If you’ve ever worked in corporate America, there’s probably been a moment when you’ve thought, “What the hell am I doing here?” Long hours, endless meetings, and that nagging feeling that you’re meant to do something more. Shahrukh Zahir, CEO of Right Fit Advisors, knows that feeling all too well. He didn’t just think about escaping the corporate grind—he did it. But his story is more than just another “quit your job and start a business” tale. It’s a journey packed with lessons on failure, self-discovery, and how to create something that truly stands out.

What really stuck with me was how he embraced every twist and turn in his career. It’s not just about the wins; it’s about learning from the losses and using those experiences to build something bigger.

Jumping in Early: How Failure Teaches You More Than Success Ever Will

Shahrukh didn’t wait until his 30s to figure out he wanted to be an entrepreneur. At 17, he was already hustling, running a cell phone accessories kiosk at a mall. “I didn’t know what I was doing half the time, but I listened to people, figured out what they needed, and tried to give it to them,” he said. It wasn’t a glamorous start, but that small kiosk taught him something crucial: learning to communicate and listen is everything.

He didn’t hit a home run on day one. Far from it. There were plenty of failures along the way. But he wasn’t afraid to admit that. In fact, he welcomes it. “Fail early and fail often,” he told me, and it’s clear that those early failures shaped how he approached business later on. Instead of being discouraged, he leaned into those experiences and came out stronger on the other side.

Key Takeaways from Our Discussion:

  • Don’t fear failure: Shahrukh’s early experiences taught him that failure is a critical part of success. It’s how you learn what not to do.
  • Communication is key: His first kiosk may have been small, but it showed him the importance of understanding what people need.
  • You’re never done learning: Shahrukh embraced each failure as an opportunity to grow, not a reason to quit.

From Corporate Burnout to Entrepreneurship

Shahrukh didn’t stay in the mall selling phone cases forever. After that first taste of entrepreneurship, he transitioned into the corporate world, working for big names like AT&T and Verizon. On paper, it was a great career. But it wasn’t long before the long hours and constant demands caught up with him. “I remember one year, every candid photo of me was with my phone in my hand. It was like a wake-up call.” That’s when he realized he was burning out.

So, he made a decision that was not easy for anyone—he walked away. But here’s the thing: he didn’t hate corporate America. He actually values the experience. “Corporate taught me professionalism, structure, and how to navigate big organizations,” Shahrukh told me. He took the skills he learned in those years and applied them to his own business. He didn’t leave because he couldn’t cut it. He left because he wanted something more.

What I Learned from His Experience:

  • Corporate burnout is real: Shahrukh’s story reminded me how easy it is to get caught up in the grind, thinking that more hours and more work are the answers. They’re not.
  • Don’t hate on corporate experience: Those years in corporate America gave Shahrukh the tools he needed to build something better. There’s value in it, even if it’s not where you want to stay.
  • Know when to walk away: Shahrukh didn’t just quit on a whim—he left because he recognized that he needed a change. Sometimes, walking away is the best move you can make.

Reflections from the Interview

After our conversation, I couldn’t help but reflect on the deeper lessons Shahrukh shared. This wasn’t just a story of leaving a job to start a business; it was a reminder that every step of the journey matters. From selling phone accessories at 17 to running a patented AI recruitment firm, Shahrukh’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and learning from every experience.

One thing that stood out was how intentional he was about hiring the right people. “We’re not just looking for someone who says yes to everything. We’re looking for someone who complements your skills.” It’s a lesson every entrepreneur should take to heart. Don’t settle for easy hires—find people who challenge you and help you grow.

Here’s What I’m Taking Away:

  • Surround yourself with the right people: Shahrukh emphasized how crucial it is to find people who don’t just agree with you but challenge you in the right ways.
  • Resilience is key: He didn’t let failures stop him; he used them as fuel to push forward.
  • Don’t rush the process: Every step—from the kiosk to corporate to Right Fit Advisors—taught Shahrukh something valuable. He didn’t skip steps.
  • Hiring is about complementing, not copying: Shahrukh made it clear that successful teams are built on diverse strengths, not just finding people who think like you.
  • Keep evolving: Whether it’s through new hires, new strategies, or new technologies, staying stagnant is never an option.

Final Thoughts

Shahrukh Zahir’s journey isn’t just another “rags to riches” story. It’s a lesson in how to embrace the ups and downs, learn from failures, and use everything you’ve got—whether that’s corporate experience or early entrepreneurial lessons—to build something meaningful.

His message? Don’t be afraid to fail. Don’t be afraid to walk away from something that’s not fulfilling you. And most importantly, never stop learning. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just thinking about starting that side hustle, there’s always something to take away from stories like Shahrukh’s.

CONNECT WITH SHAHRUKH ZAHIR:

Website (Company): https://rightfitadvisors.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahrukhzahir/