How did I decide to quit BCG to start Nova? Reflections after 5 years.
Today it makes 5 years since I decided to leave BCG (although we incorporated the "new" Nova in January 2020). I remember my mother was particularly mad at me when I told her I was leaving a great job that I liked.
Indeed, changing jobs is often a tough decision, particularly if you like what you do in a prestigious firm and you get a good salary.
In my case, there were 4 main reasons:
1. Personal Upside: more aligned with my purpose
Although I loved my work at BCG, I found that Nova was clealy more aligned with my personal purpose and my passion for connecting great people
2. Professional Upside: bigger professional challenge
Although BCG was still a great challenge, by moving to Nova I became exposed to leading a bigger team sooner, to selling, to raising money … clearly an upgrade in terms of professional challenge and responsibility at least in the short term
3. Economic Upside: bigger potential return with enough fixed salary
Although my fixed salary today is lower than what I would have at BCG at this point, it’s enough for my lifestyle and I have much more upside if the company goes well though my shares, which could potentially generate me much more money than a career at BCG (although with less probability)
4. Reversibility: I had a way back
Since I had been successful in my 2 years at the firm, the worst thing which could happen is that I would need to go back. Once you have this kind of feeling, making this kind of bold career decision becomes 10x easier.
5 years later, I have never regretted making the decision, not for a single day.
Even if Nova would fail (which I belive is becoming less and less likely), I would be super happy I had made it. The level of learnings, friends and memories I carry with me are just amazing.
👉 So think carefully about decisions like that, but if you can rationalize they make sense, optimize for lack of regret. Not having tried is always more painful than failure or rejection.
Thank you Andrea, Lars-Henrik, Elías, Daniel, Cristina, Magnus, Cristian, Maria, Williams and all the teams and Novas who have made it possible! Looking forward to then next 5 years 🚀
PS: I am proud to say I have almost convinced my mother it was the right decision 🌟
Managing Director R&R Venture Partners, Equity Alliance Advisor
3wHappy Thanksgiving #smilerinchief! So grateful for you and your ever thoughtful and generous positivity! ❤️