So many people are stepping off the 9-5. Going solo, starting companies, becoming freelancers, doing fractional gigs…
This week we will hear from 3 founders that left the 9-5 and decided to start their own companies.
Let’s check out their founder stories 👇
Sladjan Bogojević
Tell us a bit about yourself
My name is Sladjan Bogojević, CEO & Founder of Talent Embassy, based in Malmö, Sweden. Our name ‘Talent Embassy’ comes from our mission to be an uplifting force in the tech industry by changing the way the world operates, one outstanding remote hire at a time.
I strongly believe that promoting remote work opportunities can have a positive impact on the world by improving the health and well-being of people, local economies, communities, and the environment. That’s why I see Talent Embassy as more than just a regular consulting agency, but rather as a movement for remote work.
How did your entrepreneurial journey start?
I always dreamed of running my own business, but I was too afraid to take the leap. But as time passed, I realized that no one was going to come along and offer me a job that perfectly fit my skills and strengths. I had to create it myself. With a huge dose of faith to boost my courage, I started Talent Embassy, my own company. It has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I am proud of what my team and I have built and grateful for the personal and professional growth it has brought me.
When did you decide to leave the 9-5 and build your own company?
It happened gradually. I first worked at Sony, where I learned invaluable skills and was offered great opportunities. Over time, however, I understood that I prefer working in smaller organizations, where I can be involved in a great range of different areas and make decisions at a faster pace. This suits my profile better, and once I realised this, the decision to build my own company came naturally.
What’s your advice to people who wants to start their own company?
First, if you are ready to take the leap, don’t wait: start your company as soon as you can. How do you know that you are ready? Vision, motivation and a powerful drive are important parameters, and I would advice starting by identifying your strengths and talents. Explore and find a context that aligns with these, and build a business that addresses a need you see in the market. Here, it’s important to put others first and focus on how you can help them. My vision is that any business enterprise should seek to be a force for positive change in the world, so consider what positive change you can create. Ultimately, you have to have faith, so ease a bit on the need for control along the entrepreneurial path ahead.
Sam Heringa
Tell us a bit about yourself
I’m Sam, 28-year-old, from Amsterdam, The Netherlands. It’s my mission to remove the spammy sales/marketing stuff out of this world and help sales and marketing professionals approach their ICP with empathy. That’s why I founded Just Leadz.
How did your entrepreneurial journey start?
The first 2 years were tough… But hard work pays off. The company grew in 2 years to 500K ARR – bootstrapped.
When did you decide to leave the 9-5 and build your own company?
I registered the company on 1st of January 2021, but 9-5 became 9-23 actually.
What’s your advice to people who wants to start their own company?
Just do it… Yes, Nike is right. I was scared too, but once you pulled the trigger, the feeling of relieve and the nuggets you’ll pick up from your journey are insane.
Caspar Hardholt
Tell us a bit about yourself
Hi, my name is Caspar Hardholt. I’m a Dutch entrepreneur with a passion for technology. I’m the CEO of a remote-first B2B SaaS company named Alumio, which offers an integration platform to organisations across the globe. I have an extensive background in IT services and a passion for creating an ambitious, trustful and respectful environment for my colleagues, clients and partners to grow in the era of information technology.
How did your entrepreneurial journey start?
My first job was creating websites and offering graphic design services to small local businesses that wished to have an online presence, something I began doing after school at the age of 16. That was before the dot-com bubble bursted. Whether it was the Italian pizzeria next door, or the art director the next street over, I was happy to help with their logos, advertisements, and whatever content they needed. It was easy money because it didn’t even feel like work, I loved doing it, and getting paid for it was just a bonus.
When did you decide to leave the 9-5 and build your own company?
I’ve never had a 9-5 job. During my study, I combined my part time job with building my own company. For me, building my company meant consistently putting a lot of time, effort and love in it. It still energises me when things develop and grow, so it has been my fuel for a very long time.
What’s your advice to people who wants to start their own company?
Starting your own company is about discipline, consistency and using your intelligence and creativity. But you’re the one in the driver’s seat. It’s not up to anyone to say ’you need to go the extra mile’ or ‘you need to work harder than the rest’. My advice would be ‘choose your own path’ and never stop learning.
If you have an idea for a company or side hustle – just start!
It’s OK to not know everything from the start.
You will figure things out during the way.
This year is all about investing in Ourselves.
Hope you enjoyed this week’s newsletter – See you next week!
Cheers, Hanna 💜✌️
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Read full article here: https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2022/09/the-future-of-work–whats-the-future-of-in-person-work.html