When I look back at my career, one of the most pivotal and exciting moments was co-authoring the book From StartUp to StandOut with Kevin Harrington, one of the original sharks from Shark Tank. The journey to this milestone was anything but linear, and it serves as a testament to the power of stepping forward, starting, and trusting the process.
In March 2024, I attended the Family Offices Club event in Beverly Hills, California—a space filled with investors, fund managers, and service providers catering to high-net-worth individuals and family offices. It was at this event that I first heard Kevin Harrington speak. His insights into entrepreneurship and leadership, combined with his infectious energy, left a lasting impression. Here was someone I had admired for years on television, now standing in front of me, sharing wisdom that would ultimately shape my own entrepreneurial mindset.
After his talk, I struck up conversations with Brandon T. Adams, a collaborator of Kevin’s, and even spent part of the evening at a cigar bar getting to know Kevin, Brandon, and others in a more personal setting. That night, I couldn’t have predicted that a casual conversation would lead to an invitation, a few months later, to co-author a book alongside Kevin and his team. It was surreal—a full-circle moment that I could never have imagined.
Growing up, my mom and I would sit and watch Shark Tank, fascinated by the inventions, businesses, and opportunities on display. My mom, though primarily an educator who held roles like principal and assistant principal, had a sharp business mind. For a time, she ran her own Mary Kay business. Those moments spent watching TV with her, dreaming about business ideas, seemed worlds away from my reality as I stood next to Kevin Harrington, sharing this accomplishment with my parents in Tampa during the book launch.
Co-authoring From StartUp to StandOut was a chance for me to reflect on my own journey—from co-founding a software startup to working in commercial real estate, launching companies, and building my own brand. My chapter in the book highlights the lessons I’ve learned along the way. But the biggest takeaway I hope to share is simple: the power of starting.
Taking that first step, no matter how uncertain or small it may feel, is what sets you apart. It’s how you create momentum, build connections, and eventually, stand out in your field. My journey is proof of that. From attending an event in Beverly Hills to writing a book with someone I admired, none of this would have been possible if I hadn’t taken the initiative to show up, have conversations, and seize opportunities as they came.
For anyone aspiring to do something great—whether it’s starting a business, writing a book, or pursuing a passion project—remember this: you don’t need to have all the answers at the start. You just need to begin.
Co-authoring From StartUp to StandOut wasn’t just an opportunity to share my experiences; it was a culmination of countless moments, big and small, that shaped my career. And most importantly, it was a reminder of how unpredictable and rewarding the entrepreneurial journey can be. I’m grateful for the chance to reflect on these lessons and share them with others who are ready to take that first step.
Ready to take your first step? Grab your copy of From Start Up to Stand Out now: Standout
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