Former McKinsey Consultant Redefines Skills to Launch Successful Startup
Nathan Wangliao Yinan, a former McKinsey consultant, has successfully transitioned into the startup world as the cofounder of Havana. This Singapore-based company specializes in AI solutions for student recruitment and enrollment.
From Consulting to Startup: A Transformative Journey
Yinan joined McKinsey in the UK in 2018, motivated by the desire to explore diverse opportunities. He quickly found the culture rewarding, with colleagues from various professional backgrounds offering different perspectives.
His experience at McKinsey lasted just under three years. However, the shift to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic diminished the collaborative environment he once valued. This change prompted him to consider launching his own venture.
Seeking Challenges Amid Uncertainty
In 2021, at the age of 27, Yinan decided to leave McKinsey. He joined a Singaporean AI startup, where he led its go-to-market strategy for two years. This role starkly contrasted his previous consulting forays, as he transitioned from a large corporate office to a small coworking space.
- Left McKinsey in 2021
- Worked at AI startup for two years
- Cofounded Havana in 2023
Initially, Yinan was uncertain about his decision, even contemplating a return to McKinsey. However, he ultimately co-founded Havana, which focuses on AI agents tailored for university recruitment teams.
Adapting Skills from Consulting to Entrepreneurship
Yinan notes that one critical lesson from consulting is understanding client dynamics. This skill is vital as Havana also engages with larger institutions, such as universities.
He emphasizes that organizational skills gained at McKinsey, such as efficient meeting management and timely execution, are invaluable in a startup setting. However, Yinan confronted challenges in adapting his consulting mindset to the startup’s fast-paced environment.
“In a startup, you often lack comprehensive data,” he remarked. “You must learn to make confident decisions even when uncertainty looms.”
Building a Sustainable Business
Early on, Yinan and his cofounder conducted numerous customer interviews to identify key pain points. As they progressed, a clearer direction emerged, allowing them to start building their product.
Yinan now feels more comfortable with risk-taking and decision-making, pivotal in running a startup. He also highlights the importance of communication skills, which enable him to engage effectively with customers.
| Experience | Role | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| McKinsey | Consultant | Client Management |
| AI Startup | Market Strategist | Go-to-Market Strategy |
| Havana | Cofounder | AI Solutions in Recruitment |
Yinan’s journey illustrates how former consultants can redefine their skill sets to navigate the uncertain but exciting landscape of startups. His success serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs in the tech sector.
