The Role of Risk-Taking in Business Success (Deborah’s Voyage ATL Interview - Part 4)

Introduction

Risk-taking is at the core of entrepreneurship. Every successful business leader has faced moments where they had to step outside their comfort zone, embrace uncertainty, and trust their instincts. For Deborah Morton, Founder of Clareo Real Estate and Host of Inside Georgia Real Estate on WSB 95.5 FM, taking risks has been a defining factor in her journey. Whether it was transitioning from barbering to business ownership, launching a real estate brokerage, or investing in innovation, she has learned that calculated risks often lead to the greatest rewards.

In this segment of our blog series based on Deborah’s Voyage ATL interview, we explore the risks she has taken, the lessons learned, and why risk-taking is essential for business growth and long-term success.

🎥 Watch the full interview here: Voyage ATL Interview with Deborah Morton

Embracing Change: From Stability to the Unknown

Every major milestone in Deborah’s career involved a leap of faith. Moving into real estate after decades in other industries wasn’t an easy decision.

“Moving into real estate after 20 years in another career was a big leap of faith.” – Deborah Morton

Leaving a well-established barbershop business meant walking away from stability and familiarity. But Deborah knew that real growth required embracing change and seeking new opportunities. By taking that risk, she found a fulfilling career that allowed her to use her entrepreneurial skills in a new way.

➡ Key Lesson: The biggest opportunities often lie outside your comfort zone. Growth requires embracing uncertainty and being willing to start over when necessary.

Lessons from Business Setbacks

Not all risks lead to immediate success. One of the hardest moments in Deborah’s journey was when her manufacturing business partnership dissolved. It was a challenging period, but instead of dwelling on the failure, she chose to learn, adapt, and move forward.

“That business failed. It was a disappointment, but I learned a lot, and it made me who I am today. I am grateful for that.” – Deborah Morton

Taking risks doesn’t always mean winning, but it always means gaining experience. Failure is part of the entrepreneurial journey, and how you respond to setbacks determines your success in the long run.

➡ Key Lesson: Business failures are not the end—they are learning experiences. Every setback offers valuable lessons that can guide future success.

Investing in the Future: Marketing, Technology, and Growth

One of the biggest risks in business is investing in growth before seeing results. Deborah has taken bold steps in: ✅ Marketing Strategies – Investing in innovative marketing approaches to grow Clareo Real Estate. ✅ Technology & AI – Adopting AI-driven tools to stay ahead of industry changes. ✅ Hiring & Training – Recruiting the right people and mentoring them for long-term success.

“I’ve taken risks in business by investing in marketing strategies and tech, hiring and training agents, and expanding services to better serve my clients.” – Deborah Morton

These investments don’t always guarantee immediate success, but they set the foundation for long-term growth and industry leadership.

➡ Key Lesson: The best business leaders take calculated risks in growth and innovation, knowing that the biggest payoffs come from long-term vision.

The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Purpose, Focus & Resilience

At the heart of Deborah’s approach to risk-taking is a mindset of persistence, purpose, and resilience. She believes that success comes from: ✅ Trusting your instincts – Learning to make decisions even when the outcome is uncertain. ✅ Building confidence through challenges – Each risk taken, whether it succeeds or fails, strengthens an entrepreneur’s ability to handle future obstacles. ✅ Staying committed to the bigger vision – Keeping long-term goals in focus rather than getting discouraged by short-term setbacks.

“Overcoming obstacles has always come down to mindset. Attempting hard things and succeeding (or not dying) builds confidence.” – Deborah Morton

➡ Key Lesson: A strong entrepreneurial mindset is what separates those who succeed from those who give up when challenges arise.

Final Thoughts

Taking risks in business and real estate isn’t about gambling—it’s about strategic decision-making, learning from failures, and continuously pushing forward. Deborah Morton’s journey is proof that bold moves lead to big opportunities. Her willingness to embrace change, invest in growth, and trust her instincts has made her a successful entrepreneur and real estate leader.

🚀 Want to hear more of Deborah’s insights? Check out the full interview here: Voyage ATL Interview

📩 Thinking about buying or selling in Atlanta? Contact Clareo Real Estate today for expert guidance!
👉 Visit: Clareo Real Estate

🏡 Curious about your home's value? Get a free home valuation here: Check Your Home’s Worth

💼 Are you a real estate agent looking for a supportive and growth-driven team? Join Clareo Real Estate and take your career to the next level! Explore Opportunities Here

🎙️ Tune in to Inside Georgia Real Estate – a weekly talk radio program on 95.5 FM WSB Radio / 750 AM! Join Deborah every Saturday at 1 PM, where she shares expert real estate advice, market updates, and insider tips to help buyers, sellers, and investors make informed decisions.

Contact Info:

🌐 Website: Clareo Real Estate | Inside Georgia Real Estate
📷 Instagram: @clareorealestate
📘 Facebook: Clareo Group
💼 LinkedIn: Deborah Morton
▶️ YouTube: Clareo Real Estate | Inside Georgia Real Estate