My Leap from C-level Hired Employee to Founder
After ten years in IT, working from a System Administrator to C-level positions like CTO and CIO, I found myself yearning for something more. My job no longer motivated me. I needed a new level of freedom, a fresh challenge. That’s when I decided to take the plunge and start my own company. During my years in IT, I witnessed the struggle businesses faced in scaling teams globally. They were so focused on hiring and team formation that they lost sight of business development and value creation. I saw an opportunity to create a company that could take on these functions, allowing businesses to concentrate on their core goals.
Having spent a decade as a customer, I deeply understood their pains. This insight gave me the confidence that I was on the right track. I knew that the direction I chose was correct. However, the reality of transitioning from a comfortable C-level job to an entrepreneur was stark. I had to abandon a stable income and step into the unknown, a place where there was no guaranteed paycheck, and survival was uncertain.
The Tough Reality of a Newly Baked CEO
Being the CEO of a startup means being an orchestra man, responsible for all and everything. Initially, it was a shock. I had to do everything from negotiating contracts to managing finances, hiring developers, and even booking hotels for employees. The reality hit hard: I was no longer in a structured environment with defined roles and processes. Instead, I was in a constant state of flux, dealing with uncertainty at every turn.
For the first six months, I lived on a modest budget – $300 a month, a significant drop from my previous salary. But this period taught me invaluable lessons about resilience and adaptability. I learned that entrepreneurship is about high risks, stakes, and uncertainty. Courage and intuition are essential to navigate these challenges.
Passionate Team: The Key to Growth and Success
A passionate team that shares your vision is a voucher to growth and success. I started with a small team—marketer, lead generator, and salesperson—all without extensive experience but with immense passion. Together, we faced the startup grind, and their commitment helped us secure our first clients. As the company grew, it became clear that constant transformations were inevitable. From a leader’s mindset to the evolution of the team and operations, everything had to adapt continuously. Some team members couldn’t keep up with the speed and evolution, which sometimes meant saying goodbye.
Transformation is a natural part of growth. As the business expanded, we had to let go of some team members no longer aligned with the company’s direction. It’s a challenging but necessary part of the journey. To survive in business, you must grow, but not at any cost. Fair play and ethical business practices are the foundation of long-term success. I’ve always believed that doing business ethically is the key to sustainable growth.
Follow the Call of Your Entrepreneur Heart
Starting a business is not just about having a great idea; it’s about having the courage to pursue it despite the risks. It requires a mindset shift from seeking stability to embracing uncertainty, which helps one navigate the entrepreneurial journey more effectively.
If you find yourself in a position where your current job no longer motivates you, and you’re obsessed with business idea, it might be the right time to launch your own company. If you’re ready to take that leap, the rewards can be immensely fulfilling. Just trust your intuition, be brave, and follow the call of your entrepreneurial heart.
Andrii Bezruchko, CEO and founder of Newxel, a contributor to Dynamic Business.
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