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.

DJ GSmoove | DJ, Emcee, Promoter, DJ Instructor, & Flyer Designer

When I think about risk, the first thing I think about is: Will the reward outweigh the risk? Actually, nothing but high reward has come from my taking risk. I would say the role that it has played is perseverance in a way. I have found the closest thing to happiness in my life and my career by taking huge leaps of faith. Read more>>

Se’Quan Tutt | Fashion Stylist & Entrepreneur.

Risk is a necessary component of existence. Whatever choice we make, there is a certain amount of risk involved. Opportunities, leaps of faith, and taking chances are all examples of risks. I think of myself as a risk-taker. My adult life has always included a lot of risk-taking. One of my biggest risks was leaving Raleigh, North Carolina for Atlanta, Georgia, as it marked the beginning of my career in the fashion industry. I didn’t have a strategy; Read more>>

Aqua Umoren | Administrator

Risk taking is the entire concept of entrepreneurship. Most do not take the leap in light of the fact they are scared of what might be at risk. Most people are risk adverse. Risk has played a big factor in my career/life due to not being afraid of failure. That’s how you learn and improve. We are taught to mitigate risk in school however this conceptually is inverse to what makes a person successful. Read more>>

Michelle Cordeiro Grant | Founder, LIVELY

When building a company, the risks just get bigger and bigger as the business grows. You have to learn how to take risks, and get comfortable with the greatest downside of those risks by asking yourself “what is the worst-case scenario?” and preparing against it. Read more>>