Gordon's Path

There’s a certain thrill that comes with taking a risk. It’s equal parts fear and excitement like standing at the edge of a diving board, knowing the water is deep but also knowing you’ve prepared for the jump. For me, taking risks has never been about recklessness. It’s been about trusting myself enough to believe I’ll figure it out on the way down.

I took my first big leap in high school, when I started Sneakers Canada. Most of my friends were focused on part-time jobs or sports, but I wanted something different. I saw an opportunity, built a brand, and launched a business that sold over 600 pairs of shoes, gained a loyal following of 1,000+ on Instagram, and most importantly funded my entire university education. There were no guarantees, just late nights, relentless effort, and a belief that I could create something from nothing.

That experience taught me this: taking risks isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about backing yourself to figure it out as you go.

That mindset carried over into everything I did, especially in swimming. Competing at a high level, even qualifying for Olympic trials, didn’t happen overnight. It took years of early mornings, tough practices, and pushing past limits I didn’t know I had. But I always bought into one core belief: the more I put in, the more I get out. That discipline of showing up every day and investing in my own growth helped me in the pool, in business, and in life.

Later, I jumped into the solar industry, starting as a Solar Advisor and eventually moving up to Solar Qualifier. I even began building a solar shingles business while working full-time. I was pulling 10-hour days, juggling calls, business plans, and installations. Eventually, I had to hit pause not because I was giving up, but because I realized the risk wasn’t sustainable at that moment. I needed to prioritize my health and finances first. That moment of reassessment taught me that sometimes the boldest risk is choosing to wait.

Growing up with ADHD and dyslexia, I was constantly told I wouldn’t succeed in school let alone build businesses or lead projects. But I believed I could. And belief, I’ve learned, is the biggest risk of all because it demands action before validation.

Now, I see risk not as a gamble, but as a commitment to growth. Every leap I’ve taken has taught me more about who I am, what I’m capable of, and what truly matters.

If you’re standing on the edge of something big, I’ll say this:
Jump. Trust your ability to adapt. Take the chance. Because sometimes, risk is the only path to becoming the person you’re meant to be.