Sarah’s Story: How She Launched Her Tech Business and Left Adobe
When Sarah (not her real name) first reached out to me, she was at a crossroads. A senior professional at Adobe, she had built a thriving corporate career but felt a nagging desire to do something more meaningful—something she could call her own.
Like many executive women in tech, she dreamed of starting her own business but felt overwhelmed by the idea of leaving her stable corporate role.
Fast forward to today: Sarah has successfully launched her SaaS business, left Adobe, and is thriving as an entrepreneur. Her journey wasn’t without challenges, but with focus, consistency, and the right guidance, she turned her dream into reality.
Here’s how Sarah did it—and how you can, too.
1: Finding Clarity: The First Step to Starting
When Sarah and I started working together, her biggest challenge was clarity. She had plenty of ideas but didn’t know which one to pursue.
This is a common issue among entrepreneurs—especially those transitioning from corporate roles. The fear of choosing the wrong idea can lead to paralysis.
The Problem:
Sarah wanted her business to have a meaningful impact, but she wasn’t sure where to focus. She worried about investing time and energy into something that might not work.
The Solution:
I encouraged Sarah to conduct customer interviews to validate her ideas. We started by identifying her target audience—small business owners struggling with workflow inefficiencies—and crafted questions to uncover their pain points.
The Results:
Through these interviews, Sarah discovered a recurring problem: her target audience struggled to manage tasks across multiple tools. This insight gave her the clarity she needed to build a streamlined project management solution tailored to small businesses.
Action Step for You:
If you’re stuck in the idea stage, start by talking to your potential customers. Use their feedback to validate your concept before investing too much time or money. Need help? Download my free guide, How to Conduct Effective Customer Interviews.
2: Building Consistency: Making Progress Alongside a Corporate Job
One of Sarah’s biggest concerns was time.
With a demanding role at Adobe, she struggled to find the bandwidth to work on her business. But rather than waiting for the perfect moment, she committed to making consistent progress—even with limited time.
The Problem:
Sarah feared she wouldn’t be able to balance her corporate responsibilities with building a business. She worried that starting something new would compromise her performance at Adobe or lead to burnout.
The Solution:
We created a structured plan that allowed her to dedicate just five hours a week to her SaaS business. By prioritizing high-impact tasks, she made steady progress without feeling overwhelmed. For example, she focused on:
- Finalizing her MVP.
- Engaging with beta users for feedback.
- Refining her go-to-market strategy.
The Results:
Within six months, Sarah had a functional MVP and a small group of paying customers. She continued to build her business alongside her job until her revenue hit a point where she felt confident leaving Adobe.
Action Step for You:
Don’t wait for the “right” time. Dedicate a few focused hours each week to your business and prioritize tasks that move the needle. Consistency beats intensity every time.
3: Overcoming Fear: Making the Leap from Corporate to Entrepreneur
For Sarah, the scariest part of her journey was leaving the security of Adobe. Like many of my clients, she struggled with the fear of losing a steady paycheck and benefits.
The Problem:
The idea of entrepreneurship was exciting but daunting. Sarah worried about whether her business would generate enough income to support her lifestyle. She also felt the weight of leaving a company she’d invested so much in.
The Solution:
Together, we created a transition plan. We:
- Identified her minimum viable income—the amount she needed to cover her expenses.
- Built a financial buffer to give her peace of mind.
- Created a timeline for leaving Adobe once her business hit specific revenue milestones.
The Results:
By the time Sarah handed in her notice, she wasn’t just prepared financially—she was confident in her ability to grow her business full-time. The structured approach made the leap feel less like a free fall and more like a strategic step forward.
Action Step for You:
If you’re nervous about leaving your job, create a financial runway and set clear milestones for your transition. Having a plan can make the leap feel manageable—and even exciting.
The Power of Coaching: Why Sarah Succeeded
Sarah’s journey wasn’t just about her hard work—it was also about having the right support system. Coaching played a critical role in helping her:
- Gain clarity on her business idea.
- Stay accountable to her goals.
- Overcome doubts and fears.
Through our sessions, Sarah learned to approach challenges with confidence and focus. She built not just a business, but a mindset that will serve her for years to come.
Your Turn to Take Action
Sarah’s story is proof that launching a SaaS business while managing a corporate job is possible—with the right strategies and support. Her journey from Adobe to entrepreneurship wasn’t without challenges, but by staying consistent, seeking clarity, and overcoming fear, she turned her dream into a reality.
If you’re ready to take the first step toward your own business journey, I’d love to help. Book a free strategy call with me, and let’s explore how I can support you in achieving the same transformation Sarah experienced.
Your goals are closer than you think. Let’s build them together.