Transitioning from corporate America to entrepreneurship can be a daunting but rewarding journey. More and more women are choosing to leave their corporate jobs due to various factors such as workplace flexibility, unequal pay, microaggressions, and lack of leadership transparency. Gail Becker, founder of CAULIPOWER, decided to take the leap almost ten years ago after becoming disenchanted with corporate America and feeling inspired by her father, an immigrant who built his own business. She joined the 1800 women in America who start new businesses every day, contributing to the $2.7 trillion in revenue generated by female entrepreneurs annually.
For women looking to balance both a corporate job and entrepreneurship, Becker suggests trying to do both initially. However, she acknowledges that it can be challenging to start a business while working a corporate job, especially without the flexibility that the pandemic and remote work have now provided. With more Americans filing applications to start new businesses post-pandemic, there is a growing trend towards entrepreneurship as a viable career option. Women-led businesses are also showing higher returns on investment compared to their male counterparts, emphasizing the value that female founders bring to the entrepreneurial landscape.
While corporate America was no longer the right fit for Becker, she took away valuable lessons about creating company culture. When starting CAULIPOWER, she prioritized creating an environment where employees could grow, learn, and contribute. Becker believes in hiring great people, empowering them to do their jobs, and listening to their ideas for mutual success. This approach has clearly paid off, as CAULIPOWER is now worth over $500 million and distributed in over 25,000 stores nationwide.
Becker shares four tips for those looking to transition from corporate America to entrepreneurship. First, don’t let perfectionism hinder progress – act on your ideas and adjust along the way. Second, be willing to admit what you don’t know and surround yourself with experts who can help you learn. Third, seek out communities of fellow entrepreneurs for support and advice. Finally, rethink how you define yourself professionally – embracing the title of “entrepreneur” can be both intimidating and liberating, opening up new opportunities and connections in the entrepreneurial world.
Overall, the journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship is a challenging but fulfilling one for many women. As more women choose to take the leap into starting their own businesses, they are finding support and success in communities of like-minded entrepreneurs. By embracing the uncertainty of entrepreneurship, being willing to learn and adapt, and creating a strong company culture, women like Gail Becker are paving the way for a new generation of female entrepreneurs.
