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.

Kathia Joseph

I think taking risks means not being afraid to fail. It’s about believing in yourself,pushing forward even when things are uncertain,and never giving up on your dream.

Taking risks has made me stronger and helped me grow every single day. Read More>>

Lizmarie Ruiz

For the longest time, I allowed the fear of taking a risk stop me from elevating my career. Which is quite interesting and paradoxical, because as the saying goes “no risk, no reward”. It took some mental reprogramming but the moment I realized that to get what I want out of life I needed to stop waiting for the water to get warm and just jump.  Read More>>

JP Salazar

I’m a strong believer in educated risk-taking — the kind that comes from careful analysis rather than impulse. For me, it’s about taking the time to really understand the venture, weighing it against the tools, experience, and resources I already have. Read More>>

Luis Perez

Risks have have always been a beneficial factor in my life for the most part. You win some & then you lose some. You will never know what the outcome will be but I had to hope for the best given my circumstances. But also at the same time, I would have never know what I misssed out on if I had never taken some of the risks I’ve taken. Read More>>

Janet Orozco Feller

I’ve been an entrepreneur for most of my career. For me, risk is not a deterrent but a catalyst for innovation and growth. In fact, embracing risk has been the cornerstone of every venture. I approach risk with a calculated mindset, always seeking situations where the potential upside outweighs the downside.  Read More>>

Mayte Calzacorta

Risk has played a leading role in both my life and my career. I genuinely believe that without risk, there’s no real reward. Some of the biggest and most meaningful things I’ve accomplished have happened the moment I decided to take a leap and I’m not just talking about financial, creative or emotional risks, even the decision to step into the unknown — that’s where the magic tends to happen. Read More>>

Geraldine Hogan

Taking risks, especially in career decisions, is challenging but often necessary.

In my late 30s, after working in the teaching profession for over a decade, I decided to pursue a career in the legal profession. Initially, I wrestled with doubts and fears of rejection and failure, listing reasons why the change seemed impossible. Read More>>

Nick Samuel

Taking risks is a necessary part of life but it should be strategic and well thought-out. An individual should think about the pros and cons that come with any professional or personal risk, as well as seek out advice from a mentor. Read More>>

Katrina Owens

Up until becoming a business owner, I actually never considered myself a risk taker. I was very much risk-adverse. But I spent most of my 20’s feeling like I was living an average life – I had stable employment, a supportive family, and so many blessings, but I was missing a deeper connection to my work and never felt totally lit up or inspired by what I was doing. Read More>>