Michael Zhang’s Post

If I were brave enough to *really* speak my mind to job applicants weighing the risks vs. rewards of moving from a later to an earlier stage company like ours (I'm not), I would tell them, "if you have doubts, you definitely shouldn't do it". Only 1% of venture-backed early-stage startups meaningfully survive, let alone thrive, into the late stages. To have a shot at being in this 1%, the team collectively has to be: * Top X% in grit, and * Top X% in perseverance, and * Top X% in creativity, and * Top X% in speed, and * Top X% in listening, learning and adapting, and * Top X% in managing chaos, and * Top X% in storytelling, and.... These are not "Or"s. These are "And"s. All of them are needed. And this list goes on and on. And it still may not be sufficient in the end. I'm not glorifying or celebrating this at all. It doesn't feel positive or natural or sustainable to be this way, many times to yourself and most of the time to your loved ones. But it is unfortunately necessary. You can't "want to become" this kind of a person- no one in their right minds should ever want this. You're certainly not paid enough to want to try and become this person. You either are this person, or you aren't. If you aren't this person, there is just too much risk for you to worry about and plan for. If you are this person, the biggest guaranteed reward of working at a company at this stage is that you will find yourself surrounded by a high density of (perpetually unhappy) weirdos like you.

We need a different approach when weighing the options of taking on a new role—an approach to capture the growth potential of roles within scale-ups. https://lnkd.in/en7mB5nA

A few days ago, we had a sorry situation in office. A critical process broke down, and our entire team jumped into problem-solving mode. As I watched everyone rally together, it hit me – this is exactly why startup life is different. Sure, there's the sexy side of working at startups that everyone talks about: 👉 Taking on ambitious challenges & biting big chunks 👉 Shouldering more responsibility than you imagined 👉 Seeing the direct impact of your work But there’s very much the unsexy that goes along with it: 👉 Slap-in-the-face reality checks that keep you humble 👉 The days when you're completely stumped by a problem 👉 The grit it takes to show up consistently through the highs and lows And you know what? That's exactly what makes this journey worthwhile. The incredible teammates who become friends, the unmatched learning curve (I've learned more in the last 3 months than I thought possible!), and the satisfaction of building something meaningful together. If this rollercoaster of startup life sounds exciting to you, then we at Mesa School of Business want to meet you. Here's what we're looking for: 🔺 0-3 years of experience 🔺 Strong process management skills 🔺 Confident and articulate communication 🔺 Exceptional attention to detail 🔺 A "yes, can do" attitude that thrives on challenges And here's the thing: we care less about where you've been and more about where you want to go. Your experience matters less than your attitude and potential. Link to the JD & application is in the comments 👇

Start-up or Big Corp? 🤔 --------------------- Choosing to work in a startup, despite the allure and stability of big corporation, was one of the most crucial decisions in my career path. The experience of working in a big corp was everything one might expect: structured, resource-rich, and full of learning opportunities. The training programs were top-notch, and I was surrounded by some of the brightest minds in the industry. However, I often felt like small cogs in a much larger machine. I wanted to see the direct impact of my work, to contribute to something that felt more tangible and integral to the company's success. That's when the opportunity at a startup presented itself. The idea of stepping into a role with such varied responsibilities was both exciting and daunting. The startup environment promised a steep learning curve, fast-paced decision-making, and the chance to make meaningful contributions from day one. The transition was not without its challenges. It was a leap into the unknown, but the potential for high rewards, both personally and professionally, outweighed the uncertainties. Looking back, choosing to work really pushed me out of my comfort zone, broadened my skill set, and provided a sense of purpose and fulfillment that I hadn't found before. 

You are lucky if you are working in a highly toxic company and if it's your first job. A small backstory first: I once worked for a bootstrapped startup. Despite being funded only by the Founder, the company made sure everyone was happy by giving a lot of decision-making power and spending generously on parties every other week. I was amazed by this, having come from a company where I was once told the party fund got over when trying to order a dessert. However, there was one colleague who was always unhappy and found faults with everything. I realized he hadn't seen the real corporate world to appreciate the good things happening there. Now, about the highly toxic company, two guys joined it as juniors but came out under negative circumstances. One guy now works for over 70 hours a week (aligning with Narayana Murthy's expectations I guess) and the other guy is dealing with odd side projects. But, both are pretty happy. The first one appreciates the autonomy and is happy about the impact he makes. He feels it's far better than working 50 hours for toxic people. The second one appreciates his smart and friendly manager, a stark contrast to the scared and cunning one he had previously. He is confident that he will improve his skills here. I am sure if not for the negative experience in such a toxic company, they'd have 100s of complaints and would have wished to move to some other company not knowing the positives of it. I presume the takeaways are clear - you have to experience the worst to appreciate the best! When you hit rock bottom, the only way is up! So, if you are in a toxic company now, thank them for the negativity and start looking for a better role. You'd definitely find a better company and be happy, unlike the person in that startup who had problems with everything. Over time, you will land in a role where you will be perfectly happy (knowing the gaps with it obviously). My other posts on positive thinking: 1. There's always something good in all bad situations - https://lnkd.in/d3uNrWHw 2. Overthinking is good! Procrastination is great! Negative thoughts are awesome! - https://lnkd.in/dwTAGszB #positivethinking #lawofattraction #butterflyeffect #career

Two Years In: Reflecting on My Startup Journey Two years ago, I took a leap of faith. Fresh out of college, while many of my classmates were landing high-paying, lucrative sales jobs at established companies, I chose a different path. I turned down a six-figure paying pharmaceutical sales position and joined a startup, instead. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. Watching my peers secure six-figure offers with big-name companies made me second-guess myself more than once. They had stability, benefits, and a clear trajectory. Meanwhile, I was stepping into the unknown—an unpolished startup with no guarantees. No cushy perks, no big brand name to add to my resume. Just a dream, a team, and an idea we believed in. The easy way was right there. But something about it didn’t feel right for me. Looking back, that decision changed everything. Working at a startup has taught me lessons I couldn’t have learned anywhere else: How to embrace uncertainty: Every day is different, and nothing is guaranteed. It’s uncomfortable but exhilarating. How to build something from scratch: I’ve been in the trenches, learning by doing, and making mistakes along the way. How to wear multiple hats: I’ve been part of sales, marketing, customer success, hiring, and product brainstorming—experiences most entry-level jobs don’t give you. How to bet on myself: Every challenge pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t think were possible. Sure, the "safe" path might have been easier. But I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. I’ve gained skills, resilience, and a mindset that will stay with me for life. To anyone considering a similar path: It’s not always glamorous. It’s not always easy. But the rewards—both personal and professional—are worth it. Here’s to taking risks, stepping out of comfort zones, and building something meaningful. Would love to hear—what was a decision you made after college that pushed you out of your comfort zone? #StartupLife #CareerGrowth #LessonsLearned #TakingTheRoadLessTraveled

The startup world is exhilarating, but it can also be unforgiving. I recently faced this truth when I was suddenly let go—not because of my performance, but due to internal financial mismanagement. It was a jarring moment, especially after choosing this role out of integrity over a more lucrative offer because I believed in their vision. During the hiring process, I connected with the team and felt drawn to their mission. The promise of a long-term relationship was important to me, especially as I was making a major life change. Unfortunately, financial struggles within the company changed everything. 📢 To startup founders: Your vision and drive can bring people together to build great things. But with that comes the responsibility to carefully manage resources and be transparent with your teams. Behind every hire is a person trusting you with their career and future. While this experience was hard, I’m choosing to learn and grow from it. I will continue to approach my work with integrity and dedication, and I hope this serves as a reminder to all of us about the responsibility we carry when working with others.

Why my client left a high-paying job at a Fortune 50 company to join a startup—and why it was the BEST decision ever. "Are you out of your mind?" That's what people asked my client when they announced they were leaving a secure, well-paying job at a Fortune 50 company. On paper, everything was perfect: - Six-figure salary - Generous benefits - Prestige But deep down, they felt unfulfilled. They missed the thrill of innovation. They wanted to: - Be agile, not bogged down by bureaucracy - See the direct impact of their work - Be part of something bigger than just profits So, they took a leap of faith. We helped her join a startup with a bold vision and a handful of passionate people. The journey so far: - Steep Learning Curve: Every day brings new challenges. - Wearing Multiple Hats: From strategy to execution. - Direct Impact: Seeing how their decisions shape the company's future. - Reignited Passion: They're more excited about work than ever before. Was it risky? Absolutely. Was it worth it? Without a doubt. Sometimes, stepping out of your comfort zone is the only way to grow. Has anyone else made a bold career move? I'd love to hear your stories.

Why Work at a Startup Early in Your Career 🍀 Starting your career in a startup isn’t for everyone, but here’s why it can be a game-changer if you’re just getting started: 1. Real Responsibilities from Day 1   - Forget shadowing from the sidelines. In a startup, you’re actively involved in projects, often taking ownership right away. It’s the fastest way to learn by doing. 2. Fast-Paced Learning   - Working in a small team means wearing multiple hats. You’ll pick up skills you didn’t even know you needed, often way faster than in a traditional corporate role. 3. Direct Access to Leaders   - In a startup, you’re likely working directly with founders and execs. Their mentorship and feedback can be invaluable, helping you grow in ways that could take years elsewhere. 4. See Your Impact   - Every task you complete has a visible effect on the business. You don’t get lost in the crowd; your work directly contributes to the company’s success or failure. 5. Develop an Entrepreneurial Mindset   - Startups foster creativity and problem-solving. You’ll get a crash course in what it takes to build something from scratch, a mindset that’s valuable no matter where you go next. --- The question is, are you ready to dive in and shape your career from the ground up? **If you found this helpful, consider resharing ♻️ for others who are just starting their journey.*

Seek out positions that offer intense, fast-paced, and diverse experiences that propel your skills and knowledge at an accelerated rate. Such positions are typically found in high-growth industries, startups, or roles that demand rapid learning and high responsibility. However, it's important to note that these roles can also come with high stress and demands, requiring resilience, adaptability, and a strong commitment to personal and professional growth. #Contramindisms #ContramindsPodcast #RapidLearning #HighResponsibility #AdaptabilitySkills #ProfessionalGrowth #DynamicRoles #ResilienceInWork