In this conversation, Colin Williams shares his journey from a traditional law career to becoming an entrepreneur and founder of New Era ADR. He discusses the challenges and lessons learned from his experiences in litigation, the transition to tech, and the importance of mental health in the entrepreneurial journey. Colin emphasizes the need for founders to trust their instincts, seek help, and celebrate small successes while navigating the complexities of building a startup. He also reflects on the acquisition of his previous company by Etsy and the mindset shifts that come with growth and success.

Takeaways

Colin transitioned from a traditional law career to tech to address flaws in litigation. His ‘aha moment’ came from witnessing the inefficiencies in the legal process.

Trusting your gut is crucial when making career decisions.

Cold calling can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Revenue generation should be a primary focus for startups.

Celebrate small successes to maintain motivation.

Imposter syndrome is common among entrepreneurs; it’s important to push through it.

Asking for help is vital for both mental health and business success.

Planning for potential legal issues early can prevent future problems.

The acquisition process can be emotionally challenging but is a significant learning experience.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Colin Williams and His Journey

03:02 Transition from Law to Tech

06:03 The Aha Moment: Realizing the Flaws in Litigation

09:00 The Path to New Era: Inspiration and Planning

12:00 Navigating Career Changes and Overcoming Fear

13:58 Early Days in Entrepreneurship and Learning from Mistakes

17:07 The Importance of Networking and Cold Outreach

20:04 Lessons Learned from Leadership and Business Growth

24:02 Final Thoughts on Entrepreneurship and Future Goals

26:41 Navigating Leadership Transitions

29:41 The Emotional Toll of Acquisition

32:57 Jumping into Entrepreneurship

35:12 The Reality of Startup Challenges

39:41 The Importance of Sales in Startups

41:03 Mindset Shifts in Entrepreneurship

43:59 Seeking Help and Mental Health Awareness

45:18 Future Aspirations and Growth Strategies