Corporate Life Got Your Soul?
Stop Enriching Others and Start Enriching Yourself
For most of my career, I’ve known that I’m an entrepreneur at heart and have the skills to make that a reality. I’d toyed with the idea for years but never pulled the trigger. After all, I had good reasons to stay in the corporate world—steady paychecks, healthcare, and the “security” that comes with being part of a large organization. Yet, every time I landed a new role, within a few years, the same frustrations would creep in: the lack of vision, the inability to execute quickly, and the constant feeling that those around me were operating from a position of complacency—many of whom had no experience outside the company they worked for. It doesn’t get more complacent than that.
Eventually, I realized that no matter how comfortable the position, I would never be truly happy working for someone else’s benefit. For 20 years, I had built businesses, made others wealthier, and only saw a fraction of the returns. So why not build something for myself? That thought sealed it for me. It wasn’t a sudden decision—it was the result of years of reflection, combined with the confidence that my experience had prepared me for this step. That’s exactly why I founded PerformanceLabs.AI.
Only eight weeks in (gulp!), I haven’t yet fully dialed in my ICP or UVP, but the progress I've made so far tells me I’m on the right track.
Breaking Down the Fear: The Reality of Entrepreneurship Today
There’s a reason I stayed in the corporate world for so long. The idea of losing that guaranteed paycheck every two weeks was a major factor. But when you peel back the layers, you realize those concerns are more psychological than practical.
Yes, having some runway (translation: personal seed money) is ideal, but don’t let the lack of it stop you. If you don’t have the cash upfront, keep reading and focus on raising capital (saving money) in the shadows while you're still collecting a paycheck. The gap between corporate security and entrepreneurial freedom isn’t as wide as it seems. Once you realize the power of choosing the work you do along with the potential for greater rewards, it becomes a no-brainer. Once I reframed my concerns, I realized my anxiety wasn’t about failing—it was about leaving the familiar. The moment I embraced that, things started to fall into place.
One thing I expected but never fully understood until now is how entrepreneurship forces a mindset shift. Sure, I’ve always been aware of personal finances, but when you’re funding your own business, you become laser-focused. Early on, you need to be mindful of expenses. But here’s the thing: if you move with the speed and mindset of an entrepreneur—swift, focused, and driven—your first contract, first invoice, and first win will arrive faster than you expect. As long as you hustle like a business owner, those first milestones come quicker than you think.
It's Easier Than Ever to Take the Leap
Here’s the fun part: there’s never been a better time to start a business. The tools at our disposal make it easier than ever. No longer do you need a massive team or expensive infrastructure to get off the ground. It’s 2024, and if you’ve got a credit card and Wi-Fi, you can be in business by the end of the day.
Take QuickBooks, for example—easy to use, automated invoicing, and expense tracking all at your fingertips. Incorporating your business? LegalZoom has made that as easy as clicking a few buttons and getting email reminders when it’s time to file necessary paperwork. HubSpot helps you automate marketing, manage customer relationships, and track your sales pipeline. And let’s not forget AI—your quiet co-founder. It can write proposals, generate content, and even handle market research in minutes. Tasks that used to take days can now be done with a few clicks, freeing you up to focus on growing your business.
The reality is, entrepreneurship isn’t as intimidating as it used to be. We’re in an age where digital tools, software, and automation allow you to focus on what really matters—building something meaningful. Sure, there’s a learning curve (I’m not going to sugarcoat that), but the tools and resources available today can make even the tedious parts enjoyable—or at least less painful!
My #1 Piece of Advice: Plan in the Shadows
One piece of advice I wish more people shared: you don’t have to quit your day job tomorrow to start your business. In fact, you absolutely shouldn’t. I spent about six months planning, strategizing, and quietly building my business while still collecting a paycheck. Trust me, this is the smartest move you can make. Having a clear plan, knowing your financial runway, and preparing behind the scenes makes the transition far smoother. By planning in the shadows, you’ll be ready for the moment when your steady paycheck disappears, and you can hit the ground running.
What’s surprising is that when I finally took the leap, I wasn’t nervous, and I haven’t felt any anxiety since.
Why? Two reasons:
First, I had done all the pre-planning. I didn’t jump blindly—I had a solid plan in place.
Second, I realized that the work I needed to do to succeed was the same work I had been doing for others for the past 20 years.
The skills, energy, and focus that built someone else’s business could now build mine. I knew in my heart that if I applied the same effort to my own venture, things would be just fine.
And the same will be true for you!
Trust Yourself and Take the Leap
If you’re reading this and thinking about starting your own business, I’m here to tell you—it’s not as scary as it seems. Trust your gut, trust your experience, and take the leap. The world is primed for entrepreneurs, and the tools are all there waiting for you.
The most important thing you need to bring is yourself—your energy, your drive, and your belief that you can do it!