This question plagues many in the tech world, including myself. As a thirty-something with a few wins under my belt, I often find myself oscillating between unbridled ambition and humble gratitude.
In my alter ego’s head, on one hand I feel like a young Michael Bloomberg mixed with Jack Dorsey, ready to insert myself in this global Tech industry, backed by my own hard work and seed capital from my enterprise sales career and inspired by figures like Tope Awotona of Calendly. On the other hand, in reality I’m reminded of my roots and the blessings I’ve received, tempering my ambitions with thankfulness understanding I’m healthy and financially stable and pretty happy taking all things into consideration, so I’ve already won… But let’s forget all that. This is how I’m currently feeling and thinking.
My entrepreneurial journey has been shaped by a diverse array of experiences and influences. While college provided a foundation, it was my subsequent professional experiences that truly molded me. I honed my skills working primarily in finance, collaborating with top business consulting firms, and engaging in C-suite and enterprise sales. These experiences were complemented by a couple of successful after-work ventures that resulted in either decent profits or small exits. In recent years, I’ve immersed myself in the world of entrepreneurship and innovation through various mediums. I find myself binge-listening to podcasts like Founders Podcast, Diary of a CEO, Masters of Scale, and All In, as well as my two original favorites: “How I Built This with Guy Raz” and Jason Calacanis’ “This Week in Startups.” For relaxation, I enjoy watching shows like “Succession” and “Super Pumped,” while also devouring Y Combinator content and Stanford Business School talks. This constant exposure to entrepreneurial content has fueled my passion and drive to succeed in the business world.
The stories of tech giants and their struggles have left an indelible mark on my psyche. Perhaps most impactful was an episode of “This Week in Startups” featuring Travis Kalanick, which explored why some founders persist in the face of extreme adversity while others bow out after a single venture. It’s this resilience, this “super pumped” energy, that drives me forward, even when faced with challenges that push me to the precipices of my comfort zone.
This entrepreneurial spirit, I’ve come to realize, isn’t limited to Silicon Valley stereotypes. It extends to private practice dentists, second or third-generation restaurant owners, independent ophthalmologists, and small firm lawyers. These professionals, too, navigate their own versions of “walking along the precipices,” making high-stakes decisions that impact their businesses and families. It’s a reminder that the drive to create, innovate, and lead can manifest in various forms across different industries.
The constant exposure to success and failure stories and entrepreneurial content has instilled in me a sense of restless ambition. I find myself striving to be the main character in my own success story, pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities. Yet, there’s a part of me that remains grounded, understanding that success isn’t just about reaching a specific goal but about enjoying the journey and making a positive impact along the way.
Ultimately, this internal dialogue between ambition and gratitude, between the desire to achieve more and the appreciation for what I’ve already accomplished, defines my entrepreneurial journey. It’s a balance that many founders and CEOs grapple with daily. As we navigate the complex world of business and innovation, it’s crucial to remember that everyone’s path is unique. Whether you’re building the next tech unicorn or running a family business, the entrepreneurial spirit is about pushing yourself to do more, to be more, while still acknowledging the value of where you are and what you’ve achieved.
Look, I went to college, but that was like 15 years ago. A lot has changed since then, but my drive to learn and grow hasn’t. I’m still hungry to use my talents, to push boundaries, and to make an impact. But it’s not just about my journey anymore. I want to shine a spotlight on the hustlers, the dreamers, the next generation of founders and entrepreneurs all over the world. From the tech visionary in Nairobi revolutionizing mobile payments to the sustainability pioneer in Bangalore reshaping urban farming, these are the stories that need to be told.
At Techwithat.com, we hope to champion and shed first light on the next big companies, founders, and VC deal makers. We want to be that first article, much like a seed check or investor who believes in you and your company’s ability to change the world. Take Alexis Ohanian, for example. He’s not just making great investments as an Investor and the principal owner of Angel City FC, a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team, but he’s seriously betting on the future of women’s sports. As a soccer dad myself, I’m inspired by moves like this. I hope to reach that level of play, where I can make smart business decisions that also create a lasting legacy. Imagine being able to leave something like ownership of a team to my daughter – that’s the kind of impact I’m talking about. Because at the end of the day, it’s about finding a way to keep creating, to keep pushing forward. It’s about inspiring the next greats, the ones who will shape our future in ways we can’t even imagine yet. That’s the kind of entrepreneur I aspire to be, and the kind of stories I want to tell here at Techwithat.com
In the near future, Techwithat.com will be expanding our team and launching original content and bringing our readers compelling stories and interviews from the proven winners to the soon-to-be titans. We’re committed to showcasing the full spectrum of entrepreneurial journeys, from those who’ve already made their mark to those on the cusp of greatness. For more information and to join us on this exciting venture, visit Techwithat.com. Together, we’ll explore the cutting edge of innovation and entrepreneurship, inspiring the next generation of game-changers and world-shapers…
Editor-in-Chief: LeadTechBro
Source: Techwithat/PRNewswire
