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Entrepreneur
a day ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Why Your 9-to-5 Might Be the Best Launchpad for Your Startup
There are very good reasons why so many entrepreneurs leave corporate America to start their own business. In this article, we will highlight those factors. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. The journey from a corporate cubicle to the helm of a startup is a well-trodden path. Many successful entrepreneurs, from Elon Musk to Sara Blakely, cut their teeth in corporate environments before launching their ventures. But what drives this trend? Why do so many entrepreneurs emerge from the structured world of Corporate America? Drawing on my Rich Habits research, which studied the daily habits of wealthy and poor individuals, we can uncover key factors that explain this phenomenon. Join top CEOs, founders and operators at the Level Up conference to unlock strategies for scaling your business, boosting revenue and building sustainable success. Why the corporate training ground is a breeding ground for skills Corporate America serves as a de facto training ground for future entrepreneurs. My research has found that wealthy individuals, including many entrepreneurs, consistently engage in habits like continuous learning, goal-setting and disciplined time management. Corporate environments naturally foster these traits. Employees are exposed to structured systems, deadlines, and performance metrics, which instill discipline and accountability — I found these qualities in 88% of the wealthy who set daily goals compared to just 2% of the poor. In corporate settings, individuals often gain expertise in specific industries, from finance to technology to marketing. This deep domain knowledge is critical for identifying market gaps and opportunities. For example, working in a corporate marketing department might reveal inefficiencies in customer acquisition strategies, inspiring an entrepreneurial solution. 68% of the wealthy in my study pursued self-education to enhance their skills, a habit often honed in corporate roles through training programs, mentorship, and on-the-job learning. Moreover, corporate jobs provide access to networks of professionals, clients and suppliers — resources that are invaluable when launching a business. I found that 79% of wealthy individuals actively network, a practice often developed in corporate settings where collaboration and relationship-building are part of the job. Related: 10 Things Wealthy People Do Every Day Financial stability as a launchpad One of the biggest hurdles for aspiring entrepreneurs is financial risk. Corporate America often provides the financial stability needed to take the leap. My research found that 65% of wealthy individuals had multiple streams of income before achieving success, often starting with a stable corporate salary. This financial cushion allows future entrepreneurs to save capital, pay down debts or fund early-stage ventures without immediate pressure to generate profits. Corporate employees also gain insight into cash flow management, budgeting and resource allocation — skills critical for running a business. For instance, a mid-level manager overseeing a department budget learns to prioritize spending and optimize resources, directly applicable to bootstrapping a startup. 94% of the wealthy live below their means, a habit often cultivated in corporate jobs where steady paychecks encourage prudent financial planning. The push factor: Dissatisfaction and ambition While Corporate America equips individuals with skills and resources, it also fuels the desire to break free. My research revealed that 76% of wealthy individuals pursue their dreams and passions, compared to just 10% of the poor. Corporate environments, with their rigid hierarchies and limited upward mobility, can frustrate ambitious individuals who crave autonomy and impact. This dissatisfaction often pushes high-performers to entrepreneurship, where they can control their destiny. Take the example of Reed Hastings, who worked at a software company before founding Netflix. The constraints of corporate life — bureaucracy, slow innovation and lack of ownership — often clash with the entrepreneurial mindset. 70% of the wealthy focus on big-picture goals, a trait that corporate employees with entrepreneurial aspirations develop as they grow frustrated with incremental progress in their roles. Related: Why I Walked Away From a Career to Start My Own Business Risk tolerance and resilience Entrepreneurship demands a stomach for risk, and Corporate America inadvertently trains individuals to handle it. My work shows that 52% of wealthy individuals took calculated risks, compared to just 6% of the poor. Corporate employees often face high-stakes projects, tight deadlines, or performance reviews, which build resilience and decision-making under pressure. These experiences prepare them to navigate the uncertainties of entrepreneurship, from pitching to investors to weathering cash flow challenges. Additionally, corporate failures — missed promotions, failed projects or layoffs — teach valuable lessons about persistence. I found that 86% of the wealthy believe in overcoming failure, a mindset forged in the corporate world where setbacks are common but not career-ending. The corporate-to-entrepreneur pipeline The transition from Corporate America to entrepreneurship isn't accidental — it's a logical progression fueled by skill-building, financial stability, and a hunger for more. My Rich Habits research illuminates why this pipeline exists. The habits of the wealthy — discipline, continuous learning, networking and risk-taking — are often cultivated in corporate environments, giving employees the tools to succeed as entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, the frustrations of corporate life push ambitious individuals to seek greater freedom and impact. So, the next time you hear about a corporate employee launching a startup, it's no surprise. Corporate America isn't just a job — it's a launchpad for the entrepreneurial dream.
Forbes
28-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Read One Of These Books On Your Summer Vacation: Become A More Hopeful And Compassionate Leader
Trade out one trashy novel for learning about leadership. Compassionate Leadership is using your head and heart to inspire and influence others, so they can, in turn, inspire and influence others. This approach to leadership has proven to improve ROI, morale, innovation and retention. As a contributor focused on compassionate leadership, I continually scan the media for positive and hopeful stories featuring inspiring leaders. In the current swirl of war, political unrest, violence, and economic uncertainty, it can be difficult to find hope in the news media. Therefore, I have turned to books that focus on solving problems through analysis and innovation, to keep hope alive. I love nonfiction books and years ago, I read a book that spurred me on by Tom Corley, in his book Rich Habits: The Daily Success Habits of Wealthy Individuals (2010), found in his five-year study of 177 self-made millionaires that: I have been striving to read one nonfiction book a month since and I may meet my goal this year, thanks to my efforts to reduce my news consumption. Here are three of the six I have read so far that I highly recommend, for people wanting to become better global citizens and leaders: Book #1 Moral Ambition: Stop Wasting Your Talent and Start Making a Difference By Rutger Bregman (2025): The author is a Dutch Philospher who argues that many bright, capable individuals—especially in fields like finance and consulting, the so-called 'Bermuda Triangle of talent'—are squandering their potential on high‑paying but low‐impact roles. He urges readers to embrace 'moral ambition', a mindset that defines success by societal impact rather than salary or prestige. It may sound boring, but he expertly makes the argument for a new professional path as the answer to many problems using historical references and present-day heroes. He has even created a school to help people transition into careers that make a difference called The School of Morale Ambition, which offers fellowships to professionals ready to work on world problems, such as food scarcity. Book #2: A Different Kind of Power: A Memoir by Jacinda Ardern (2025): Read this raw and raw book, a master class in compassionate leadership. Travel with the author as she tells her life story from her small-town upbringing to global leadership as New Zealand's Prime Minister (2017–2023), all while raising her daughter as the second-ever elected head of government to give birth in office The memoir highlights how empathy and kindness shaped her leadership style and include her experience leading through the worst mass shooting in her country as well as her response to the the COVID‑19 pandemic. It also chronicles the story of what led her to leave public life after dealing with personal and political challenges that left her 'having nothing left in her tank'. For those of you who prefer biographies told through documentary, you can soon watch her story on Apple TV. Book #3:Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things by Adam Grant (2023) In the introduction of his brilliant book, Grant reminds us that 'all talent is equally distributed, but opportunity is not'. I read this book during our government's overzealous DEI reforms, and it gave me hope that we will return to common-sense policies that provide all our citizens with a chance at education and professional equity. He challenges the myth that talent alone determines success. Instead, he argues that growth, character, and opportunity play an even more significant role in realizing our potential. He emphasizes that: The book weaves together stories of unsung achievers, research studies, and insights from psychology and education to demonstrate that the most successful people often started from behind—and achieved success not by raw talent, but by capitalizing on overlooked opportunities. This book reveals how anyone can rise to achieve greater things and offers compassionate leaders a thoughtful roadmap for helping everyone reach their potential. I hope this helps you to escape the grind of the news cycle and find more inspiration through reading. You can find more resources about Compassionate Leadership here.
Independent Singapore
23-06-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
The 1% Rule: Banker reveals her secret on how she got rich with just 17 tiny life tweaks — and it could do the same for you
Forget 4 am wake-up calls and polar bear-style ice baths. Becoming rich doesn't require turning your life upside down. In fact, one investment banker and accountant—Nischa Shah—discovered a less glamorous but far more powerful secret: micro habits. These are tiny actions that, when done consistently, compound like interest and quietly transform your finances, well-being, and outlook on life. So if you're ready to build wealth without burnout, here are 17 surprisingly simple habits that have paid off big time! 1. Create more than you consume According to Thomas Corley, author of Rich Habits, 67% of wealthy individuals watch less than one hour of TV daily, compared to 77% of struggling folks who exceed that mark. Translation? The rich are creating videos, blogs, and businesses, while everyone else is bingeing. Photo: YT/nischa Try this: Spend 15 minutes a day making something. Launch that podcast, write a short story, and start learning Python. You don't need to go full Steve Jobs—just make sure you're producing more than you're passively scrolling. 2. Politely escape energy vampires 'You're the average of the five people you spend the most time with.' Sound familiar? That quote, often attributed to Jim Rohn, holds more truth than most memes. If your circle's main skill is complaining or gossiping, it's time to pull a disappearing act. If you can't find new circles in real life, do what Nischa did: turn YouTube, podcasts, and books into your virtual mentors. Your network doesn't need to be in the room to level you up. 3. Start an 'I can do this' file Think of it as a digital pep talk. Every time you conquer a fear, hit a milestone, or simply show up when you didn't feel like it, write it down. Photo: YT screengrab/nischa Use Notion , a folder on your phone, or even a physical journal. On rough days, it's your proof that you've done hard things before and can do them again. Bonus: It's like having a motivational speaker in your pocket—only the speaker is you. 4. Practice gratitude like a scientist Nischa once thought gratitude journaling was for the overly sentimental. Then she stumbled on research by Dr. Sophia Godkin showing that happiness isn't the result of success—it's the seed. So every night at 8 pm, she uses the Day One app to jot down something she's thankful for. A good coffee, a compliment, a solid nap—it all counts. It rewires your brain to hunt for joy, not stress. Pro tip: What you focus on, it shall grow. 5. Automate your savings and investments Warren Buffett said, 'Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.' Nischa takes it one step further: automate both savings and investments so they leave your account before you can even say 'Add to cart.' Photo: YT screengrab/nischa Doing this means no more guilt-driven, last-minute transfers. It also makes 'accidentally' investing in limited-edition air fryers much harder. 6. Be specific with your goals 'I want to save more money' is the financial equivalent of saying 'I want to get healthy.' It's vague, uninspiring, and doomed. Instead, aim for something like: 'I'll save RM30,000 for __________ by December 2027.' That gives you a map and a milestone. Divide it into monthly targets, and suddenly that goal feels doable. 7. Audit your spending in 3 F-Buckets Here's a smarter budget framework: Photo: YT screengrab/nischa Fundamental: Rent, groceries, bills Fun: Coffee dates, Netflix, weekend getaways Future: Investments, courses, upskilling Tracking your expenses with this method (try Nischa's free spreadsheet) turns budgeting from a guilt trip into a power move. It's not about restriction—it's about clarity. 8. Learn one new money thing each week Warren Buffett reads for hours daily. You only need one hour a week. Nischa uses this time to dive into behavioural finance, uncovering how childhood beliefs about money shape adult decisions. This week, for example, it could be 'how kids who felt deprived grow up to hoard, spend, or fear money.' Next week, it might be investment scams or side hustle tips, and so on. Remember: The more you learn, the more you earn. 9. Stop giving power to opinions It's human nature to worry about what others think. But when fear of judgment runs the show, your potential takes a back seat. Before letting someone's opinion derail her goals, Nischa asks: 'In the grand scheme of achieving my life's goals, how important is this person's opinion?' Spoiler alert: Most of the time, their opinions don't matter at all. 10. Escape the 'Yes Trap' Psychology Today says the 'Yes Trap' is the compulsion to agree to everything out of guilt, fear, or FOMO (Fear of missing out). Nischa also says that the 'Yes Trap' is a deep-rooted feeling that we should always say yes to requests, invitations, and opportunities even when our plates are already full. The consequence of this includes burnout, resentment, and the act of neglecting self-care. The cure? Get crystal clear on your goals. Then ask: 'Does this serve my mission or distract from it?' Say 'no' more often, and you'll start saying 'yes' to things that actually matter. 11. Invest in yourself first Stocks are nice. Real estate is great. But what is the best return on investment or ROI? You. Self-investment—learning, health, therapy, coaching—pays dividends. And it compounds. Nischa swears by Brilliant , an interactive platform teaching skills like AI, data science, and critical thinking, using real-world case studies from companies like Airbnb, Spotify , or Starbucks . The best part? You can try it free for 30 days. Because the more you grow, the more your income and opportunities will follow. 12. Diversify your income streams Most millionaires don't rely on just one paycheck. Nischa makes money from brand deals, affiliate links, YouTube ads, her own products, and investments. Start with one. Monetise your skills, passions, or even hobbies. Once it runs on autopilot, add another. Just don't juggle five at once—burnout isn't a badge of honour. 13. Simplify your decisions Steve Jobs wore the same outfit every day. So did Mark Zuckerberg. Why? To avoid decision fatigue. Photo: YT screengrab/nischa You don't need to turn into a tech bro. But do consider streamlining your wardrobe, meal plans, or filming setup (if you're a content creator). Automating low-stakes choices frees up brainpower for the big ones. See also Wealth of US billionaires soars during pandemic 14. Network with intent, not just convenience Chris Donnelly, a founder who built a $10 million business in a year, attributes much of his success to networking intentionally—reaching out to 50+ people monthly. Nischa adopted this approach too, focusing on relationships that align with her vision and offering value in return. It's not about taking—it's about connecting and contributing. Sometimes the right 'who' unlocks the 'how.' 15. Act before you feel ready Newsflash: You'll never feel 100% ready. Waiting for the perfect moment is just perfectionism wearing a productivity costume. Start that blog, pitch that idea, send that message. You might fumble, but fumbling forward is still progress. Action breeds clarity. The magic happens when you leap before you're 'qualified.' 16. Talk about money (Yes, really!) Studies show nearly half of Americans, for example, avoid money talk, even with their partners. Yet 66% believe these conversations are essential for financial freedom. So ask questions. Share insights. Normalise the awkward. Swap 'How's the weather?' for 'How do you approach budgeting?' You'll be amazed at how much you learn—and how much others appreciate the honesty. 17. Live by the 1% Progress Rule Small changes, done consistently, beat grand gestures every time. Want to save more? Trim one unnecessary bill. Want to earn more? Pitch one client a week. Want to invest smarter? Read one page a day. Photo: YT screengrab/nischa Just 1% better each month is 12% better a year. That's how real wealth—financial, mental, emotional—is built. Quietly. Sustainably. Compounded over time. So will this make me a millionaire tomorrow? No, of course not. These habits won't make you a millionaire overnight. But they will nudge you in the right direction—subtly at first, then significantly. So pick one. Start today. Watch it snowball. Because the secret to getting rich isn't dramatic—it's deliberate. And if you liked this guide, consider it your permission slip to stop overthinking and start doing, while you watch Nischa explain it in even more detail in the video below:
