Today we talk about comebacks of ex-corporate executives as startup founders after they swapped their chauffeurs and ties for sneakers and scooters. Seasoned experienced teams may have better chances of raising money and securing initial partnerships, thanks to their credibility and networks, but is it really enough to make it in the startup world? This is not a trivial conversation, because we talk about second chances, running out of time, how monopoly is good for innovation, or why nobody gets fired for hiring IBM. You definitely don’t want to miss it – just sit back and tune in.

Today’s Episode:

• [00:46] Hello everyone!
• [00:56] Today’s episode is focused on experienced executives who decided to leave the corporate world and build a company from scratch.
• [01:23] Yana talks about the pros of these executives, starting their businesses.
• [01:56] Tom gives his take on her comments and gives the cons.
• [03:16] The challenges experienced and risk-averse ex-executives often face are lack of innovation.
• [03:56] Yana talk about Peter Thiel book “Zero to One” and how competition may kill innovation. 
• [04:46] Yana asks, what does the long term future look like for these startups? Are they innovative enough?
• [07:33] Can they keep up with the 20- something teams?
• [09:01] Tom believes that where you start and where you end up are two different things.
• [09:29] Yana says that some business people feel like this is their last chance to become entrepreneurial, and sometimes they try to go to big.
• [10:34] Tom speaks about late-stage former corporate guys that took a different route.
• [13:34] Yana wants to know why they have a fascination with big consultancy firms instead of trusting their guts.
• [15:32] Wouldn’t you assume or expect that they left their corporate jobs to have freedom.
• [16:52] Structure your team with various characters, and you will have a better chance to succeed.
• [17:39] Yana gives us her thoughts on creating teams and who to hire.
• [19:01] Tom says you should embrace your creativity and let go of the traditional corporate boundaries and structures.
• [20:35] Stay tuned for more good examples of corporates and creatives that made it together. If you are one, please let us know how you are doing.

Show links:

• Peter Thiel “Zero to One”
• How to get in touch with us, if you’d like to tell your startup story: Yana on Instagram, Tom on LinkedIn