Why I took the leap
The Moment
There’s always a point where staying comfortable feels riskier than taking the leap. For me, that moment came after 14 years in corporate America. I had built a career, developed skills, and grown a network I’m incredibly grateful for. But deep down, I knew I wasn’t doing what I was supposed to be doing. This is the story of why I stepped out of a stable career to start HUMN and why I believe every step of my journey has prepared me for this.
From Corporate to Creator
I spent over a decade at companies like CDW and Gartner. Those years taught me lessons you can’t learn in a book:
At CDW, I learned the value of relationships. Business is people choosing to work with people they like and trust.
At Gartner, I learned the discipline of data-driven decision making. You can have great instincts, but scale comes from evidence and execution.
These weren’t just jobs, they were a foundation. They gave me a toolkit in sales, relationships, and strategy that I still use daily.
The Athlete’s Mindset
In parallel with my career, I was building something else: myself as an athlete. What started as a hobby (running) quickly turned into a classroom. Trail running taught me about consistency, resilience, and grit. It taught me how to suffer well, how to adapt, and how to keep moving when the finish line feels out of reach.
That mindset isn’t separate from my founder journey but I really view it as my founder journey. The same principles that carry me up a mountain are the ones I lean on when pitching investors, building a brand, or working through setbacks.
The Network That Shapes Me
Nobody builds alone. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to grow a network of mentors, advisors, and peers who have guided me, challenged me, and believed in me. In Denver especially, I’ve felt the energy of a community that’s building big things. This network is more than connections, it’s validation that I’m not doing this in isolation. I’ve built credibility by surrounding myself with people who are smarter than me, and who want to see HUMN succeed.
Why Now
So why take the leap now? Because timing matters. The wellness industry is shifting. I can literally see it. Communities are craving places that connect health, work, and purpose. Personally, I’ve reached the point where my skills, network, and conviction align. This isn’t a jump into the unknown. It’s a leap into the inevitable. The work I’ve been preparing for, quietly and consistently, for years.
The Path Forward
HUMN isn’t just a business idea. It’s the intersection of everything I’ve been building toward as a business professional, as an athlete, and as a leader. The leap wasn’t reckless. It was intentional and I believe it’s only the beginning. If you believe in building something bigger than yourself, I’d love to connect.
