One Year Ago, I Took the Leap

One Year Ago, I Took the Leap

By Saad Al Wuqayan

Founder – Lead Coach, Saad’s Brain Academy

College of Business, Class of 2016, MBA

Member of the Alumni Association Board

Exactly one year ago, I walked away from a prestigious job—the kind of job everyone dreams of.

It was a bold move, and not something I ever imagined I’d do.

My entrepreneurial journey started in May 2020, right after we got through the exhausting pandemic.

The first two years were humble beginnings.

I was just experimenting, learning more about myself, and trying to figure things out.

During that time, I built some incredible connections—brothers and sisters who became more than just colleagues. They became close friends. Real, valuable connections.

In early 2023, things started to take a different, more promising direction.

It was both exciting and terrifying. But it required guts and determination.

Demand started to grow as clients began to trust me more—thank God.

Then, at the start of 2023, those big, existential questions started popping up:

Can I go all in and do this business full-time?
Can I really trust it to sustain me?
What if I fail?
What will people say if it doesn’t work out?

By the start of 2024, I started seriously considering going all in.

In March 2024 (Ramadan 1445), I sat down with one of my most trusted friends. He’s someone whose business sense I respect deeply.

I laid out all my cards—all the numbers, all the plans, all the fears—and asked, “What do you think, my friend?”

He said, “If I were in your shoes, I’d go for it. Your numbers look good.”

So, here I am, a year later, and here are some lessons I’d share with anyone who was in my place a year ago:

Don’t rush to quit your job if you have a startup. Test your numbers first. Make sure you’re on solid ground.

Seek advice from people you trust. Not everyone’s opinion matters, but the right advice can make all the difference.

You don’t need a ton of capital to start. Start with what you have. (But hey, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all recommendation. For some people, the stability of a job is the better choice for now.)

Keep your retirement contributions going. Don’t cash them out. You’ll need that income in the future.

Oh, and just a side note, I walked away after 18 years in the corporate world.

Self-employment is amazing. You get to live life without a toxic boss breathing down your neck.

The best part? I get to meet incredible people and help them improve their careers and lives.

If you’re curious about my experience or want to know more, hit me up. You can reach me on WhatsApp or on my site: SaadsBrain.com.

May Allah bless you, grant you success, and open doors of opportunity for you all.

Amen.

Wishing you all the best.