My Worst Investment Ever Podcast · 2026-02-02 · 32 min
BIO: Athena Brownson is a Denver realtor, investor, developer, and former professional skier whose resilience through chronic illness fuels her refined, strategic, and client-focused approach to real estate. STORY: Athena lost $130,000 in her first development project when a builder she considered a friend vanished with the upfront funds. Her trust and incomplete due diligence led to a total loss, teaching her that personal relationships can create dangerous blind spots in business. LEARNING: Due diligence is non-negotiable. Trust is a liability. “A simple conversation with someone that we know, like, and trust is invaluable, because they can point out to us the blind spots that we may have missed in our excitement.” Athena Brownson Guest profile Athena Brownson is a Denver realtor, investor, developer, and former professional skier whose resilience through chronic illness fuels her refined, strategic, and client-focused approach to real estate. Worst investment ever Athena Brownson entered her first development project with confidence and a seemingly dream team. With a 45-year veteran developer - her father - by her side, she felt prepared.
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