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.

Lee Turner | Graphic Designer

I think less and less about risk the more life experience I gain. I’ve struggled with anxiety for a long time, and it’s been helpful for me to start framing decisions by asking myself, “but will I die?” And the answer is always no. I’ve learned how to survive some pretty tough times: I know how to couch surf, I know I can eat rice and beans 5 dinners a week, I know I can live for a long time on an entertainment budget of $0—and I know all of these things because I’ve done them out of necessity. Sometimes for much longer periods of time than I would have liked! But what that means is I’m not scared of taking risks (especially financial ones) because I’ve learned how to live very simply. Read more>>

Shailyn Ramsey | Business Owner

With risk, there is always uncertainty. You will never know what an outcome can be if you don’t take the leap of faith. Being an entrepreneur involves taking many risks. Starting La Belle’ Beauty Bar was a huge risk but I knew God wanted me to have faith and follow his lead. I had no idea where I would end up but I knew God would make a way for me. I took a risk creating a business that would actually be able to execute and deliver. I took a risk finding a building space that would allow me to operate with no previous financial history. I took a risk by expending ALL of my savings and personal finances knowing that I may lose everything in the process of building my business. Read more>>

Jesi Stracham | Mindset Coach

After becoming a paraplegic from the chest down, I realized living in fear would not let me learn how regain my autonomy as a human. I have a spinal cord injury. Once the spinal cord is damaged it doesn’t just heal. Although I was solely focused on walking again post injury, I had to learn the basics like how to get dressed again or how to get out of bed without use of my core and lower body. I was scared of falling out of my wheelchair because I couldn’t get myself back up, limiting me from transferring independently, which limited me from doing simple things like going to the bathroom or showering. Read more>>

Sheila Hill | Entrepreneur & Podcast Host

Risk involves uncertainty and the possibility of both favorable and unfavorable outcomes. Understanding and effectively managing risk is crucial for making informed decisions and minimizing possible negative impacts. A risk taker tends to be bold, adventurous, optimistic, and able to make decisions despite uncertainty for the sake of potential rewards. In my personal and professional life, I have taken risks, leading to positive and negative consequences. Every calculated risk I take is like planting a seed of possibility. It may sprout into something beautiful and unexpected, a testament to my courage and adaptability. Read more>>