Twelve years ago, I lost my big fat corporate job. I was the Chief Innovation Officer of the largest issuer of credit cards to small businesses in the United States. We had 1,000,000 customers, about $1 Billion of market cap, and approximately 1,000 employees, and we were completely decimated in the great recession.
Before it was my turn to be let go, I helped let go over 900 people. It was hands down the most brutal professional experience I ever had. And then my turn came.
On a Friday, I was let go, and on Saturday, I started working on MultiFunding. Six weeks later, we launched the company.
I think the biggest lessons I have learned are:
Never cry over spilled milk. Keep moving forward.
Building a company is a marathon, not a sprint. At least as how I see the world.
Love what you do, or it's not worth it. It will be longer, more challenging, and more complex than you can ever imagine.
Build a team around you that complements your skills and take care of them. You need them to want to love to come to work and feel good about what you do.
Ami -
Thank you for sharing. Really appreciate hearing how others have taken a gut punch and turned it into a better opportunity for themselves and their family......your the best!
- Christopher