A Facebook veteran took a big career risk that resulted in a 'giant failure' — but embracing a 'J-curve' career path paid off

Former Facebook exec Molly Graham said she took a big risk that resulted in a product flop, but the growth opportunity helped her become a leader at billion-dollar firms.

credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images

• Molly Graham said making a risky move while at Facebook helped set her up for later leadership roles.
• She calls the experience a "J-curve," where a big career bet eventually spawns outsized gains.
• "My gut felt really strongly that I needed to take the risk," Graham told Business Insider.