Why entrepreneurship was the best move in my career

After 28 years climbing the corporate ladder at top insurance brokerage firms, I achieved what most would call success: great pay, prestigious titles, and professional stability. Yet, by age 47, I realized real success wasn’t about titles or the size of the company—it was about control, freedom, and impact.

That realization led me to make one of the most pivotal decisions of my life: leaving corporate life to found my own business, CredRisk Seguros, in 2007. This wasn’t a leap of faith; it was intentional. Starting a specialized trade credit insurance brokerage in the midst of the 2008 global financial crisis seemed irrational on paper but turned out to be the perfect opportunity. As large insurers withdrew credit limits and clients grew dissatisfied, CredRisk’s agility and niche focus allowed us to step in. What seemed like poor timing became our greatest advantage. I learned that chasing the “perfect moment” to start a business is a myth; your readiness matters more than market conditions.

Success in entrepreneurship, unlike corporate life, isn’t about market share or revenue size—it’s about profitability and sustainability. My goal wasn’t to dominate the entire market but to maintain healthy profit margins year after year. Specializing exclusively in trade credit insurance allowed us to offer unmatched expertise, positioning CredRisk as Brazil’s leading firm in the segment. Success, I came to realize, is driven more by focus and execution than inspiration—it’s about persistence, planning, and doing the hard work.

After 15 years of growth, CredRisk reached market leadership, but our mono-line specialization made the business vulnerable to external risks. In 2022, I made the strategic decision to sell CredRisk to the MDS Group. While difficult, as I saw the company as my fifth “child,” the sale ensured the longevity of what we had built. Partnering with MDS allowed CredRisk to integrate into a global group, expand resources, and diversify risks, while I shifted my focus to the next phase of my life.

Today, I am in what I call Phase 4: Reaping the Rewards—the stage where I focus on creating legacy and purpose. Entrepreneurship gave me the financial freedom to step back and dedicate myself to writing and mentoring, helping young professionals succeed intentionally, and giving back through philanthropy. The rewards of entrepreneurship extend far beyond financial gain—they allow you to take control of your life, make an impact, and build a meaningful legacy.

For anyone considering the entrepreneurial path, remember—there is no perfect time to start. The conditions you fear today might hold the opportunities you need. Take the leap, focus on what truly matters, and build something that reflects your passions and purpose. The rewards are worth it.