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Jonathan Jacobs (JJ)'s avatar

this resonates hard. i went through the withdrawal phase a few years ago after losing my longtime corporate gig with a well known brand. 3 years later, i've managed to take the fledgling side-hustle, nonprofit i had started 2+ decades ago and build it into its own recognized brand. the fact that my prior company was hasbro, the personal monopoly analogy comes with extra oomph ;) -- thanks for the thoughtful writing, i hugely enjoy your work brother.

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Tom White's avatar

Thanks very much for the kind words, brother. Descartes comes to mind: “You just keep pushing. You just keep pushing. I made every mistake that could be made. But I just kept pushing.”

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Kevin Reynolds's avatar

As someone who recently made a move away from a “biggish” name company to start my own, this really hits home. It’s comforting that some old connections are still connections, because my phone is still ringing. I have the luxury of being selective and giving myself the gift of taking my time back.

But I know it’s not time to rest on any laurels. There is still a daily drive to keep proving it.

Thanks for sharing.

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Tom White's avatar

Thanks so much for reading and replying, Kevin!

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Nina May's avatar

I really enjoyed reading this, but upon reading your bio, couldn't help but giggle at "formerly Google", i.e. ex-Google.

I think you have your own brand now - you're the front of the shirt ✌️

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Tom White's avatar

Watch what I say, not what I do! ;)

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