How do innovators compartmentalize risk?

Compartmentalizing risk is a strategy some innovators use to balance their high-risk business pursuits with a stable personal life. According to a discussion between Andrew Huberman and Marc Andreessen, certain high achievers are able to maintain a highly controlled and sedate personal life. They avoid extreme sports or financially risky behaviors and adhere strictly to laws and regulations in their personal lives. This allows them to take significant risks in their business ventures while maintaining stability elsewhere 1.

Moreover, Andreessen highlights that some highly competent innovators can conduct their endeavors without breaking any laws but still need to break social norms. They often face substantial social resistance and skepticism, which they must tolerate to innovate successfully. This requires a balance between adhering to ethical guidelines and pushing against conventional boundaries to bring new ideas to fruition 2.

In today's culture, particularly with the rise of "cancel culture," there can be a limiting effect on innovation as potential innovators might be deterred by the fear of public backlash. This environment may inhibit those who lack the confidence or strategies to manage societal scrutiny 3.