Not My First Guess
The Power of Calling it Quits: When to Step Away: Featuring Joy Mpofu and Cameron Orcutt
Feb 11, 2025
Joy Mpofu, a former VP at Morgan Stanley turned founder of a women’s sexual health startup, and Cameron Orcutt, ex-CPA and co-founder of a fintech for first-time homebuyers, dive into the tough decisions behind shutting down businesses. They share personal stories about navigating the stigma of failure in the UK and the strong support systems that helped them through. The emotional toll of entrepreneurship, identity struggles, and the necessity for open dialogue in these challenging moments are key highlights of their candid conversation.
55:27
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast emphasizes the critical concept of failing fast in entrepreneurship, particularly in the UK, to overcome the fear of failure.
- Joy and Cameron share their transitions from stable corporate careers to the unpredictability of startups, highlighting the desire for growth over security.
Deep dives
Fail Fast and the Culture of Failure in the UK
The concept of failing fast is highlighted as a critical part of entrepreneurial success, particularly in the UK, where a fear of failure often leads businesses to limp along rather than close when necessary. A pervasive culture in Britain encourages individuals to stay in their roles without seeking growth or exploration outside their formal job descriptions. This reluctance to discuss failure openly creates a barrier that stifles innovation and entrepreneurship, as many founders suffer in silence. It’s emphasized that addressing failure and encouraging open conversations around it could help budding entrepreneurs navigate their journeys more effectively.
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