The Next Chapter
“Forget about having an identity crisis and get some identity capital. … Do something that adds value to who you are. Do something that's an investment in who you might want to be next.” - Meg Jay, The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter - And How to Make the Most of Them
I read that quote a little over 4 years ago, at the time I was 26. I had recently joined Under Armour and to the outside world, it appeared as a dream job. The reality was I was having an identity crisis in my professional life. I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I wanted to build something that could change the world. I wanted to have success, so I could have the opportunity to help others. I wanted to start something from a blank canvas. Under Armour was not providing that.
I also wasn’t mentally prepared to accomplish those desires. I was recently engaged, fairly new to Austin, and lacked the confidence that I could actually create an impactful business. I wanted to find a place that taught me the ropes of building a business and help me build the identity capital to leap into entrepreneurship.
About 7 months after joining UA, I started to speak with Sam Parr about joining The Hustle. The company was starting to experience product-market fit, but Sam had wild dreams of where it could go. He believed he could change the way a media company operated and knew how to create a loyal audience. It was inspiring. I hoped it would be a place where I could learn, grow, and build myself up into the person I wanted to become. Two weeks after getting married, I left my job at Under Armour and joined The Hustle.
Since joining, I’ve learned something new every day. I’ve learned that good instincts and hard work will have great outcomes. I’ve learned that being naive can be an advantage. I’ve learned that being bold, moving fast, and having fun can create a dynamic culture. I’ve learned that a pandemic can’t slow down a badass team. I’ve learned that hiring your friends can be the best and hardest decision you can make. I’ve learned that you can build lifelong friendships at work. I’ve learned you can create a great company out of an apartment. I’ve learned that the demise of success is ego. I’ve learned that the world is full of incredible people trying to make a positive difference. I’ve learned that passion is the fuel to success.
In the last 4 years, The Hustle has invested in my growth and I’ve invested my heart and soul. It’s now clear to me that it’s the best time for me to take the next step in my journey. As of this Friday, I’ll be stepping down as President of The Hustle and moving into an Advisor role. Going forward, I’ll be leaving The Hustle Community as a moderator, but joining as a participant and full-time entrepreneur trying to build something from the ground up. I’m excited, nervous, but, most of all, thankful.
Thanks to Sam and John for inviting me to join this amazing company. Thank you to the 33 colleagues that have helped make this place of work so enjoyable. Thank you to this community for inspiring me to take the jump. And, above all thank you to my wife for being so patient.
I hope the next chapter is as good as the last one.
This was originally posted August 16, 2020.