What does it take to leave behind a stable corporate career and successfully launch a business? Many professionals dream of entrepreneurship but making the leap can feel overwhelming. HAYVN Hubcast host Nancy Sheed sat down with Emelie Calbick, co-founder of Stage 2 Startups, to discuss the realities of starting a business later in life. Emelie shared her personal journey from the corporate world to tech startups and how she now helps others navigate this transition.

Like many professionals, Emelie found herself wondering if there was something more fulfilling beyond corporate life. Research backs this up. 29% of business owners say their biggest motivation is the desire to be their own boss, while 17% leave corporate careers due to dissatisfaction. For Emelie, the opportunity to join a tech startup was exhilarating, offering a new level of independence, decision-making, and creativity.

Making the switch from corporate employee to entrepreneur requires a deep understanding of yourself, your skills, and your tolerance for risk.

Emelie outlined the key questions every aspiring business owner should ask:

Do I have a passion for this business? Can I see myself doing this every day?
How comfortable am I with uncertainty? Entrepreneurship involves risk and the ability to pivot.
Do I work best alone or with a partner? Some thrive independently, while others need collaboration.
What are my strengths and weaknesses? Identifying skill gaps early helps you find the right support.

She also emphasized the importance of seeking honest feedback from colleagues, friends, and family. Sometimes, others recognize our talents before we do!

A common misconception is that startups are for the young. The average startup founder is 45 years old, and this group is twice as likely to succeed compared to younger founders.

That’s due to:

Experience – Years in the workforce build valuable skills in leadership, strategy, and problem-solving.
Networks – Established professionals have connections that can open doors.
Financial Stability – Many midlife entrepreneurs have resources to sustain early-stage growth.

Whether it’s launching a high-tech business, a local service, or a passion-driven nonprofit, midlife entrepreneurs are proving that age is an asset, not a barrier.

One of the biggest mistakes aspiring business owners make is skipping the research phase. Emelie shared inspiring examples of entrepreneurs who took the time to validate their ideas before launching.

The takeaway? Success isn’t an accident, it’s the result of careful preparation, persistence, and learning from others.

Connect with Emelie Stage2Startups.com

Connect with Nancy

Episode 30: Unofficial Retroactive Pilot from December 2017