There’s a trend circulating these days—"Do the bare minimum and make the same money." For some, that’s the safest path to psychological security and financial stability. But for those of us who thrive on chaos, push boundaries, and crave the thrill of seizing real opportunities, there’s a different game to play. If you’re ready to dive into the deep end, let me tell you how I did it.
The Corporate Escape and the Consultancy Launch:
I left a cushy corporate gig at 28, not because I had a master plan, but because I needed more. I needed the freedom to move, to think, to create without the endless layers of corporate red tape. So, I started my own consultancy. Almost immediately, I landed a high-profile client in the Fortune 10. They brought me in for one reason: to identify and address the opportunities others were overlooking. It was like being handed the keys to a complex puzzle, and I was more than ready to solve it.
The Art of Fixing What’s Already Broken:
Here’s the thing—most systems are already broken; they’re just broken quietly. My job was to make that brokenness loud and impossible to ignore. Think of it like the 'red stapler guy' from Office Space. He’s tucked away, unnoticed, while the building metaphorically burns. My approach? Drag the red stapler guy out of the basement, pair him with someone who knows how to get things done, and then light a fire under the whole operation. I didn’t create the problems, but I sure as hell made them visible. Once the steam started pouring out of the engine, I was the one who knew how to fix it.
Pushing Boundaries and Thriving in Remote Work:
I wasn’t supposed to be working from rooftops in Istanbul, beaches in Ibiza, or cafés in Medellín. Hell, I wasn’t supposed to do half the things I did. But pushing boundaries is what made me successful. Remote work wasn’t just an escape from the office—it was my secret weapon.
Remote work is built on an unspoken social contract amongst each team member—it's about trust, respect, and accountability, both up, down, and sideways. Break that contract, or even give the impression that it’s broken, and you’ve got some serious explaining to do—fast. If you don’t, everything goes to hell in a handbasket. This contract is what allowed me to thrive, build, manage, and maintain a high-performing team spread across time zones. I didn’t need to see you in a seat or check your status on Teams to know if you were working. I knew how long things took, and I could spot a duty dodger from a mile away. The key was in understanding the work and the behaviors of those who tried to game the system. By mastering this, I turned remote work into a powerhouse of productivity.
Leaning Into Chaos: The Real Game-Changer:
Here’s the secret—when heads are rolling, don’t look for another job. Lean in. While everyone else is jumping ship, that’s when the real opportunities open up. Positions are vacated, chaos reigns, and if you’re the one willing to run toward the fire, you’ll find yourself in the driver’s seat. It’s like being the last person standing when the dust settles; suddenly, you’re the go-to, the fixer, the one who made it work when everyone else ran for cover.
Building Genuine Relationships:
In the corporate world, relationships are everything—but it’s not about manipulating connections. It’s about genuinely caring for the people who make things happen. I’ve always made it a point to build real, meaningful relationships with assistants, chiefs of staff, and anyone who manages a schedule or budget. These are the people who truly run the show, and getting to know them on a human level has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. When you show up authentically, these relationships naturally lead to opportunities, trust, and mutual respect.
Straight Talk with Execs:
Contrary to popular belief, executives value someone who gives it to them straight—especially when it’s not in your immediate best interest. I’d walk into the room, lay out three options, and make it clear which one I’d choose and why. It’s not just about solving problems; it’s about giving the decision-makers the tools they need to make the right call. When done right, this approach builds trust, and in turn, influence.
Addressing the Bare Minimum Trend:
Yes, doing the bare minimum might work for some—it’s a path to a stable paycheck without the stress. But where’s the fun in that? Where’s the control over your destiny? I’ve never understood why anyone would let fear drive their decisions or approach. Maybe it’s the ADHD, maybe it’s the autism, or maybe it’s just my undeniable comfort with chaos, but I’ve always believed in jumping on the bomb, running toward the fire. That’s where they hide the money. The real opportunities lie in the places others are too scared to go.
Key Strategies That Worked for Me:
- Consulting & Disruption: I became the go-to person for fixing what was broken. This wasn’t just about solving problems—it was about making sure those problems couldn’t be ignored.
- Remote Work as a Strength: Whether I was in Ibiza or Medellín, I made sure that my remote work setup was a strength, not a liability. It taught me how to build, manage, and maintain a high-performing team, no matter where they were.
- Building Genuine Relationships: I prioritized building real, authentic relationships with the right people—the ones who make things happen behind the scenes. These relationships were key to my success.
- Straight Talk with Executives: I learned that executives value clear, honest communication. By laying out options and making strong recommendations, I built trust and influence.
- Leaning Into Chaos: When things got chaotic, I didn’t run—I leaned in. That’s when the real opportunities emerged.
- Loyalty to Your Team: Loyalty isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. When your team knows you’ve got their back, they’ll go above and beyond for you.
Conclusion:
It’s been a wild ride, but one that’s taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, strategy, and the power of human connection. So, yes, you can do the bare minimum and get by, but if you want more—if you want the thrill, the control, the stories—then run toward the fire. That’s where the real opportunities are.
What about you? How are you navigating your career? Let’s connect and share stories—there’s always something new to learn. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)