Why FEAR is the Gateway to Success – The Truth About Taking Risks

by Kim Faines

Unlocking Leadership and Success with Jessica Rivera: From Corporate Powerhouse to Business Coach

In the world of leadership, business strategy, and personal development, few names shine as brightly as Jessica Rivera. As the founder of JRCC (Jessica Rivera Coaching & Consulting), Jessica has spent years empowering professionals and entrepreneurs to unlock their full potential. But her path to success wasn’t a straight line—it was filled with risks, self-discovery, and a commitment to showing up as her authentic self.

In a recent episode of the Dream is Real podcast, hosted by JD from Dream Select Realty, Jessica shared her incredible journey from a high-powered corporate executive to a business coach and leadership consultant. Let’s dive into her inspiring story and the valuable insights she offers for professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs alike.

The Corporate Climb: Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry

Jessica’s career began in the corporate world, where she climbed the ranks to lead a $4 billion sales department. This was no small feat, particularly in a male-dominated industry where she often found herself as the only woman at the table.

During this time, she was exposed to traditional leadership styles—command-and-control methods that treated employees more like subordinates than valued team members. However, something about this approach didn’t sit right with her. She realized that true leadership isn’t about barking orders; it’s about inspiring, guiding, and empowering people.

Her corporate experience taught her a valuable lesson: the best leaders aren’t just authoritative—they’re authentic, vulnerable, and intentional in their communication.

The Turning Point: Taking the Leap into Entrepreneurship

Jessica took several risks throughout her career, each one shaping her into the leader she is today. One of her first major career pivots came when she left a secure corporate job to work for a small, mom-and-pop organization. This decision was met with resistance from her family, who questioned why she would leave behind the stability of a corporate paycheck and benefits. But Jessica followed the opportunity, and it paid off.

Later, she transitioned back into corporate, leading remote sales teams long before remote work became the norm. But the biggest risk of all came when she decided to walk away from her high-paying, multi-six-figure corporate job to start her own coaching and consulting business. It was terrifying, but deep down, it felt right.

The Power of Bold, Authentic, and Vulnerable Leadership

One of the most striking lessons Jessica shared during her interview was the power of combining boldness, authenticity, and vulnerability.

Many people see vulnerability as a weakness, especially in high-stakes business environments. But Jessica learned firsthand that showing up as your true self is actually a strength. She shared a story about a colleague who, despite being in a formal business setting, openly shared personal stories that resonated deeply with clients. The clients loved his realness, and it made Jessica realize that she needed to be more open and authentic in her own leadership style.

Over time, she worked to peel back the layers of “corporate speak” and bring her true self to the table. As a result, her relationships with colleagues and clients strengthened, and her influence grew.

Mindset and Success: Overcoming the Inner Critic

Jessica believes that our biggest roadblock to success is often ourselves. That little voice in our head—the inner critic—tells us we’re not good enough, not smart enough, or not ready. Even highly successful individuals struggle with this voice.

One of Jessica’s executive clients, a Chief Information Officer (CIO) at a global organization, still battled with the belief that he had to be the first one in the office and the last one to leave. Despite his extensive experience and leadership position, the same limiting beliefs that plagued him early in his career still followed him.

Jessica teaches her clients to identify this inner critic, recognize its patterns, and reframe the narrative. Instead of focusing on doubts, she encourages people to look at their past successes. If they’ve accomplished one big goal, they can accomplish another.

Lessons for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners

As an entrepreneur herself, Jessica understands the challenges of building and scaling a business. She often works with business owners to refine their leadership skills, enhance their sales strategies, and create a sustainable roadmap for success.

For those in real estate—whether buyers, sellers, or investors—she offers a powerful lesson: Start where you are, and build from there. She shared an analogy during the podcast: If someone’s dream is to own a $10 million home, but they’re currently living in a basement apartment, the path to success isn’t about making one giant leap—it’s about taking strategic steps. That could mean starting with a two-family home, living in one unit, and renting out the other to build equity.

This principle applies to any business goal: Define your dream, assess where you are, and take small, consistent actions to bridge the gap.

Goal Setting and Accountability: The Key to Growth

One of Jessica’s most impactful strategies is helping clients with goal setting. Many people struggle to articulate their goals because they’re afraid of failure or don’t believe their dreams are possible. But Jessica encourages people to dream big, write down their goals, and create a plan to achieve them.

She also emphasizes the importance of accountability. Whether it’s tracking progress through a “highlight reel” (a document where you record monthly accomplishments) or setting up personal accountability systems, taking ownership of your actions is crucial.

Embracing the Journey: You Are the Problem—And the Solution

Jessica’s wisdom boils down to one simple truth: You are both the problem and the solution. The limitations you believe in are often self-imposed, and the moment you recognize that, you gain the power to change your reality.

Whether it’s overcoming fear, taking calculated risks, or showing up as your most authentic self, Jessica Rivera’s journey proves that success is about mindset, strategy, and unwavering self-belief.

For business owners, entrepreneurs, and real estate professionals looking to elevate their leadership and achieve their goals, Jessica’s coaching and consulting services offer a roadmap to success.

Connect with Jessica Rivera

If you’re ready to take your leadership and business to the next level, you can connect with Jessica Rivera through:

  • Instagram: @CoachJessicaRivera

  • TikTok: @CoachJessicaRivera

  • LinkedIn: Jessica Rivera

  • Website: JessicaRivera.co

  • Podcast: Success Unscripted

For more insights into business, leadership, and real estate, be sure to follow Dream is Real and visit www.dreamselectrealty.com for the latest news on homes for sale in Long Island, New York.


Jessica Rivera’s journey is a testament to the power of authenticity, courage, and resilience. Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, or investing in real estate, her lessons can help you unlock new levels of success. The dream is real—you just have to take the first step.

 

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Levar Carter

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