In the middle of 2009, Brian Acton was the software engineer that no one wanted to hire. Despite a dozen years of experience at Yahoo and Apple Computer, he got turned down by two of the Internet’s brightest stars at the time. First Twitter said no in May. Then Facebook rejected him in August.
When Acton couldn’t find work at another big-name company, he took his chances on the start-up route instead. Teaming up with another Yahoo alum, Jan Koum, he helped build WhatsApp, a Mountain View, Calif., start-up that has become the king of cloud-based messaging. WhatsApp is in the headlines this week because Facebook has agreed to buy the company for a stunning $16 billion in stock and cash, along with as much as $3 billion in restricted stock units for the founders.
With at least a 20% stake in the company, Acton is headed toward a $3 billion net worth once the transaction closes. That rebound isn’t just good news for him. It’s certain to become a legendary story of hard luck, persistence — and vindication — among job-hunters worldwide.
I shared this storyi to young men like me in the street looking for that big break to remain resolute and determined. Your time shall come. What is in your hand? Use it. Faith without works is dead.
Have a lovely week ahead. It's your turn to shine. Don't stop believing.
Source: Forbes
No comments:
Post a Comment