Before You Leap: How Corporate Life Prepared Me for Entrepreneurship

The first time I walked into a high school counselor's office in the suburbs of Washington D.C., I was searching for a way out. Years later, as I climbed the corporate ladder, I found that staying the course would teach me more than I ever imagined—lessons that would become invaluable when I finally stepped into entrepreneurship.

As my classmates were guided towards college and career paths, I was told my SAT scores indicated I wasn’t "smart enough for college." I was too embarrassed to tell even my closest friends.

Instead of the encouragement I was hoping for, my counselor offered limited options.

I sat there in my plaid skirt, one brown knee shaking up and down, my braces so tight I could barely smile.

“You could be a secretary,” she offered with a soft tilt of her head and a smile that made it clear she thought this was good news. In that moment, it felt like the path I’d been walking suddenly narrowed to a single, uninviting door.

I waited, hoping for more, but no other options came. Embarrassment kept me silent, and fear of losing even this small opening held me back from asking for more.

I didn’t know it then, but that one sentence would shape the way I navigated every major transition. From the uncertainties of college to the challenges of corporate life, and finally, to the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship.

In that moment, it felt like the world had been sliced up and handed out to everyone else, leaving me salivating for just a bite. But deep down, I wasn’t dreaming of a slice—I was imagining a day when I’d own the ingredients, the factory, and the key to the bakery, ready to share as much pie as I wanted.

As a multicultural woman in the 1990s, the career options presented to me weren’t exactly overflowing with creativity. My guidance counselor’s so-called fortune-telling wasn’t just a reflection of my supposed skills—it was a narrow lens that I momentarily adopted, obscuring my own vision of what someone like me could truly achieve. But even then, I had dreams bigger than that. I wanted to work in the skyscrapers of New York City, where people in power suits made deals and changed the world. I didn’t know how to get there—or if I ever could. But the drive to find out would shape everything that came next.

Looking back now, I realize that those early years were less about proving others wrong and more about proving something to myself. Call it a crash course in finding myself—one that laid the groundwork for the leader and entrepreneur I’d eventually have to become.

The Corner Office That Changed Everything

My first real break came in the most unexpected of places—a penthouse corner office in Manhattan, complete with white leather sofas, a wet bar, and a view that could rival any postcard. I had been sent there by an employment agency to interview at Steelcase, the world’s largest office furniture manufacturer. It was there, sitting across from an impressive woman in leadership who embodied every bit of power and elegance that skyline promised, that my career trajectory took a turn.

"You could lead a team," she told me.

That meeting wasn’t just a job offer; it was the key to a door I hadn’t realized was locked, one that opened to a path I never imagined taking. Before I knew it, the corporate ladder no longer appeared as two poles with broken rungs. It looked like a staircase to the sky. With that fresh confidence, I began to rise through the ranks. I took on roles that allowed me to learn the ins and outs of business management, eventually returning to school to solidify my knowledge. Each step up was fueled by the belief that I could do more, and soon I found myself in positions I had only dreamed of, working alongside executives and leaders who saw me as a peer while others took on the role of mentor.

But what I didn’t realize at the time was that each of these experiences was teaching me more than just the mechanics of business. They were shaping my approach to leadership—an approach rooted in empathy, resilience, and the understanding that the most powerful thing you can offer someone is belief in their potential.

Learning the Art of Networking

Learning how to network was the equivalent of personal branding before that concept even had a name. It was the art of professional socializing before LinkedIn and social media were in the palms of our hands. Networking became a foundational tool that not only advanced my career but also helped me build a reputation that would serve me well in every future endeavor.

Visibility, both in the office and within the industry, was crucial. It wasn’t just about who you knew, but about making sure the right people recognized your potential and understood what you could bring to the table. This early grasp of personal branding became a cornerstone that would later prove pivotal in my entrepreneurial journey.

Networking quickly became less about the business cards in my hand and more about the conversations that lingered—those unexpected connections that opened doors I hadn’t even realized were there. It was about being strategic—recognizing that every interaction was an opportunity to leave a lasting impression. Over the years, these connections became the building blocks of my personal brand, a brand that spoke to both my professional abilities and my steady determination.

The Real Education: Nights at the Library and Corporate America

While my classmates were graduating from college, I was mastering shorthand and dictation, learning how to change the ink ribbon on an IBM typewriter, and practicing how to properly answer calls for executives with penmanship that would make a calligrapher proud.

Once in New York City, I had the privilege of working with some of the world’s most renowned companies—Morgan Stanley, Steelcase, and Microsoft, among others. But it was my time at Steelcase that truly shaped my future ambitions. When the company acquired an 8-story landmark building at 4 Columbus Circle in the heart of Manhattan, I found myself contributing to one of the most ambitious projects of my career.

This building, originally built in 1987—the same year I graduated high school—stood as a symbol of both the potential and the constraints I had faced back then. Transforming it into what we called a "WorkLife Center" felt like coming full circle, turning the year of my graduation into a foundation for something far greater.

Our collective efforts brought together thought leaders, visionaries, designers, architects, and construction experts to create an environment that went beyond cubicles and task chairs. Imagine a meditative labyrinth of cozy living room spaces, private enclaves, and, instead of a traditional conference room, an interactive café with sweeping views of Central Park and the best cappuccino in town. 4 Columbus Circle became a space that invited people to work, create, and connect in ways that felt natural and engaging. The goal wasn’t to build another showroom but to develop an experience—a living example of how the right work environment could elevate performance and foster innovation. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have worked on this project at Steelcase—it became the best education I could have ever received.

It was in these late-night meetings and early-morning strategy sessions that I began to grasp the intricate dance of business—the delicate balance between creativity and pragmatism, innovation and execution. Watching this 3D vision come to life taught me more about business, leadership, and the power of collaboration than I could have ever fully grasped in a classroom alone. It was here that I recognized my own potential to pursue commercial real estate development, laying the groundwork for my entrepreneurial interests.

This project wasn’t just a professional challenge; it was a defining moment that solidified my belief that business could be a powerful force for creativity and change. It confirmed that success in the corporate world isn’t about conforming to a pre-existing mold—it’s about carving out a space where your unique vision can flourish, driving impact and building community. And honestly, sometimes I do miss corporate.

The Importance of Mentorship

Mentors have a way of appearing when you least expect them, often in the most unassuming moments. They might hand you a book like Man’s Search for Meaning, or help you work through a complex idea, never fully realizing the profound impact they’re having. Through these quiet exchanges, late-night study sessions, and shared wisdom, I found myself being gently guided toward a version of me I had long believed was out of reach.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned during my corporate days was the significance of mentorship and coaching. Steelcase offered world-class training, paired with mentorship that provided a safety net to fail and try again. This approach, where potential was recognized and nurtured through guided discovery, deeply influenced the way I mentor and coach others today. I’ve come to understand that success isn’t about having all the right answers—it’s about helping others find their own.

Mentorship, I realized, is less about instruction and more about empowerment. The greatest entrepreneurs all had mentors who guided them, and I strive to offer that same level of support and encouragement to those I mentor, recognizing their potential and helping them achieve it on their own journey of discovery. It’s about giving people the tools to carve out their path, not just handing them a map.

Why You Should Stay (For Now)

I share this not simply as a look back, but as a reflection for anyone currently in corporate life, uncertain about the future, and considering that leap into entrepreneurship. Here’s the thing: I loved my corporate jobs. I had no nightmare boss stories to tell (though I’ve heard my fair share of them). But even in those challenging moments, there’s always a way to adjust your perspective, to endure until the right time comes to make your move.

Corporate life is an invaluable education for entrepreneurship. Today, you contribute to a larger corporate vision, working within teams and departments that support your role. As an entrepreneur, you’ll need to bring those same moving parts together within your own venture. Whether you’re starting out as a solopreneur or building something larger, the departments that once supported you now become your responsibility. You’re no longer just contributing to the vision; you’re orchestrating it.

Understanding how different departments—marketing, accounting, operations—intertwine is worth paying attention to before you leap. It’s what makes the whole business run smoothly, and is often why many hesitate to jump into entrepreneurship. They recognize that success doesn’t come from just one area excelling; it requires all parts working in harmony. This comprehensive understanding is one of the most valuable lessons corporate life can offer.

There’s a beauty in this hesitation—it means you understand the gravity of the decision. Entrepreneurship isn’t simply about becoming your own boss; it’s about assuming responsibility for the entire operation. Sometimes, staying in your current role a little longer can provide the insights and experience you need to lead effectively when the time comes.

Throughout my corporate experience, I also learned the importance of visibility—not just in the boardroom, but in the broader professional world. Building a personal brand is far more than perfecting your résumé. It’s about how you present yourself in both physical and digital spaces. The digital presence you’re nurturing today could become the foundation for the dreams you’re quietly building. Each profile you create, each domain you claim, is a step toward revealing the person behind your next big idea and future business.

The skills you’re honing now will be invaluable when you step into entrepreneurship. Just as you’ve navigated the complexities of corporate life, you’re also laying the groundwork for your next chapter. Being intentional about your personal brand now will not only enhance your current role but also ensure you’re ready to step confidently into your entrepreneurial journey when the time is right.

So, why stay? Because the best entrepreneurs take the time to learn the ropes before striking out on their own. Even Steve Jobs worked at Atari before launching Apple. How you treat your job today is how you’ll expect your future employees to treat theirs. Be an excellent employee, not because it’s expected, but because it’s the training ground for becoming an excellent entrepreneur.

The Turning Point: When the Call Won’t Stop Ringing

And then there comes that moment—the one where the comfortable hum of corporate life starts to feel like background noise. You’ve got a good gig—maybe even a great one. But somewhere in the back of your mind, there’s this itch, this unshakable feeling that there’s more out there for you. You start to wonder if maybe, just maybe, it’s time to find out.

For me, that moment came after years of climbing the corporate ladder, from managing office logistics to flying on private jets and enjoying the plush perks of corporate life. And then I left it all—the company car, the endless expense accounts, the bonuses flooding my bank account like lottery winnings. I walked away from it all to risk my savings on a commercial real estate development project, my first startup venture. It was terrifying, exhilarating, and absolutely the right decision.

This was the moment when I stopped wondering “what if” and started asking “why not?” It wasn’t just a step into the unknown; it was a decisive move built on everything I had learned along the way. It’s the kind of choice that shakes you up, but makes you feel more alive than ever.

Full Circle: Where It All Began

As I sit here today, reflecting on that experience and remembering the city sidewalks of New York City I once walked, I can’t help but think of my father. He was a self-employed dental technician who worked from home, a man whose sense of responsibility and attention to detail planted the first seeds of entrepreneurship in me. I watched him balance work and life, manage his business with quiet determination, and create something meaningful out of sheer will.

The lessons my father imparted, often in the quiet rhythms of his work, echoed through the voices of the mentors I encountered in the corporate world. Each one seemed to carry a fragment of his wisdom, guiding me not just toward success, but toward a deeper understanding of my own potential—a legacy passed down, not in words, but in the silent example of a life well-lived.

Now, as I mentor others, I see how my journey has come full circle. I could never have imagined this from a chair in a counselor’s office. I’ve learned that it was my responsibility to imagine my future, not anyone else’s. It was up to me to break free from the limiting beliefs that were handed to me.

The landscape of the workplace has changed drastically since my days in corporate life. I’ve witnessed waves of layoffs, the rebound of certain industries after Covid, and more rounds of mass layoffs. The future of work is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advances that outpace our ability to adapt. While these are times of uncertainty, they also offer incredible opportunities to choose our path forward.

So, whether you’re on the fence about your next career move or trying to figure out where you fit in this wild, uncertain world, remember this: every step you take today is a deliberate choice that shapes your tomorrow. You can be an employee or a business owner. One is not better than the other. The difference lies in the journey you choose—whether to shape your own vision or contribute to someone else’s. And if a girl once told she’d be lucky to learn how to type 75 words per minute and answer phones can make it, so can you.

If you’re interested in learning more about entrepreneurship and the behind-the-scenes details of my first venture, I invite you to sign up for my newsletter. Each edition offers insights, lessons learned, and the practical advice you need to navigate your own journey, whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder or preparing to step into the world of business ownership.

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