Risks & Rewards

How professional poker prepared Mike Devinsky for a career in private equity

By Kaylor Jones / Photo by Claudia Johnstone

Mike Devinsky was just 21 when he dropped out of Syracuse University to pursue a career in high-stakes poker.

“Immediately I saw an opportunity,” Devinsky says. “I started studying the game relentlessly, reading books, watching videos, trying different strategies. The game’s blend of skill, risk and psychology captivated me, offering a unique arena to test my analytical abilities and constantly improve.”

And improve he did – after Devinsky achieved the financial independence he sought, he pivoted to a career in entrepreneurship, another opportunity to apply his ability to thrive in uncertain environments. He co-founded a full-service digital marketing agency and, after a successful exit, starting trading in public and private markets.

“My knack for spotting high-potential ventures with asymmetrical risk/reward opportunities led to significant outperformance over the market for the next seven years,” says Devinsky, who moved to Scottsdale in 2020 and set his sights on real estate.

“I identified a critical issue – everyday homes were becoming unaffordable for middle-class families. Drawing on my diverse background in problem solving and strategy, I discovered and developed a scalable solution that bridges this gap, providing pathways to home ownership for families while offering investors safe, passive cashflow.”

As the founder and CEO of Scottsdale Investment Partners (www.scottsdaleinvests.com), established in 2024, Devinsky has built an investment model that embodies the philosophy of low risk, high reward that he’s applied to his careers in poker and investing.

“Knowing my background, I think people would be surprised at how risk-averse I really am.”

For long-term success in high-stakes poker, Devinsky says, one needs to hone skills in risk management, dynamic problem-solving and disciplined decision-making. “This is the approach we take at Scottsdale Investment Partners to provide our clients with the lowest risk, highest returns we’ve ever seen while also helping people get into a home they can afford.”

It’s this community impact that motivates Devinsky every day, in addition to the quiet grinders of the world – “those who work their tail off day in and day out, fighting hard for what they believe in. Those who refuse to quit or surrender until they’ve achieved their goal.”

Elevated Energy

Spiritual healer Gina Guy promotes transformation through soulful connections

By Kaylor Jones / Photo by Claudia Johnstone

For the past 25 years, Gina Guy has devoted her life to helping people achieve clarity and healing.

It’s something of a family business. “I come from a family of healers that guided me from a very young age,” says Guy, whose grandmother, mom and aunt inspired her on this lifelong path. “As a child, my abilities were at their strongest and at times that was overwhelming. Over time it became second nature and I grew into my gifts in a way that feels natural and deeply fulfilling.”

Through tarot and psychic readings, spiritual coaching, energy cleansing, and complete spiritual and energetic transformations, Guy strives to combine ancient wisdom with modern ideas of self-care.

“Ancient healing practices are the heartbeat of my work. They carry a wisdom that feels eternal,” she says. “Self-care, to me, is its own sacred ritual. It’s not just about skin care or meditation, it’s about tending to your soul with the same devotion that you give to your body. I encourage my clients to create sanctuaries within their daily lives and protect their energy like a jewel.”

Social media has become instrumental in how Guy connects with others, reaching millions of viewers around the world on TikTok (@mindbodyspiritmessages).

“Through mini readings, video messages and spiritual insights, I get to offer little moments of clarity that meet people exactly where they are. It feels like sprinkling light across the world, one message at a time.”

Guy says many people assume psychic work involves overly dramatic fortune telling or intimidating predictions of the future, but the reality is much deeper and more soulful.

“It’s not about entertainment, it’s about guidance, healing and clarity. This work isn’t mysterious in the way people imagine, it’s simply about connection to yourself, to your energy and to the path that will bring you peace and fulfillment.”

Through the ups and downs – including learning to trust her gift and treat her sensitivity as her superpower – Guy has always considered witnessing transformations to be the best part of her work. “To see someone walk in with heaviness, heartbreak or uncertainty, and then leave with peace, clarity and light – that’s what fills my soul.”

Learn more at www.psychiconhayden.com.