Why I left management consulting and be a startup builder

(The article is written by Yenson She)

Many fresh graduates would like to learn about how to get into management consulting and are curious why I left the industry. To answer the second question, to be honest, I wasn’t a very competent consultant, so I couldn’t see myself becoming a partner one day. It was cool to claim yourself as a “management consultant” but I didn’t enjoy it enough to stay.?

I have not taken the most conventional career path but explored many different industries and sectors to keep growing not only my career, but myself as well. After leaving management consulting, I have explored different opportunities including being part of the OG team for Uber Eats Hong Kong, setting up a new business within a conglomerate, launching a regional expansion market for a Fintech startup, and now building an education startup in Ergon– all experiences that gave me a stronger sense of achievement than being a management consultant advising CEOs in the boardrooms. I realised it is the excitement gained from building something new.??

These experiences led me to embrace Mike Tyson’s quote “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face”. Through the cycle of “experiment, learn and pivot”, it keeps me from over-analysing or making plans we may never act upon due to circumstances outside our control. There is no doubt the journey of building a startup requires courage; courage that should be saluted amongst those brave enough to undertake this mission with tears and sweat but also joy and laughter. Able to explore our true passions, taking risks and embracing curiosity is a blessing. Because we have the privilege to go against societal expectations by choosing a career path that emphasises stability and financial security.

I want to express my utmost gratitude to all the brave and ambitious comrades in arms who possess a builder mentality, ones who dream without any hesitation even though success may not be a guarantee. It is only when we let go completely and open our hearts up to life's experiences that we can truly appreciate its essence, allowing us to take the lessons we learn along the way and use them to shape our future.?

Life itself is a journey of experiences, Let’s live it to the fullest that we can be proud of!