I quit tech, bought 22 acres, and didn't look at my computer for years — until AI brought me back

Tech Insider : Business, Technology
Ryan Courtnage is pictured.
Ryan Courtnage was tired of managing teams. He said to himself, "I'm just going to get my hands greasy and go be a lumberjack for a while."

Ryan Courtnage

I work in Big Tech and always dress up for the office. My rule? No crop tops, but tight dresses are on a case-by-case basis.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
Crystal McDuffy
Crystal McDuffy

Courtesy of Crystal McDuffy via TikTok

I take my kids and grandkids on vacation twice a year. The trips are well worth the $30,000 I spend.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Francine Bookbinder with her husband and family on a recent vacation.
Francine Bookbinder with her husband and family on a recent vacation.

Courtesy of Francine Bookbinder

We bought a house that's too small so we could afford our dream neighborhood. A $300,000 third-party loan will help us renovate.

Tech Insider : Business
A man and a woman posing for a picture in front of a house.
Derek and Kate Feinberg bought a small home in a neighborhood they loved and plan to renovate using a third-party loan.

Courtesy of Derek and Kate Feinberg

I snail-mailed my résumé to potential employers with a 'cringey' note. It worked.

Tech Insider : Business, Sports
A young woman wearing glasses sitting at her computer
Camille K. Manaois in her office in Las Vegas

Courtesy of Camille K. Manaois

I used to advise companies on what to pay people. Here are 4 myths you should ignore when negotiating your salary.

Tech Insider : Economy, Business
Gerta Malaj
Gerta Malaj used to help companies determine employee compensation.

Courtesy of Gerta Malaj

I'm Daymond John from 'Shark Tank.' Here's a day in my life as I biohack for longevity, fast intermittently, and squeeze in any nap I can get.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
a head shot of Daymond John on a green background
Daymond John.

The Shark Group

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Daymond John, the 57-year-old CEO of FUBU based in Miami. It's been edited for length and clarity.

I'm an entrepreneur working in Japan. The office culture has reshaped how I think about dressing for work.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
A man wearing a suit in Japan.
Fernando Lira

Provided by Fernando Lira

I was a broke American living in New Zealand. A viral TikTok turned my taco stand into 3 restaurants.

Tech Insider : Business
Sean Yarbrough eating tacos
Sean Yarbrough owns three restaurants.

Courtesy of Sean Yarbrough

I started a business at 16 to make money. Now I'm building generational wealth.

Tech Insider : Business
Mom and daughter posing for photo
Scout Turner helped her mom open a pottery painting business

Courtesy of Scout Turner

Subscribe to as-told-to