The Journey from Employee to Entrepreneur
May 23, 2023
Whether you are someone who aspires to start a business or are just intrigued by the transformative journey of going from employee to entrepreneur, you've landed on the right post. I'm Matt Monday, and I am going to share my personal journey navigating from the structured world of employment at iconic organizations to the exhilarating realm of entrepreneurship.
My journey started in the classrooms of Michigan State University's Eli Broad College of Business and Honors College, where I studied Finance. My years there armed me with a robust foundation in business concepts and the importance of hard work and resilience.
From there, I embarked on a rewarding journey with several innovative companies. I joined Apple in 2008, right when the App Store was becoming a major force in the tech industry. My role as Team Lead of App Store Editorial allowed me to help shape the app curation process and create pathways for thousands of developers to showcase their creativity. I also spent time at ESPN, STRV, Feedback Loop, and Atlas Financial, working in roles that honed my skills in product management, strategic partnerships, and leadership.
The Transition
The pivot from employee to entrepreneur wasn't something that happened overnight. It was a gradual shift, fueled by my deep-seated desire to create and build. To me, entrepreneurship represented a path to implement my ideas and drive changes that could make a meaningful impact. The transition was challenging, with its share of risks and uncertainties, but I was excited to leverage the skills I had gained from my previous roles.
I dove headfirst into the world of entrepreneurship with Karma Store, Inc., a "for purpose" corporation developing technology for volunteering and donations. It was exhilarating to see an idea transform into a business with actual revenues. This success encouraged me to continue my entrepreneurial journey with two more ventures: Human and Maslo. These experiences provided me with invaluable insights into the challenges of entrepreneurship, from validating ideas to navigating market landscapes to attracting initial customers and revenues.
Between Employment and Entrepreneurship
In addition to my own ventures, I took on roles as a contractor and consultant, working with companies like Onward, Act 4 Entertainment, and Futureloop. This unique blend of entrepreneurial ventures and contractual roles gave me a comprehensive perspective of the business world. Each experience informed and enriched the other; the challenges faced and overcome in my entrepreneurial ventures made me a better consultant, while the broader exposure to different industries and business models I received as a consultant provided me with fresh insights and ideas for my own ventures.
The journey from employee to entrepreneur is an intensely personal and transformative one. It's a path that requires resilience, adaptability, and a certain amount of courage. My advice to those considering this path is to leverage your unique experiences, skills, and perspectives. Be ready to learn, pivot, and, most importantly, grow.
Never underestimate the power of your network. The relationships you build along the way can be a tremendous source of support, learning, and opportunities. And always remember: the entrepreneurial journey is not just about the destination - it's about the insights, experiences, and personal growth you gain along the way.
Reflections
In reflecting on my journey, I realize that every twist, turn, setback, and triumph has been an essential part of my path. They've shaped me as a professional and as an individual. If you are considering a similar path, know that it may not be easy, but it is a journey filled with opportunities for tremendous personal and professional growth. Embrace the challenge
Whether you are someone who aspires to start a business or are just intrigued by the transformative journey of going from employee to entrepreneur, you've landed on the right post. I'm Matt Monday, and I am going to share my personal journey navigating from the structured world of employment at iconic organizations to the exhilarating realm of entrepreneurship.
My journey started in the classrooms of Michigan State University's Eli Broad College of Business and Honors College, where I studied Finance. My years there armed me with a robust foundation in business concepts and the importance of hard work and resilience.
From there, I embarked on a rewarding journey with several innovative companies. I joined Apple in 2008, right when the App Store was becoming a major force in the tech industry. My role as Team Lead of App Store Editorial allowed me to help shape the app curation process and create pathways for thousands of developers to showcase their creativity. I also spent time at ESPN, STRV, Feedback Loop, and Atlas Financial, working in roles that honed my skills in product management, strategic partnerships, and leadership.
The Transition
The pivot from employee to entrepreneur wasn't something that happened overnight. It was a gradual shift, fueled by my deep-seated desire to create and build. To me, entrepreneurship represented a path to implement my ideas and drive changes that could make a meaningful impact. The transition was challenging, with its share of risks and uncertainties, but I was excited to leverage the skills I had gained from my previous roles.
I dove headfirst into the world of entrepreneurship with Karma Store, Inc., a "for purpose" corporation developing technology for volunteering and donations. It was exhilarating to see an idea transform into a business with actual revenues. This success encouraged me to continue my entrepreneurial journey with two more ventures: Human and Maslo. These experiences provided me with invaluable insights into the challenges of entrepreneurship, from validating ideas to navigating market landscapes to attracting initial customers and revenues.
Between Employment and Entrepreneurship
In addition to my own ventures, I took on roles as a contractor and consultant, working with companies like Onward, Act 4 Entertainment, and Futureloop. This unique blend of entrepreneurial ventures and contractual roles gave me a comprehensive perspective of the business world. Each experience informed and enriched the other; the challenges faced and overcome in my entrepreneurial ventures made me a better consultant, while the broader exposure to different industries and business models I received as a consultant provided me with fresh insights and ideas for my own ventures.
The journey from employee to entrepreneur is an intensely personal and transformative one. It's a path that requires resilience, adaptability, and a certain amount of courage. My advice to those considering this path is to leverage your unique experiences, skills, and perspectives. Be ready to learn, pivot, and, most importantly, grow.
Never underestimate the power of your network. The relationships you build along the way can be a tremendous source of support, learning, and opportunities. And always remember: the entrepreneurial journey is not just about the destination - it's about the insights, experiences, and personal growth you gain along the way.
Reflections
In reflecting on my journey, I realize that every twist, turn, setback, and triumph has been an essential part of my path. They've shaped me as a professional and as an individual. If you are considering a similar path, know that it may not be easy, but it is a journey filled with opportunities for tremendous personal and professional growth. Embrace the challenge