Are taking risks the only path towards success?

i think that depends on what metrics you weigh so heavily to qualify as a validation of being successful in the first place.

"I think taking calculated risks is important, but it's not the only thing that matters. Hard work, dedication, and perseverance are also essential ingredients for success."

Not necessarily, however generally the more the risk the higher the reward (not in all cases of course)

"I need both great developers and great salespeople to succeed. But if I had to choose, I'd say developers are more important in the early stages."

No, small steps towards your dream can help you become more successful.

strategy as well

I don’t think so. I think not giving up is the only path to success.

The headline seems a bit like a loaded question. Risks are part of the game, but they're not the whole playbook.

Sometimes, yes. But one definetely shouldn't go all-in.

Definitely not "the only path", but sometimes risks are simply unavoidable.

There are many people who also play it "safe" and do just fine. Success is relative. The key is to show up and be consistent while working smarter not harder. Does that have to include risk? No! It all comes down to what your end goal entails. If you want to be the next Jeff Bezos or Elon Musk, then you can bet it is going to involve a ton of risk to get there. However, if you just want to live a comfortable life and take care of the ones around you, there can be very little life-changing risks involved. The only thing you'll be risking is your time and it failing.