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.

Tia Banks | Motivational Speaker, Author, Mentor

Last year I reached the top of the highest free-standing mountain in the world Mt. Kilimanjaro, just as the saying goes, sometimes without risk there is no reward. I was battling altitude sickness in addition to having an upper respiratory infection. Any nurse will tell you when climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro if you keep climbing sick after 13,000 ft it can be very detrimental to your health. Read more>>

Harleigh Nelson | Producer & SPFX-Makeup Artist

I try my best to live by 2 “rules”: 1. Always have a good time & 2. Maximum comfort. You have to take risks in your life and career, especially in the entertainment industry. Having the discipline to prove you to yourself, and gaining the core belief that you and your work are worth the effort (as well as a strong support system) are some the most important parts to not failing. Read more>>

Craig Cooper | CEO of Uplift Kings, Author, and Podcast Host

The Greatest risk I ever took was getting my story out there about how beat depression 13 years ago. I had the pleasure of seeing my story in a few magazines and podcast interviews and being in an amazing men’s anthology book called “When His Soul Cries”. This amazing path has led me to launch men’s mental health organization called Uplift Kings and my podcast called The Walking Purpose podcast. I am currently getting ready to start season four and working on my second book. Read more>>

Marisol Lopez | Owner/ Lash Artist of Sol Lash and Beauty Co

I think as a business owner or entrepreneur, you need to take risks in order to be successful. That is what I’ve learned these past five years of being a business owner. If you do not get out of your comfort zone, you will not grow at the level you want to be at. There are times the risks you take may not end successful, but you learn from them. I believe I am a risk taker 100%, I’ve had negative opinions about it from my friends and family, but what is the least that could happen if you don’t take the risk? Read more>>

Hanna Selman | M.F.A, Artist, Professor, & Manager of Dallas Silk Art

The word “Risk” carries with it very scary connotations. It implies a lack of control over a situation and consequences beyond that uncontrollability. But for me, the most critical yet terrifying thing about risk is that it requires trust. Trust in fate, trust in the universe, and most significantly – trust in other people. That can be the hardest part. Trusting that when you place this risk in the hands of others they will have your best interests in mind. Read more>>

Amina Konaté | Freelance dancer in NY

Risk is what drives everything. I hate taking risks, even the roller coaster scares me, but without it, nothing gets done. I feel like in my career and life, I was able to go on and evolve by taking risks, whether it is trying a new step that could be more dangerous than usual or moving halfway across the globe! Read more>>