sha In Action | Actress & Model

I strongly believe in order to be successful you have to be willing to take risks. I did not get to where I am in life by playing it safe. Naturally, I am a risk taker and am always up for a challenge. The biggest risk I have taken recently, is fully committing to my brand Da’sha In Action and becoming a full time actress and model. I moved to Atlanta with no family and no secure job. All I had was my faith and trust in God and myself that everything will work out for my greater good. Read more>>

Kanoa Greene | Body-Positive Fitness Motivator

I don’t believe anything great happens without having to take great risks! From taking the leap of leaving the comfort of a successful corporate career to creating a career and life of my dreams…the journey has been filled with moments where I’ve been challenged to take risks in order to get to where I ultimately want to go. I can honestly say that every risk I’ve ever taken has paid off largely and in most cases far greater than I ever could have anticipated. Read more>>

Brianna Butler | Actress, Singer, Dancer, Screen Writer

Anyone that has accomplished anything great had to first get out of their comfort zone, and take a risk! Even then to continue to grow and maintain success, they have to continue to take risk. I believe the fear of taking risk is what paralyzes so many people from pursuing their dreams and/or bettering themselves in so many ways because they rather cling to the familiar that doesn’t challenge them or force them to give something up or try something new. I refuse to fear risk taking, because time and time again, throughout my life and career, I have proven to myself that the most beautiful things are on the other side of risk. Read more>>

Charles Gilbert | Podcast Creator, Host, Consultant and Sound Engineer

When I think of risk I think of the Steve Harvey book “The Jump”. The reason behind me thinking of that book is because that book inspired me to take that leap of fate. You can never know if you can achieve something without taking that jump. I am a very spiritual person and I believe that God gave us all wings to fly but in order to reach our full potential we must trust in him. Don’t be afraid to take a risk win or lose you will always gain a lesson from it. Reading that book helped me understand more of the reason people should not be afraid of taking risk, taking that jump because there is greatness in everyone but people are too afraid to risk it because of failure. Read more>>

Makini Smith | Mindset Coach/Author/Podcast host

I feel it’s essential to take calculated risks to be successful. I’ve had to overcome my fears, take roads less travelled and lead by example in my city. It’s scary and uncomfortable but necessary. Fear is our greatest barrier. Whenever you begin to make big changes in life you will come up against the terror barrier which will stand between where you are and where you want to go. At that point, you have a choice to make. You can step back into safety and continue to experience the same results year after year, or you can be courageous and take a risk to experience the growth that you have been seeking. Understanding is the key to freedom. Read more>>

Lex & Cyd | Catnipz Podcast & Yoga Instructors

We take risks, its what the cat life is all about. We consider ourselves efficiently reckless! Risk happens and we face it with mischievous smiles and cattails up. Our risks have created so many adventures, friendships, and opportunities for us. Its important for us to remain grounded, and then jump as high as we can. Go Big or Don’t Go. Cyd’s decision to drive to Cali set the pace for our community and friendship. Driving for five days straight taught us we could do whatever we put our mind to, and the destination is ours to pick. Read more>>

Toni Dammicci | Artist and Designer at Experience Collective Studios

Going into business for yourself is nothing but a series of risks. Some are calculated, but some are not and have to be assessed as you go. As an avid mountain bike rider, I have always found a lot of parallels between biking and my career. I think of risk as something that you should be aware of and manage at all times. You have to be constantly choosing your course of action and make fast decisions based on the information available, whether it is the terrain in front of you literally, or an upcoming project with problems to solve. Read more>>

Trei Hill | Independent filmmaker

I do not think that there are as many 20-30 year careers with the same company as there used to be. I also do not feel like I would enjoy that type of career. Creating your own path and building a unique skillset that you want people want to pay you for is very uncertain in comparison but maybe that’s the way it’s always been. Especially for artists. You have to bet on yourself so that you build the skills and conditioning required for your tasks and there’s no other substitute for experience. Read more>>

Aaronic Dorsey | Artist, Songwriter, and Producer

Without taking real risks you’ll never get to the point of receiving real rewards. One of the biggest risks that changed my life as an artists was slowing everything down and going to school to learn more about my craft. It was something I knew I wanted to do but when you see your brand building traffic its hard to step away and requires to zoom out and see the bigger picture. To this day I thank God I made the decision. When I got out of school it felt like I was starting from scratch but I can honestly say I’ve seen my artistry grow in ways I could have never imagined. Read more>>

Rashad Campbell | Engineer | Producer/Artist | Creative Builder and Designer

Life is all about it. Knowing when to take them can be a challenge. I see myself as an intelligent risk taker. When I see an opportunity or chance I go for it… Always calculating and guessing the the outcome can be hard. But with a few Intelligent minds around you . I’m sure you’ll be influenced to make the best decision possible . Buying property on the BeltLine was a chance taken . Ended up being a diamond in the rough. Never knew it would be such a Hot commodity. Read more>>

Christiana Renee | Actress with a Purpose

Swami Vivekananda once said ” Take risks in your life. If you win, you can lead. If you lose, you can guide.” Many of life’s greatest achievements have come from people who saw an opportunity and took a risk towards something greater. We hear about it in the news, see it in our own community and view it through varies people we admire like Oprah Winfrey. We view of their accomplishments and allow their life to inspire our own. However, sometimes taking risk in our own life can leave us feeling inadequate, self-conscious and wondering two big words that have crossed all of our minds at one point in time, “WHAT IF?”. Read more>>

Marquita Cook | Spa Owner, Medical Esthetician

“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life” -Muhammad Ali- My thoughts on risks, take them! What’s the worst that could happen? You either fly or you fail. But is failing really an option? I don’t think so, more like trial and error. It didn’t work, learn from it, start over or try something new. Pretty Simple. I have been taking risks my entire life. Personally, I had no choice, I was a single mother by the age of 14 being raised by a single mother dealing with addictions in the projects of Atlanta. Read more>>

Kirsten Carter | Coach, Speaker, Author

I am a proponent for taking calculated risks. Obviously, we know that taking a calculated risk means that the possible gain is worth more than the potential loss. Have I always felt like this? Yes and No. When I was younger, I was a self-proclaimed rebel. I wasn’t afraid of much and I would take on risks all the time. Most of the time it led to getting put on punishment by my parents but I felt like the risk was worth it most of the time. Once I graduated college and got into the “real world”, my views changed. I began a career in corporate America and taking risks were looked down upon. Read more>>

Calvin Captville | Real Estate Expert/Realtor/Investor

I’ve decided to view risk as an inevitable thrill. Either you take it, or you don’t. If you don’t, there’s another risk of not reaching full potential or seeing a dream come to past. If risk is taken, there’s at least a 50% chance. Risk can be scary, but being positive about possible outcomes allows the risk to be a thrill. While you have to be realistic, if the initial risk doesn’t work try another. At least you’re one step closer to seeing that risk morph into your dream which is ultimately worth it. Read more>>

Artavia Jones | Entrepreneur / Author/ Mentor/ Salon Owner/ CEO of B4- N-After Hair / Real Estate Agent

12 years ago I decided to take a risk / step out on faith and move to a bigger city with better opportunities. By taking the risk I gave myself permission to try things out, to learn, to fail, to grow and to explore. With me having 2 two year olds at the time I faced my fears , leaped out on faith, I was able test my limits and go beyond what I believed was possible. I literally went after the life I wanted to create for myself and my family and as of today I am still knocking back goals. Aside of styling/ hair styling I also mentor, I Own 2 successful businesses , I am an author and I am now a realestate agent . Talk about taking risk, The Sky Is The Limit!!! Read more>>

Jamie Douglas | Atlanta Real Estate Advisor and Interior Decorator

I believe in order for a person to grow, you have to take risks. There is great reward and success on the other side of your comfort zone. One of the ways that I know I am taking a risk in something is when I feel completely uncomfortable and anxious in that moment. As I grow in my business and career, I am putting myself in more positions to feel those feelings because I know that is the only way I can get to the goals I have set. So far, taking risks has helped me on a business and personal level. Within the last year, I have hired a productivity coach to help guide me through my business as a Realtor. Read more>>

Curtis D. Jasper | Author-Speaker-Emotional Intelligence Educator & Human Behavior Specialist

When I think about risk, what immediately comes to mind is the word courage! Overall, I think we all know that life and living is one great big risk, in and of itself. In addition, I also feel that being a risk-taker has more to do with one’s courageousness and not necessarily one’s ability in a particular area. I think that all of us started out as risk-takers, learning how to walk as babies. As we grew, we became conditioned to take less and less risk by one of two things. Read more>>

Tasha Taylor | Ceo

One of the major risk I’ve taken is a quit my job to become a entrepreneur. Letting go of a dependable paycheck is a risk to anyone but it was the best decision I’ve ever made! I’ve tripled my income by opening my bakery full time. Read more>>

Ashleigh Jenae | Photographer & Blogger

Taking risks has played a major role in my life and career. Every time that I have taken a risk, it took me to another level. It has helped me grow and become more successful. Taking risks has helped me professionally and personally. I think of risks as necessary growth. I believe that it is necessary to take risks in life to change for the better. Being comfortable and stagnant leads to complacency which is ultimately no growth or change. Taking risks isn’t an easy thing to do, because you never know what the outcome will be which can be scary. But on the other hand, if you don’t take the risk, you will never know. I feel like it is better to take a risk and find out the outcome; than to be left wondering what could have happened if you took the risk. Taking risks requires faith. Read more>>