Most startups fail, but, as today’s guest Jessica Chang reminds us, it’s what you do with the failure that matters. What can you learn from the experience? What will you do better next time?

Jessica is the CEO and Co-Founder of Upwards, the largest childcare network in the United States, which connects families with trusted providers through an online marketplace and partners with government entities to improve access to sponsored care.

Upwards experienced major challenges during the pandemic, losing 90% of their revenue overnight! While they made major cuts and pivots to survive, they came out stronger than ever with a new business model and product.

In this episode, Jessica shares her inspiring story about co-founding Upwards, how she compartmentalizes her time as a Mom, her motivation to work 12 hours a day, plus her advice for fellow co-founders (especially co-founders who are parents!)

At the end of the day, she says it’s not the hardest-working person who wins – it’s the person who is the smartest with their time.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Jessica’s background in finance and the pivotal turning point that made her change paths out of finance and into entrepreneurship
• Her efforts to learn about the childcare industry’s biggest problems, which involved interviewing 200+ providers and becoming a preschool owner/operator while pregnant
• Why the loneliness of entrepreneurship inspired Jessica to bring on co-founders, how they work together, and what each of their strengths are
• The pandemic’s effect on Upwards, dropping 90% of revenues overnight, and how they got through it by making cuts and creating a new product
• How Jessica balances parenthood and being a Mom, the value of compartmentalizing time, and the importance of having a WHY during very difficult days

LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Learn more about Jessica Chang’s company, Upwards (formerly WeeCare), which is the largest childcare network in the United States.

Sarina is a career coach and consultant who works with startup leaders and entrepreneurs. Connect with her on her website, on Instagram, via email, and check out more episodes of the Career Memos podcast.