The Next Phase 🚀

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👋 Hey everyone,

My time at PUMA is officially over. And as I gear up for the next phase of my career, I can't help but take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey I've had over the past 20 years working for some of the biggest companies like Disney, Warner, Paramount, and of course, PUMA. These experiences have been nothing short of transformative, shaping me into the person I am today.

More than that, they helped me develop my entrepreneurial skills, which I will have to rely on for the next phase opening up ahead of me.

Going from intrapreneur to entrepreneur might not be as easy and exciting as it sounds. A lot of things are similar but A LOT more is very different.

However, there are 5 key learnings from corporate that I believe will serve me well moving forward:

 1. Innovate or Fall Behind: Big corporations taught me that innovation isn't just a buzzword; it's a necessity. Staying ahead of the curve and constantly pushing boundaries is what sets successful businesses apart.

2. The Power of Collaboration: Collaboration isn't just about working together; it's about creating something greater than the sum of its parts. Big companies taught me the value of teamwork and the importance of fostering a collaborative culture.

3. Customer Experience is Everything: At the end of the day, it's all about the customer. Big companies drilled into me the importance of delivering exceptional customer experiences and going above and beyond to exceed expectations.

4. Adaptability is Key: In the corporate world, change is constant. Being able to pivot and adapt on the fly is a skill that's served me well and will continue to do so in my entrepreneurial journey.

5. Never Stop Learning: Big companies are like crash courses in continuous learning. Every day presents a new challenge and a new opportunity to grow, both personally and professionally.

At the same time … all my entrepreneur friends are telling me that it is really tough out there 😬 I guess there is never a good time to start a business, is there? One of my best friends in Spain left his job and founded a marketing agency 1 month before the global Pandemic hit! Talk about bad timing…

So here are 5 big mindset shifts I will have to tackle as a business owner:

 1. Embracing Uncertainty: Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship means embracing uncertainty and getting comfortable with the unknown. It's a wild ride, but one that's filled with endless possibilities.

2. Financial Rollercoaster: Starting a business comes with its fair share of financial risks. Managing cash flow and navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship will be a challenge, but one that I'm ready to tackle head-on.

3. Building a Killer Network: As an entrepreneur, your network is everything. Building relationships with mentors, advisors, and fellow entrepreneurs will be crucial to my success moving forward.

4. Finding Work-Life Harmony: Let's be real; entrepreneurship is a lifestyle, not just a job. Balancing work and personal life can be tough, but finding that sweet spot where they complement each other is the ultimate goal.

5. Overcoming Obstacles: Every entrepreneur faces obstacles along the way. Whether it's funding challenges, market fluctuations, or unexpected setbacks, the key is to stay resilient and keep pushing forward.

Wheeewww … if the 20 years were a wild ride, I can’t imagine how the next 20 years will look like! LOL  

As I embark on this much anticipated entrepreneurial chapter (which I have been waiting for since I was a teenager helping out my parents in their own business), I'm filled with excitement, anticipation, and a big (yet healthy) dose of nerves.

But I wouldn't have it any other way.

Here's to the journey ahead, filled with endless opportunities and the freedom to create something truly unmatched.

If you are already on this journey , please share any advice you think might be useful! I will very much need it in the coming months.

Until next time, keep your 👀 on the future.

Oana