Why I Left an 18-Year Corporate Career to Build CNCT Media

For nearly two decades, my world revolved around structured organisations, defined hierarchies and the quiet comfort of predictability. I learnt a great deal, worked with exceptional people, and saw the inside of corporate machinery in its most refined – and, at times, most political – forms.

Yet somewhere along the way, the work stopped feeding me. That familiar spark that used to get me out of bed gradually dimmed. I realised I was spending more time navigating internal politics than creating anything meaningful. The higher you climb in the corporate world, the more you learn that culture is often designed to protect itself, not necessarily to nurture its people.

So, after 18 years, I walked away.

Not to build a “startup”. Not to chase VC money. And certainly not to play the hyper-growth, burn-as-much-as-you-can game that has become fashionable in the last decade. I’d seen too many companies use that playbook irresponsibly – raising capital only to burn through it for optics, lifestyle, and little else.

What I wanted was to build something real. Something grounded. Something I could be proud of. That’s how CNCT Media was born.

A Very Different World

Moving from corporate to business ownership felt like stepping into an alternate universe. The biggest shock? Most businesses we work with aren’t even on LinkedIn – and they don’t care to be.

In the corporate world, LinkedIn is almost currency: a stage, a scoreboard, a never-ending stream of announcements. But in the real business world? Results matter far more than posts. Many of these founders and owners are building impressive companies quietly, often with zero online presence.

A Community That Actually Helps

I’d always assumed business owners were fiercely competitive, guarded, or transactional. What I found instead was the opposite. The business community is remarkably helpful.

If you ask for advice, someone shares it. If you need a contact, someone introduces you. If you’re struggling, someone tells you how they overcame the same thing.

It is the polar opposite of my corporate experience, where collaboration often ended the moment ambition began. In the business world, people succeed together. And that generosity has shaped how we operate as well.

Why CNCT Was Never Going To Be a “Startup”

The word “startup” today often means: raise money first, find an idea later. I wanted none of that.

From day one, CNCT Media was self-funded. We earned our revenue from the very first month. We were accountable to no investors – only to our clients and the work we promised them.

That discipline forced us to be sharp, intentional, and consistent. No frivolous spending. No inflated titles. No grand press releases. Just good work, delivered well.

Growing 10x in Two Years

In just two years, we grew at a staggering pace – 10x – without ads, without PR, without external support.

The reason was simple: We delivered quality work every single time.

Great work travels. And people talk. Every client we have today came through relationships we built – not a single cold call, not a single outbound pitch. That is something I remain deeply proud of.

Leaving Corporate Behind – And Not Looking Back

Friends and family often ask whether I miss the stability, the structure, the large teams, the conferences, the benefits.

The truth is: I don’t. Not even a little.

Building CNCT Media has given me more clarity, purpose and satisfaction than any corporate role ever did. I work with people I enjoy. I choose the projects we take on. I operate with integrity, without bureaucracy, without noise.

I don’t think I will ever return to a corporate life – not because it was bad, but because what I have now feels unquestionably right for the person I’ve become.

A New Chapter, Built on Experience and Self-Belief

Looking back, the decision to leave a stable 18-year career wasn’t easy. It came with doubts, hesitations, and more than a few sleepless nights. But I also carried with me the confidence that comes from years of working hard, building relationships, and understanding how businesses – real businesses – succeed.

CNCT Media is still writing its story. We’re young, ambitious, and proud of the reputation we’ve built. Most importantly, we’re grounded in the belief that good work is the best marketing strategy anyone can have.

And for the first time in a long time, I wake up energised by the work I get to do – not drained by the work I have to do.