From Poverty to Partner
My Unconventional Journey to Venture Capital
Life is a series of twists and turns, and my journey has been no exception. Losing my mother at 16 after her long battle with drug addiction was a devastating blow, but it also ignited a fire within me. I was determined to escape the poverty that had gripped my family for generations. This wasn't a setback; it was the catalyst for my relentless ambition. I recently sat down with Jason Patel on his podcast and had a chance to reflect on my journey so thought I would share some of the story and takeaways.
I thought I had "made it" when I landed a job on Wall Street. But the reality quickly shattered the dream. I was surrounded by drained colleagues, and I knew this wasn't the life I wanted. So, I left Wall Street, and that's when my career really took an interesting turn. I ventured into real estate, flipping homes during the boom. But when the market crashed in 2008, I pivoted to digital marketing. I cut my teeth at a fast-growing tech startups (many of which went to zero including some I later tried myself), which exposed me to the transformative power of software. This led me to BD and product management roles at companies like Amazon and Microsoft. My career has been an eclectic path, fueled by my interests and a desire to make an impact.
I've built my career through a combination of hard work, perseverance, and continually learning new skills. I wasn't afraid to take risks, change careers, and start over at the bottom to gain experience. I read voraciously to become an expert in new fields as I transitioned from finance to real estate to marketing to tech. Soft skills like communication, empathy, and leadership were just as important. I invested time networking and building relationships that opened doors. Mentors were crucial to advise me as my career progressed.
It wasn't until my 40s that I found my true calling—investing in startups. I excel at spotting business opportunities and bringing together the right team to capitalize on them. I combine analytical skills for assessing markets with creative skills for generating innovative solutions. The moment I began angel investing and spearheading my own venture firm, I knew this was more than a job; it was my calling. I would do this for a measly salary if I had to. Indeed, that was the question I asked myself when I washed out of Wall Street: what would I do if I had enough money and never had to work again? Now I know - don’t stop until you do as well.
For those of you who are young and seeking careers, my advice is simple: build skills in areas that ignite your passion. Provide value to people and enjoy the process, not just the end goal. I've worked at various startups, including a high flying unicorn: Rocket Fuel, and the biggest lesson I've learned is to always be learning and trying new things.
Looking back, I'm grateful for the grit and character my difficult past instilled in me. These traits have powered me through obstacles and set me up for success in the challenging world of startups and venture capital. So, if you're at a crossroads, remember that challenges can be your greatest assets. Use them to build resilience and don't let setbacks deter you from pursuing your dreams. Your journey might be long and filled with twists and turns, but with perseverance and self-belief, you'll find your way. It isn’t an easy path, but it’s worth it.