Rising to My Incompetence Level, What Made Me Move Away From My Comfort Zone

A true story of a person who's too curious to let avoid stepping into the unknown

Hey everyone, this episode is a different one.

It’s about my story and the challenges of having a shoe that is a bit too big for me. It’s not about product insights but about life and opportunities.

Last year, around March, I decided to leave the corporate world and start my own gig as a product coach and consultant. I was confident that was the right move for me. Yet, I had to wait until November to leave my previous job as I had a month’s notice period.

Oh, six months is a lot of time.

November seemed always far away. I feared what awaited me and had no idea what I’d do. Long story short, I’d either get a gig, or I’d have to use my savings.

Anyway, I remained optimistic and thought that everything would work out fine.

Optimism and Opportunities

Well, I’m lucky.

I took some time off in October. I went to Brazil with my family. Surprisingly, a startup from Hamburg contacted me. They needed a CPO and were open for an interim position. I felt like a match.

During my holidays, I had calls with the CTO, principal engineer, and Managing Directors. It was easy to combine with my holiday. I’d wake up at around 5:30 a.m., shower, drink an espresso, and jump into the call. Yeap, I like waking up early, but I also sleep at around 10:00 pm.

The gig seemed appealing to me. November wasn’t that far anymore, and I signed the interim contract before leaving my full-time job. I was excited about it.

Interim CPO, Is That True?

November finally arrived, and I started my gig as the CPO. I was eager to learn about the startup ambitions, status quo, and challenges. I went full-in. However, we agreed on working four days a week. Anyway, I didn’t clock the time because I was all in.

But wait, I said I’d be a product coach, and now I’m an interim CPO. How does that fit? Well, it doesn’t.

There’s no such thing as a part-time CPO. Without noticing, I was there with all my heart and soul.

Something was about to happen. I promised to leave the corporate world, but I couldn’t stop getting more involved with this startup.

Two months passed since I started. We adapted our strategy, and it was time to grow. I used my network to approach dozens of UX Designers, PMs, and Software Engineers. I was on fire. I wanted the best to be there.

Life Can Be Surprising

In January, I had an executive meeting with the C-Level and the Managing Directors of the mother company. That day in Hamburg, something unexpected happened.

Suheil Mahayni, the Managing Director, looked me straight in the eyes and said, “Why don’t you come full in? We need you to get this right.”

I wasn’t considering that at all. In my head, there was not even a remote chance that I’d be open to that. But I started thinking about it, and I didn’t know why.

I talked with Suheil about it for half an hour and shared what was important to me and what was a deal breaker. Then, I went to the hotel and called my wife. She encouraged me to remain open and listen. I was puzzled and didn’t know what to do. The dots weren’t clear, but I felt I had to follow my guts.

The next day, I concluded.

It’s a rare opportunity. Having the chance to create a product from scratch with a run rate of three years. That boosts my energy every day. I took the train back to Munich, and I was thinking about it all the way about this opportunity.

As I got home, I called Suheil, and he astonished me. He said, “I got your offer. Come in as a CEO.” I froze. I was speechless.

It took me more than a minute to say something. But I told him, “That’s beyond my competence. The CPO is already a big pair of shoes, and I’m already fighting to get used to it.”

He said, “I will help you. Come with me, and we will get this right. You will have all you need to set the environment you want. You can remain as the CPO, but you’ll be empowered to pave the way to success.”

I said what came to my mind, “Screw it! I’m in!”

Raising to My Incompetence Level

When I reflected on why I accepted the offer, it became clear that I was motivated to create the environment I had always dreamed about. To make what I never had but always envisioned. That is what pushed me, and I neglected everything else.

The future will tell me if that’s a smart move.

Logically, it was a stupid choice for me. I knew nothing about the industry and never led any company. I’m a product leader, not a CEO. But anyway, I ignored that and rose to my level of incompetence.

I signed the contract on the 26th of January, 2023. I wanted my family by my side, but I was in Hamburg, and they were in Brazil. Facetime put us together for this moment I will never forget.

Suheil is a formidable person. He talked to my parents in Spanish, though they speak Portuguese. But they could communicate with each other.

Reflections on Six Months

Six months have passed since I signed that contract. This position is still heavy for me, but I take it one day after another and am still excited about it.

We have hired nine people since I started. We became laser-focused, and now things are moving smoothly.

Last month, we met for our Summer Get Together. I got touched that day. The atmosphere was powerful! Everyone seemed aligned. When I collected feedback from the team, some even mentioned that omoqo is a Dreamwork. I had no words for that, but my heart accelerated, and I felt amazed.

The journey has just started. I’m still learning my new position. I’m doing my best to create a culture of empowerment and accountability. I know I will make mistakes, but I won’t be afraid of recognizing that and correcting course of action.

That’s the story so far.

I shared because it may encourage you to explore the unknown.

Am I frightened? Oh yeah! No doubt about that.

Am I motivated? Burning to get this rocking.

Life is too short to worry about each step. Sometimes it’s worth doing some crazy moves.