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.

Myro Yartym | Wedding/Event photographer

Taking risks is an inevitable part of life. Most of the time, risk is justified by the opportunity it presents. Therefore, when an opportunity arises, it often comes with some level of risk. In my opinion, it is very important to be able to differentiate a good opportunity from a bad one and take the right risk. Here is an example from my own life: Read more>>

Cole Marting | Conservative Author, Commentator, and Political Activist

I’m a huge fan of Grant Cardone’s take on risk: “Commit first, figure out the rest later.” For me, risk has been a driving force throughout my life and career. Grassroots and community organizing constantly demands a willingness to embrace uncertainty. One example is helping resurrect the San Diego Young Republicans after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as a dormant organization quickly became the fastest-growing Young Republican chapter in the state, all because we took calculated risks to grow the organization. Read more>>

Marc Aces | Personal Trainer & Investor

They definitely both made and broke me over the years. I’m a sucker for being overconfident and too trustworthy at times. Nowadays I’m way more methodical with my risk-taking and so far it’s worked out much better. Read more>>

Micah Ruiz | Digital Artist

I think risktaking has been an overarching factor in my life in general, but especially with my artistic career. Much of my decisions in terms of my business have been major leaps of faith. Risk taking has played a major role in putting myself out there as an artist. It definitely plays a role in each time I release new items in my shop. I think to start your own business in general is a game of chance. No matter how much you plan and organize, success is still dependent on the community around you and how people respond to your work. Read more>>

Rieko Hatato | Professional Ballet Dancer

I think everyone needs to take a risk sometimes to achieve their goals or to improve their lives. As a professional ballet dancer, I always take a risk of injuries because we use our bodies in unnatural ways. Even though we’ve been trained how to use our bodies to avoid injuries, we get hurt by accident while dancing or over dancing. But every time things happen, we learn how to improve ourselves not to get hurt again and we become stronger and better dancers. Read more>>