Entrepreneurship: The Ultimate Leadership Masterclass

Throughout my career, I've often been asked how I navigated from my starting point to where I am today. Many assume I sharpened my leadership skills by moving up the traditional career ladder, step by step. But let me tell you, there's another path that's just as potent, if not more so – the entrepreneurial road.??

Entrepreneurship is not just about kicking off your own business, but a deep dive into a world that teaches you leadership in the most hands-on way possible. This route throws the playbook out the window and shows you that becoming an entrepreneur is a powerful way to grasp and master what being a leader involves. You're thrust into a world where you don't just learn about it in theory—you live it, breathe it, and evolve with it every single day.?

Culinary Ventures and Business Acumen?

My entrepreneurial journey began shortly after I graduated from college. Highly influenced by Julia Child, I had always loved cooking, so when I had the chance to buy a small catering business in Boulder, Colorado, I jumped at the opportunity. Starting my own business was daunting, yet the challenge ended up being one of my life's most rewarding and educational experiences.?

Over the next six years, I transformed my company into the third-largest catering business in the city. This was no small feat. It took a true entrepreneurial spirit and lots of grit. Most importantly, it was a breeding ground for new skills. Recruiting and training staff, managing a large team, and overseeing mergers and acquisitions, I gained many invaluable lessons.??

I also learned that leadership often involves making tough choices. Eventually, I had to decide whether to continue fueling my business with capital or pivot toward more personal endeavors. After much thought, I decided to sell my beloved business and stepped onto a new path.??

From Taste Buds to Tech Buzz?

Post-sale, I expected a peaceful career hiatus, but I soon found myself working with a neighbor who was a marketing consultant for a local technology company. This unexpected twist of fate is what led me to my industry.??

Armed with the business and leadership skills I developed as an entrepreneur, I started my corporate journey as a product manager for Global Crossing, now known as Lumen Technologies. During my tenure, I was accountable for product strategy for a global videoconferencing business that generated over $200 million annually.?

After I left Global Crossing, I worked for some of the largest telecom companies in the world, including Comcast, CoreDial (now known as SkySwitch), and Verizon. I held executive leadership roles and influenced multi-billion-dollar business portfolios, including the launch of 5G. Now, as senior director of marketing for Intel’s software and software-as-a-service portfolio, I channel my passion for marketing and technology into showcasing the value of our products to enterprise customers.??

A Journey to Be Celebrated?

So, if you’re just starting out or want to explore a different path, don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith! My journey from entrepreneur to leader was far from linear. Instead, a mosaic of life experiences prepared me for leadership in ways I never could have predicted. It tested my resilience, inspired me to innovate, and perhaps most importantly, gave me the tenacity I need to thrive in leadership roles.?