Meet Semlani quit JPMorgan to build a $6mn startup after a pay cut
In a world where success is often measured by the size of one’s paycheck and the prestige of their job title, it takes a lot of courage to walk away from a promising career to pursue a different path. Meet Semlani, a former JPMorgan banker, did just that. After a silent retreat made him question the true meaning of success, he left behind the comforts of a high-paying job to join a small startup and eventually launch his own venture, Tartan, a data-tech company that has now secured $6 million in funding.
Semlani’s journey is a testament to the power of self-reflection and the importance of redefining what success means to each individual. Growing up, Semlani was always driven to succeed. He worked hard to get into a top university and landed a job at JPMorgan, one of the most prestigious banks in the world. He quickly rose through the ranks, earning a handsome salary and building a reputation as a talented young banker.
However, despite his outward success, Semlani couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was missing. He felt unfulfilled and disconnected from his work, like he was just going through the motions. It wasn’t until he attended a silent retreat that he was forced to confront his doubts and fears. The retreat, which lasted for several days, gave Semlani the space to reflect on his life and his priorities.
As he sat in silence, Semlani began to question the values and beliefs that had driven him to pursue a career in banking. He realized that his definition of success had been narrow and superficial, focused on external validation rather than internal fulfillment. He started to wonder if there was more to life than just making money and climbing the corporate ladder.
When Semlani returned from the retreat, he knew that he couldn’t go back to his old life. He decided to take a 70% pay cut and join a small startup, where he could learn and grow in a more meaningful way. The experience was eye-opening, and Semlani was finally able to find a sense of purpose and passion in his work.
However, the journey was not without its challenges. Semlani faced numerous setbacks and failures, including being laid off from his job at the startup. But instead of giving up, he used the experience as an opportunity to launch his own venture, Tartan.
Tartan is a data-tech company that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to help businesses make better decisions. The company has been a huge success, securing $6 million in funding and attracting a talented team of engineers and data scientists.
Semlani’s decision to leave JPMorgan and pursue a career in startups was not without its risks. He had to move back in with his family and start from scratch, but he has no regrets. In fact, he believes that the experience has made him a stronger and wiser person.
“I learned that success is not just about making money or having a fancy title,” Semlani said in an interview. “It’s about finding purpose and meaning in your work, and being true to yourself. I’m grateful for the journey, and I’m excited to see where Tartan will take me.”
Semlani’s story is a reminder that success is a personal and subjective concept. It’s not just about achieving external validation, but about finding internal fulfillment and happiness. It’s a lesson that many of us can learn from, and one that Semlani is grateful to have learned through his own experiences.
In conclusion, Meet Semlani’s decision to quit JPMorgan and build a $6 million startup is a testament to the power of self-reflection and the importance of redefining what success means to each individual. His journey is a reminder that success is not just about making money or having a fancy title, but about finding purpose and meaning in your work, and being true to yourself.
Source: https://ascendants.in/founders-corner/meet-semlani-indian-banker-quits-jpmorgan-builds-6m-startup/
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