Why I Left a Great Opportunity to Pursue My Passion for Building World-Class Operations
Leaving a great company is never easy. When I say "great," I mean an organization with strong values, talented people, and exciting opportunities—a place where the future looked bright and the path ahead was filled with possibilities. But sometimes, life presents you with a choice: continue along a safe, established route, or step into the unknown and invest in yourself.
This isn’t just about starting a business. It’s about a belief—one I’ve carried with me throughout my career—that the most meaningful work lies at the intersection of passion, talent, and purpose. For me, that intersection is working with startups, building operations teams that move fast, scale efficiently, and set a gold standard for performance.
A Hard Decision Rooted in Passion
The decision to leave my corporate role wasn’t made lightly. I’ve had the privilege of leading at the highest levels as an SVP of Strategic Operations, gaining experience in scaling companies, setting KPIs, automating processes, and negotiating with vendors. It was challenging work—sometimes grueling—but always rewarding. I learned how to build resilient teams, implement meaningful systems, and make tough decisions that balanced people, processes, and profits.
Yet, in every role, I found my heart gravitating toward startups: companies in their infancy, full of energy, promise, and possibility. There’s a unique thrill in taking a business from an idea on a whiteboard to a fully functioning operation. It’s messy, unpredictable, and exhilarating all at once—and that’s where I thrive. The thought of dedicating myself fully to that space kept nudging me, asking, What could be possible if you went all in?
Betting on Myself
So, I decided it was time to take the leap. Leaving behind the safety of a paycheck and the comfort of a well-structured environment isn’t easy. But I believe in the power of risk, especially when the risk is tied to passion and purpose. I’m choosing to invest in my talent for scaling operations, building teams, and helping startups lay the foundation they need to succeed.
My consulting practice will focus on delivering high-impact operational leadership, providing fractional SVP-level expertise to small and midsize startups. These businesses often can’t afford top-tier executive talent full-time—but they still need the strategies, tools, and frameworks to scale efficiently. That’s where I come in. This business allows me to combine my love for leadership with my knack for getting things done, bringing practical, actionable solutions to organizations with bold visions.
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
Walking away from a great company doesn’t mean I leave behind the lessons, relationships, or memories I built along the way. In fact, everything I’ve done up to this point has prepared me for this new chapter. I’m grateful for the people I’ve worked with, the mentors who shaped my thinking, and the challenges that tested my resolve. I carry those experiences with me as I step into the entrepreneurial world.
This journey is about more than just a career shift; it’s a personal commitment to live and work with intention. It’s about creating something meaningful, taking control of my time and energy, and building a business that reflects my values: accountability, hard work, and smart processes.
The Road Ahead
Starting a business is daunting, and I know there will be hard days. But if I’ve learned anything, it’s that the most rewarding accomplishments are born from discomfort, persistence, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty. I’ve spent years helping others grow their businesses, build scalable operations, and solve complex problems. Now, it’s time to apply those same principles to my own venture.
I am excited about this new chapter and grateful for the opportunity to pursue a path that aligns with my passion. I look forward to working with bold founders, inspiring teams, and the kind of businesses that dream big. And I know the best is yet to come.
Here’s to the next chapter—and the belief that the most important investment we can ever make is in ourselves.
— Tony Dorsey
