Stepping Off the Rocketship

It’s a weird feeling saying ‘I’m leaving OneTrust’, a place that has been something akin to home for me the past five years. In some aspects, it feels like only last month I wrote about leaving Accenture to join a startup that has something to do with data privacy (whatever that means). In other aspects, if feels as if I’ve been here 10+ years and am an industry vet having worked with literally hundreds of companies helping to shape their privacy programs.

Quick story. At a conference in late 2019 I sat a table of privacy pros for a presentation on automating something. Before the speaker kicked off I introduced myself to the table. They asked how it’s been working at OneTrust. What a question. There had been no time to reflect on my experience yet but I gave them my heart felt answer and this is what I tell everyone now. ‘Working at OneTrust changed me both professionally and personally.’ A bit deeper than I’m sure they expected but it was the truth.

Working at OneTrust changed me both professionally and personally.

Professionally: I am more mature and executive ready. I’ve built teams and programs. Interviewed hundreds and hired dozens. Managed countless one-on-ones and jumped on to too many grenades on behalf of the team or business to count. Promoted many and shipped off 50+ to other teams. Worked with some of the world’s best executors and been yelled at by them as well. 🙂

Personally: I am more confident in my self and my skills. Any deep rooted insecurities of being a young consultant have been dug out and replaced with a self-assurance from a job well done. I’ve made so many friends and expanded my comfort zone than what I thought imaginable.

I’ve made many friends who are now staples in my life. When you go battle shoulder to shoulder with someone you develop a bond that is not easily broken. Trust is built in each to deliver. This cycle is what creates truly great teams and really good friends. I have buckets of stories about some of your managers. Subscribe to my newsletter and I’ll tell you a few.

And with every great story, it must come to an end. Let’s be real: it’s not been easy but it’s been fun. From getting thrown off projects to throwing people off engagements, last minute flights to help a friend and much more. It’s true what they say. It’s about the journey, not the destination. (Although an IPO would be nice.)

Some people build the rocket ship. Others ride the rocket ship grasping from their fingertips to hold one. And others colonize Mars.

I’ve come to realize that some people build the rocket ship. Others ride the rocket ship grasping from their fingertips to hold one. And others colonize Mars. I loved building the rocket ship and that deep sense of fulfillment from hard work. I liked riding the rocket ship and adding more seats so others could ride along. I just don’t see myself colonizing Mars, I’m just looking for other experiences.

It’s not you. It’s me.

So. Where am I going?

Over the last few years, I had the opportunity to work with the team over at Grant Thornton across different engagements and just really enjoyed working together. I like their hustle and openness and vision for the program. So I reached out and they responded. What really stood out is that they wanted me on their team and weren’t shy to say it. I’m pumped to get back into the consulting game and to get back to building teams and impacting careers. More to come on this front as I get settled in.

What I have been through is a once in a life time journey. To work for the world’s fastest growing enterprise software company is not lost on me. I’m very proud of what I’ve accomplished, for the friends I’ve made, and for the clients I’ve worked with.

Thank you to my friends and family for showing up everyday. Here’s to the next chapter!

A few pieces of advice for those of you considering working at a startup.

• Do it when you’re young and have few obligations.
• Look at the caliber of the founding team. There are very few Zuckerbergs out there – meaning a 19 year old who can execute. Work for someone who has either built a company before or who was early stage at a successful startup.
• Look at the growth potential of the market. Is it growing? Is there authentic demand? Avoid working your butt off in a market that’ll be no bigger than $50M valuation when you could find a multi-billion dollar market. Way more upside.