A call to people focused ambitious entrepreneurs!

One of the greatest truths I’ve come to realise over the years, both professionally and personally, is that most everything - success, fulfilment, and even happiness - starts and ends with people.

In the fast-paced world of business and startups, where goals are set, pivots are made, and challenges are faced daily, it can be easy to focus solely on strategy, growth, and metrics. But what often gets overlooked is the most fundamental element of all: the people who make it possible. It's the team, the mentors, the partners, and the champions who believe in your vision that ultimately make the difference between success and failure.

Referrals, introductions, and recommendations are the lifeblood of any entrepreneur. They open doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain closed, leading to partnerships, collaborations, or even key hires that take your business to the next level. But it's not just about who you know - it's about the depth of those connections.

Meaningful connections aren’t the kind where business cards are exchanged in a fleeting moment, or where LinkedIn connections are added without a second thought. They’re not superficial. They are built on trust, mutual respect, and genuine curiosity about each other’s journey. These connections require effort, time, and authenticity, but they are worth every bit of it.

In my experience an an employee and as an entrepreneur, I’ve found that the most valuable referrals aren’t just professional - they’re personal too. People who truly get to know you are more likely to introduce you to others who align with your values, work ethic, and vision. These are the kinds of connections that make a difference not just in business, but in life.

This focus on meaningful connections isn’t just crucial for startup success - I believe it’s crucial for living a fulfilling life. As human beings, we thrive on connection. We are social creatures, and the richness of our lives is often determined by the quality of our relationships. It’s the depth of these bonds, rather than the quantity, that adds joy, understanding, and beauty to our experience.

The connections we nurture—those we laugh with, learn from, and share our struggles with—are what makes the entrepreneurial journey so worthwhile. They remind us that no matter how ambitious we are, no matter how driven we are to succeed, the ultimate reward isn’t found in numbers on a balance sheet. It’s found in the people who stand by throughout life’s journey and the things we achieve and build - together.

Four years ago, I wrote a short LinkedIn article called "It Always Starts and Ends with People" . The post was a reflection at the end of my personal journey helping to launch and build WeWork here in Japan. Despite the ups and downs of that company I was incredibly blessed to have met and connect with some of the most amazing people whom I am still connected to this day. And after four years this philosophy still holds true for me.

Every major milestone in my personal journey has been marked by the support, guidance, and inspiration of others. Whether it’s been through the introduction of a key client, a recommendation for a crucial hire, or simply a word of encouragement during tough times, people have always been at the heart of it all.

In my current journey with WAY, we’re building our team on this foundational belief. We don’t just focus on building great businesses - I like to think we are focused first and foremost on building great teams. We know that it’s the team, with their unique strengths, perspectives, and dedication, that will drive the success of the businesses we are building and will build. And we know that these teams are formed by people who are connected, not just professionally, but personally as well.

That’s why we’re always on the lookout for individuals who understand the value of real, authentic connections that want to build something meaningful - together. People who don’t just want to build a company, but who want to build it alongside others who are equally passionate about the journey. People who are driven by more than just success - they’re driven by the experience of achieving that success together with amazing individuals working together as a team.

If you also believe that people are the center of it all and also have the burning desire to build great businesses, I invite you to connect with me.

At WAY Equity Partners , we’re not just looking for talent - we’re looking for partners and collaborators who want to create and build businesses that solve our customers biggest problems.

Let’s build something incredible, together.