I switched from a corporate career to launching an AI-native company with no tech background. I knew the time was now.

Tech Insider : Business, Technology
A man smiling outdoors in front of green foliage, wearing a black zip-up jacket over a dark shirt.
Tim DeSoto was a senior director at Walmart. Now he's launching an AI-native startup.

Courtesy of Tim DeSoto

I quit my career at 40 when a diagnosis stopped me in my tracks. Prioritizing my health was scary, but it helped me redefine success.

Tech Insider : Business, Sports
Woman sitting on a wooden railing in a forest, smiling at the camera, wearing a sports top, shorts, and slip-on shoes.
Melissa Hoeppner quit her job last October to reevaluate her priorities and take care of her health.

Courtesy of Melissa Hoeppner

I was an Apple employee named Sam Sung. After I went viral, I took a new name, but I wish I'd enjoyed the moment more.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
A person stands indoors holding a framed display containing a blue Apple Store T-shirt, an employee badge, and a business card. The person is wearing a gray zip-up hoodie over a blue shirt and is smiling at the camera.
Sam Struan auctioned off his old Apple business card after the card went viral in 2012.

Courtesy of Sam Struan

I'm 18 and cofounded a multimillion-dollar company. Here's how I did it and my advice for other young founders.

Tech Insider : Business, Technology
A young man leans against a brick wall outdoors, wearing a black T-shirt and a gold necklace.
Zach Yadegari cofounded Cal AI in high school.

Courtesy of Zach Yadegari

I'm the cofounder of a company with an AI-powered tiny team. Here's what it takes for me to hire someone new.

Tech Insider : Business
man with dark hair and button up shirt posing for a headshot.
Sidhant Bendre is the cofounder of Oleve.

Courtesy of Sidhant Bendre

I'm 81 and still working. It's not for the paycheck — it's part of my secret to aging well.

Tech Insider : Economy, Business, Sports
Mike Plummer
81-year-old Mike Plummer left corporate at 55 and has been working at a retail store for almost 15 years.

Jesse Brantman for BI

I attended an AI workshop for parents. Here are their biggest concerns and hopes when it comes to raising the first generation of AI-native kids.

Tech Insider : Technology, Business
A group of people watch a presenter speaking at a podium with a colorful slide projected on a large screen in a bright, modern room.
Parents and community members gather for a talk on how AI tools are reshaping modern parenting.

Agnes Applegate/BI

I was a leader at Google and Microsoft. I thought my traumatic brain injury would hurt my career, but instead it made me stronger.

Tech Insider : Business, Environment, Style
A woman with long dark hair and glasses smiles while sitting against a white brick wall. She is wearing a black outfit, jewelry, and a watch, resting one arm on her knee.
Naseem Rochette was run over by a car in 2018. This changed the way she could function in Big Tech leadership.

Courtesy of Naseem Rochette

I cofounded an app with a teenager, and we make over $1 million in profit a month. You never know who might change your life.

Tech Insider : Business
Man with dark hair sits in white chair and poses in a short sleeve printed shirt and shorts
Jake Castillo cofounded Cal AI with a former intern he worked with.

Courtesy of Jake Castillo

I left the Bay Area and moved to Barcelona after my tech layoff. It felt like losing my identity, but I'm so much happier now.

Tech Insider : Business, Economy, Environment
Woman standing under a stone archway in a narrow alley, smiling with arms crossed.
Steph Kumar relocated her family from the Bay Area to Barcelona after getting laid off and founding her own company.

Courtesy of Steph Kumar

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