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.

Chris Casas

I think of risk as stepping outside of the box, the box of comfort. The box of comfort is warm and fuzzy, but its no fun and it gets you nowhere. Growing up, I was curious and restless. I was always was always busy trying to figure out how things works or looking for another way to achive better results which was risking getting in trouble or failure by not following the rules or instructions. I was also a somewhat thrill seeker that pushed myself in the areas that were available to me growing up be it riding bikes, skateboards or skiing. Putting myself out there in positions of extreme challenge and harm makes everything else seem easy and not as risky, like risking breaking an arm, leg or falling off a cliff (of which I did all 3 skiing and skateboarding). Read More>> 

Lucas Rohm

Taking risks is often touted as necessary and encouraged when working for oneself and in the business world in general. That said, I have always considered myself risk averse – but only in the sense that I’m wary of the fine line that exists between taking a risk and making a gamble. Over the years, I’ve seen people take risks that lead to both great success and great consequence. By incrementally taking calculated risks backed up by data and logic, progress can be made with fewer potential setbacks – even if it means marked progress happens more slowly. You often hear of high risk, high reward success stories in business, but I feel like the most valuable lessons come from those characterized by a series of smaller, calculated risks, or those that underscore the consequence of flippant or impulsive risk taking. Read More>> 

Tabitha Arellano

I think risk has a bad rep. The definition alone means to expose someone or something to danger or loss. I believe some people take it for granted and miss opportunities, while some of us see risk for what it really is, a necessary component of progress and success. Risk taking has played a major role in my life. Before I joined the Navy, I was at a low place in my life due to poor decisions I made. I was naïve in relationships and had low self-esteem so I often did what others wanted me to do and I became what others needed me to be. Read More>>