Beyond the Corporate Ladder: A Journey of Resilience & Change

Introduction:

In the world of technology, success stories are often dominated by individuals with backgrounds shrouded in privilege. However, there are exceptions, individuals whose determination and unique life experiences have forged a path that's just as compelling. My story is one such exception. I come from a fractured family, one that faced financial hardship and numerous challenges. Yet, beyond the veneer of a seemingly successful career, my journey has been anything but ordinary. It's a journey fueled by the profound realization that my life's purpose is to provide my family with the financial stability that’s always eluded us. In this article, I'll share my deeply personal journey from adversity to entrepreneurship and how my experiences have shaped my unique perspective.

The Early Years:

My life began in the heart of struggle, where the circumstances seemed stacked against me from the very start. Born to two teenage parents, they made the incredible sacrifice of forgoing their own dreams to raise a family under the looming shadow of financial hardship. The seeds of my journey were sown in these early days, where their determination, love, and perseverance became the foundation upon which my life was built.

My family's story is one of relentless struggle. It starts back in the good old Boogie Down Bronx, New York, where my mother, grandmother, and aunts fled an abusive, alcoholic cop, my grandmother's second husband. The courage to escape from such a nightmarish situation set the stage for the strength and resilience that would later define my family's spirit.

When my parents crossed paths in Florida, where I was born, their teenage love held the promise of something beautiful they could build together. However, the euphoria of youth began to wane as the harsh realities of raising a child with no financial resources started to surface. Under these conditions, their relationship began to unravel and eventually came to an end before I could even speak. It was here, in the struggle to provide, that my journey truly began.

Most people who see me today perceive a highly generative person, someone who appears exceptionally smart and seemingly has it all together. These observations are true, but they only scratch the surface of my story. What often remains hidden is the extraordinary effort it took to reach this point in my life.

One of the earliest memories etched in my mind is from when I was just five years old. I was rushed to the hospital with a dangerously high temperature of 110 degrees. All I can recall from that moment is my mother's tear-streaked face as I lay under the air conditioner, an ice pack soothing my fevered brow, and a fan pointed at me. The situation was dire, and it became evident that a trip to the emergency room was inevitable.

I was subsequently diagnosed with Meningitis, a potentially fatal disease. This diagnosis was accompanied by another shocking revelation – I was allergic to penicillin. The allergic reaction led to my entire five-year-old body swelling, including my throat, making it nearly impossible to breathe. The doctors had no choice but to insert tubes down my throat to ensure I could breathe and provide life-saving treatment. After a series of painful procedures, including a spinal tap, and several weeks of agony in the hospital, my body defied the odds and triumphed over the relentless bacteria.

This early ordeal became the cornerstone of my childhood, a testament to the indomitable spirit that ran in my family's veins. Surviving Meningitis against all odds laid the groundwork for the resilience and determination that would come to define me as an individual.

However, the challenges didn't end there. Many years later, while I was in high school, my mother was diagnosed with a thyroid disorder. This condition caused her to suffer memory lapses and experience rapid fluctuations in her weight. Managing this disorder required her to undergo invasive radiation therapy over several years. Once again, my mother was forced to navigate the treacherous path of single parenthood, and these trying teenage years marked another very difficult chapter in our family's story. The tension of my mothers condition pushed our relationship to a breaking point eventually leading me to leave home before my senior year and begin my journey into adulthood.?

These early struggles and adversities shaped my perception of the world and taught me the importance of resilience, determination, and family bonds. It was during these formative years that I developed the unwavering belief that my life's purpose lay in uniting my fractured family through the financial stability that had eluded us for so long. This conviction would serve as my guiding light in the years to come.

The Climb to Stability:

My journey through the world of work began with jobs that many would consider challenging or mundane. Driving towards stability and financial security was anything but linear, and it included various roles, each serving as a stepping stone on the path to a better future.?

My first foray into the workforce began as a team member at McDonald's, a job that is often a rite of passage for many. While the experience was far from ideal—encounters with danger were not uncommon, such as the instance when we had a gun pulled on us while I was working as the Drive-Through Server, or the occasion when, as I was mopping the bathroom floors, a mentally ill individual exposed himself—it was an exceedingly unsettling introduction to the complexities of the working world. These encounters with individuals suffering from mental illness posed significant challenges for a 15-year-old to navigate. It was an awful job but despite the hardships, it was incredible to witness how well orchestrated this high-turnover business truly was. At first it felt like a miracle that people were fed morning, noon, and night, but as I learned the ropes, it became clear how it all worked. Everything had a process to learn, a manual to reference and it was clear what you needed to do every moment of your shift. This experience taught me that, no matter how difficult the circumstances, having defined procedures and guidelines made it possible to navigate each moment with purpose and clarity.

Following my time at McDonald's, I transitioned into a different world entirely – the Mall Baseball Card & Collectables Shop. This job was unique in its own right, offering me a chance to indulge my passion for sports while also seeing a side of the business world I’d only known from movies. Like many baseball card shops I came to learn it had a backdoor of business that extended to consignment, elaborate schemes to obtain autographs and various other side businesses having to do with “numbers”. Let’s just say before DraftKings & FanDuel there was the Mall Baseball Card Shop. It was an experience that taught me the art of supply & demand and honed my ability to recognize a fake when I saw one.

From the Mall Baseball Card Shop, I ventured into the world of telemarketing, which required tenacity and the art of persuasive communication. Remember Miss Cleo? “Calllll me now”, well she also had an outbound approach which required young people like myself calling to tell people that they had been preselected to a free psychic reading, they just needed to answer a few qualifying questions, are you a homeowner? This role helped me refine my ability to engage with individuals over the phone, to articulate a message, and to achieve desired outcomes through effective communication.?

My journey continued with a transition to a position as a security camera installation specialist. In this role, I delved into the world of networking, mastering the intricacies of wiring and cabling while suspended 40 feet in the air at times. The job involved a fair share of physical labor, but it was another stepping stone on the path toward stability. Perhaps the scariest of all jobs I’ve ever had, acrophobia is real.?

Next came a chapter as a door-to-door canvassing salesperson. This role brought the challenge of selling face-to-face, teaching me the power of a friendly demeanor and the importance of building trust with potential clients.

My journey took yet another turn as I entered the industrial crane assembly line, where the physical demands were substantial. It was here that I understood the importance of consistent effort.

The pivotal moment came when I joined Verizon during the 2002 labor negotiations. The telecommunications giant was on the brink of a strike, and contingency centers were set up to ensure uninterrupted services. After rigorous assessments, I was entrusted with the role of HCAP(High Capacity) Network Engineer, my first official job in the tech industry. This position allowed me to work inside Verizon's central office, troubleshooting fiber optic circuits, managing T3s, T1s, and overseeing the maintenance of cell phone towers.

This journey towards stability was marked by diversity in experiences, from fast-food service and baseball card bookie to technology and telecommunications. It was a path defined by determination and the understanding that every job, no matter how diverse or demanding, contributed to my personal and professional growth.

I wish I could say I knew that each role was a building block, bringing me closer to my life's purpose. But the truth was I was just trying to find a way to make it out of the desperation I was born into. The lessons I learned and the resilience I developed during this journey would shape the person I was becoming. My path was far from straightforward, but it was marked by progress, determination, and an unwavering commitment. I now realize that this drive has always been inspired by the desire to improve my family's well-being, although at the time, it may have primarily been about not wanting to be a burden to them.

A Turning Point:

Eventually, I transitioned to work as a network & software specialist for a medical software called Merlin, gaining experience in ERs, clinics, and cardiology wings across the country. This role is what led me to New York, giving me the initial opportunity to make it in the Big Apple. From there I met a friend who gave me a chance to pitch a business idea to Track Entertainment, a multifaceted entertainment company that produced large branded concerts while also operating nightlife ticketing sites all around the world. After getting my foot in the door as the general manager for NewYears.com where I established the operating frameworks to scale this business to other holidays and special events this is where I honed my skills in website and mobile app development, truly becoming a digital professional. I was a long way from my humble beginnings, and this was where I began to make my mark in the industry.

Working in the entertainment and technology sector was both exhilarating and demanding. It was an arena where creativity and innovation thrived, and where the integration of technology was transforming the way people experienced entertainment and events. My role allowed me to harness my creative skills & ability to quickly learn. Working in New York in technology in the early 2000s was a very special experience. Between the iPhone, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Foursquare and many others, it was clear to see the world was changing quickly and we were in the center of that change pushing the boundaries of what was possible.

In this environment, I had the opportunity to work on projects that combined entertainment, technology, and innovation. I was no longer confined to the constraints of support or maintenance, but was part of an industry that constantly sought new ways to captivate audiences and deliver immersive experiences. It was a period of tremendous personal and professional growth, where I learned to adapt to the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of entertainment and technology.

This turning point in my career journey was a testament to the versatility of my skill set and the depth of my experiences. It emphasized the importance of embracing change and actively seeking opportunities that pushed me beyond my comfort zone. Above recommending any other particular skill to hone, I would urge young people today to prioritize the development of adaptability. It is a quality second to none, enabling one to think on their feet, relentlessly pursue their goals, and fearlessly confront the unknown, while remaining unwavering in their commitment to problem-solving. No matter what the future brings, versatility & resilience will always be key to any great success.?This holds true no matter what the world of AI brings.

The Corporate World:

Years later, I found myself spearheading digital transformations for major corporations such as American Express, NBC, MLB, and FOX. Despite my unwavering dedication and hard work at every stage of my career, my ultimate purpose remained just out of reach: achieving financial freedom to reunite my fragmented family through economic stability. Unfortunately, the corporate landscape, as I’ve eventually realized, was not conducive to attaining this goal.

Despite the countless successes I achieved by leading the creation of numerous platforms and products that reached millions, I repeatedly found myself in a familiar predicament. I invested nearly every waking moment in the pursuit of our shared objectives, with the steadfast belief that acknowledgment and rewards were forthcoming. I wasn't alone in this experience; I witnessed numerous talented, dedicated, and intelligent individuals who had been cast aside by these organizations—some in the early stages of their journey, while others after dedicating decades of service.

This stark reality reached its zenith as I embarked on a new venture for a media mogul. It became clear that the corporate environment was not the arena where I would find the success I sought. The politics and hierarchy at the "Succession" layer of media companies seemed to be based on factors unrelated to merit. This state of affairs became increasingly untenable, prompting me to make a pivotal decision.

I opted to depart from this environment to pursue a long-held dream—one that I’ve nurtured for years. This dream involved creating technology that genuinely empowers individuals to build their own companies and foster a culture of information sharing, in stark contrast to the practice of hoarding information, often wielded as a tool in corporate politics. For legal reasons, I will refrain from delving deeper into this subject, but it is essential to acknowledge that the world is replete with extraordinary and talented individuals who are frequently overshadowed, while others take credit for their work where it benefits them while dodging responsibility where it suits them.? This occurs especially when mercurial leaders detach from the work to rely on distorted perceptions given to them by their closest associates. In order to succeed at the highest level of the corporate world, this is a truth you must embrace. Corporate truth comes in two forms, the bottom line & the feelings & perceptions of those closest to power - everything else is a reality that can be discarded.???

The Entrepreneurial Journey:

My journey into entrepreneurship has been a far cry from a smooth and straightforward path, but then again, my entire life has been a testament to resilience in the face of daunting odds. Challenges have been a constant companion on my journey, shaping my determination and resolve. At the heart of this endeavor is a profound purpose – to reunite my fragmented family through the vehicle of financial stability. It's a purpose that has not only driven me but has also been the impetus behind my latest venture in creating a technology company.

This drive, born from my personal experiences and the unwavering commitment to my family, serves as the fuel that propels me forward on my entrepreneurial journey. With each step, I am reminded of the struggles I've overcome and the dreams I've nurtured. It's a journey that encapsulates not only the desire to succeed but the passion to make a difference.

In my latest venture, OLY.AI, the mission is clear: to make information sharing and team alignment accessible and powerful for everyone. This mission arises from a recognition of the transformative power of technology, where it can break down barriers, bridge gaps, and empower individuals and teams to work together cohesively and efficiently.

In a world where information is often siloed, where collaboration can be hindered by disjointed communication, and where individuals often work in isolation, I see an opportunity to change how people work. OLY.AI is built on the belief that, by creating tools and platforms that foster information sharing and team alignment, we can empower people to achieve their goals, both individually and collectively. As corporations downsize headcounts by leveraging AI,? OLY.AI aims to lead a new revolution empowering people to start businesses. We aim to create a new age trend where indie products & services become more desirable than large corporate brands restoring small businesses as the bedrock of America.???

My journey into entrepreneurship is not just about business; it's a journey of purpose and impact. It's about leveraging my experiences, skills, and resources to create something that has the potential to change lives and bring teams as well as families together. It's a journey that reflects my belief in the power of technology to transform the way we work, communicate, and collaborate.

As I move forward on this entrepreneurial path, I carry with me the lessons learned from a life of overcoming challenges, the determination to unite my family through financial stability, and the unwavering commitment to a mission that can make a positive difference in the lives of many. This journey is not smooth, but it's driven by a purpose that gives it meaning and direction, and that, in itself, makes it all the more worthwhile.

Conclusion:

I remember sitting in a friend's New York apartment many years ago as he told me, "You know it's not about the money." He shared this insight as we sipped on high-priced scotch in his $3 million apartment overlooking the busy Manhattan streets. It's easy to dismiss the importance of money when you're the one amassing a significant fortune. The reality, however, is that the majority of people in America today and all around the world don't have the financial means to adequately support their families. Money plays a crucial role in anyone's pursuit of happiness because it represents stability and choice. Choice to visit aging grandparents, choice to equip kids with braces, choice to help those in need. Neglecting its significance is akin to ignoring the colossal impact of billions of combustion engines on global temperatures. It's a fact, whether we prefer to acknowledge it or not.?

In the context of professional work environments, people often feel discomfort when disclosing their financial situations. It's a scenario where individuals may assume that if you're in a lavish boardroom, your family must also be well-off, or that financial concerns aren't a burden. In reality, many individuals are masking a pressing need to make strides in their careers and move closer to financial freedom. This dynamic contributes to the highly competitive nature of most work environments, creating a "dog-eat-dog" world where people often feel compelled to advance at the expense of others.?

Through determination and perseverance, it is possible to ascend the social and economic strata, but this climb is arduous and far from guaranteed. But what if there’s another way. What if instead of the corporate ladder, the path was made simpler to take your skills and provide service to your community or the world at large.?

The world is teeming with incredibly talented individuals who find themselves overshadowed by corporate politics, leading to unfulfilled lives, fatigue, & disappointment.?

I firmly believe that an alternative option exists. Just as Airbnb revolutionized the process of running your own bed and breakfast, what if establishing and managing your own business could follow a similar path? What if a group of like-minded, talented individuals could come together with a shared ambition and employ AI to make business measurement and instrumentation transparent, thus fostering an environment where the entire team collaboratively pursues their collective goals? At OLY.AI this is what we're striving to achieve: a new era in business management where small businesses, entrepreneurs, and their teams can harness the power of AI to streamline operations, empower metric driven cultures of winning together as a team, ensuring no one gets left behind. With OLY.AI, we aim to break down the barriers between departments and create a collaborative, goal-oriented system that enables businesses to thrive while focusing on what they do best, serve their customers & communities. Together, we are redefining the way businesses measure success and work toward their dreams.

By collaborating to build new types of organizations centered around the collective ambitions of people and making the metrics of success transparent for all, we can create a positive change in the world. It's time to bring an end to the era where corporate conglomerates are the inevitable destination for the best and brightest. I believe it's time to empower people to follow their passions rather than succumb to the corporate greed often associated with soulless entities.

In the realm of entrepreneurship, my journey stands as a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and purpose. Despite beginning with humble origins, my mission is to effect change, not solely for my benefit but for those who have faced similar hardships. My perspective has been shaped by adversity, and I am dedicated to forging a brighter future—one where financial stability empowers families to conquer the challenges life presents. This journey is ongoing, and I extend an open invitation for you to join me in shaping a more promising future for all. To create incredible things & share your talents with the world free of a cold hearted corporate overlord.

I'll leave you now with one of my favor quotes & the wish that you find & achieve your purpose while lovingly sharing your gifts with the world.

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On!' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”

― Calvin Coolidge

If you'd like to join us at OLY.AI in building the next generation of great AI enabled business please visit us at https://www.oly.ai