After a stint at a UK-based NGO and then the ILO, I went into banking. My journey began as a sales officer at the largest local bank before moving to Barclays, where I gained valuable experience in Payments, Treasury, Credit, and Customer support. But deep down, I knew the startup hustle was calling—it was time to trade corporate suits for the thrill of building something from the ground up.
Seeking new challenges, I served as the Head of Payments at a regional bank in Eastern Africa, polishing my expertise in business payments. Then, I joined Ecobank as the Head of the Corporate Banking & Payments Business.
There, I led a 20-plus-person team in managing relationships with corporate clients, fintech, and partners, including Mastercard, Cellulant, Flutterwave, Visa, Google, and UBER.
Then, driven by a passion for real innovation and building meaningful products, I left banking for fintech. I joined Nala and later cofounded Tembo, and to be honest, I don’t think I am going back, but I keep going back as we are now partners, building the future of financial services that is better, inclusive, and useful for Africa.
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the allure of startups has captivated many full-time professionals seeking new challenges and opportunities outside the confines of traditional corporate environments.
As someone who successfully transitioned from a corporate job at a bank to working in the startup world, I have personally experienced the transformative power of this career shift.
In this article, I aim to reflect on my journey and share five key recommendations for full-time employees at big corporations who are considering a move to startups.
These recommendations are based on what I know now. That might limit me, and that is okay. Just roll with me. You may find a thing or two.
Key recommendations for those who wish to leave corporate jobs to join startups
Develop Transferable Skills So You Can “wear multiple hats”
When transitioning from a corporate job to a startup role, it’s important to focus on developing transferable skills that are highly valued in the startup ecosystem.
Skills such as sales, operations, customer management, product development, project management, communication, finance management, negotiation, and partnerships are critical for success in startups.
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Identify opportunities within your current role or seek additional responsibilities that allow you to enhance these skills. Showcase your ability to adapt and excel in various areas, as startups often require versatile individuals who can wear multiple hats.
Gather Deeper Domain Experience To “Break and Build Faster”
I always say you have to be able to “break a bank to build a better bank.” To truly excel in the fast-paced and ever-evolving startup ecosystem, it is essential to have a practical understanding of how things work instead of a theoretical understanding.
This kind of experience-backed understanding goes beyond academic knowledge or imaginative ideas without reality checks.
It is the ability to boil things down and build them from the ground up based on firsthand knowledge of their inner workings and general practices. It allows you to see the bigger picture and the “smaller picture at the same time”, identify potential challenges, and find innovative solutions as you go.
Build Relationships and Networks it might be “the only missing piece”
Building strong relationships and networks is crucial in the startup industry. Cultivate connections with former colleagues, industry professionals, and friends of friends who may provide valuable insights and support.
Networking should also extend to your competitors, as they might become future partners or very important collaborators. Emphasise the importance of relationship-building in your journey to a startup career, as these connections can open doors and bring deals, investors, and valuable opportunities to collaborate.
Join a Startup with a full-time technical founder
Joining a startup with a technical founder gives you the opportunity to work closely with them to build and refine the product or service. In this dynamic, the technical founder will primarily focus on developing and building the core technology, while your role will be to ensure that the product works as intended and meets the needs of targeted customers.
You will provide valuable insights into the practical aspects of the product, ensuring that it aligns with customer expectations and addresses their pain points. In one sentence, I am saying you and the tech guy should be able to build and acquire the first few customers before any additional hires.
Live in the future, Hang out with your future colleague
Keeping tabs on the startup ecosystem years before you jump is an essential strategy for a successful transition. By actively staying informed and engaged with the startup landscape, you can gain valuable insights and develop a startup mindset even while working in a corporate job.
This knowledge will expand your understanding of the startup landscape and provide valuable insights into emerging technologies, innovative business models, and disruptive trends.
Engaging with the startup ecosystem allows you to build connections with founders, investors, industry experts, and other professionals in the field.
Attending startup events, conferences, and meetups provides opportunities to network, exchange ideas, and potentially find like-minded individuals or future co-founders. This knowledge can help you make informed choices when the time comes to make the leap into the startup space.
Immersing yourself in the startup ecosystem helps develop an agile, innovative, and adaptable mindset. You gain exposure to the entrepreneurial mindset, which emphasizes experimentation, learning from failures, and embracing change. This mindset shift is valuable for navigating the dynamic and fast-paced startup environment.
By actively staying connected to the startup ecosystem years before transitioning, you can make a smoother and more informed transition, setting yourself up for success in the startup world.
In my experience, Transitioning from a corporate job to the world of startups requires preparation and a willingness to “embrace the madness” that comes with it.
In summary, transitioning from a corporate 9-5 to the vibrant world of startups can be a thrilling yet challenging journey. By developing transferable skills, gaining deeper domain experience, building strong networks, collaborating with technical founders, and actively engaging with the startup ecosystem, you can set yourself up for success in this dynamic environment.
Remember, the path to a fulfilling career in startups is not just about individual capability; it’s also about the connections you make and the insights you gather along the way. Embrace the uncertainty, seek out opportunities to learn, and surround yourself with like-minded individuals who inspire and motivate you.
So, if you’re considering this leap, take these recommendations to heart, prepare yourself, and step into the exciting world of innovation and entrepreneurship.
The journey awaits, and with the right mindset and resources, you’ll be well-equipped to make your mark in the startup landscape. Let’s break barriers and build the future together!
