Unlocking Your Entrepreneurial Edge

Emily Snell's journey from elementary school teacher to successful entrepreneur in the cybersecurity industry is a testament to the power of adaptability and vision. Her story offers aspiring business leaders and innovators valuable insights, demonstrating how to harness opportunities and navigate challenges in a rapidly evolving field.

From Classroom to Boardroom

Snell's career began in education, teaching third grade in Phoenix. While she loved working with children, she quickly realized her skills could be utilized differently. "I know I have a skill set that could be utilized better for the world and for myself," Snell reflects. This realization led her to transition into the business world, first with Shea Homes in corporate training and eventually co-founding InfoArmor, a company that would revolutionize identity protection services.

Identifying Market Opportunities

Snell's entrepreneurial journey truly began when a former coworker recognized an emerging need in the cybersecurity landscape. As data breaches became more prevalent, she and her co-founders saw an opportunity to create a B2B identity protection business. "We were starting to experience at that time the very first massive data breaches that were happening in our country," Snell explains. This insight into market trends became the foundation for InfoArmor's innovative approach. The idea for InfoArmor was sparked when one of Snell's co-founders was asked to be an angel investor in LifeLock, a direct-to-consumer identity protection service. Recognizing the challenges of the B2C model, they saw an opportunity to create a B2B solution.

Adapting to Challenges

The path to success came with their own unique obstacles. Snell and her team faced significant hurdles including the 2008 financial crisis. However, these challenges fostered a spirit of innovation and adaptability that would become crucial to their success. When their initial business model fell through due to the economic downturn, Snell and her team pivoted quickly. "We decided to have our product be an employee benefit," she shares. This strategic shift allowed InfoArmor to tap into a new market and achieve rapid growth.

Building a Culture of Innovation

Snell's leadership style played a crucial role in InfoArmor's success. She emphasizes the importance of fostering an environment where every team member feels valued and empowered. "I knew every single employee's name. I would walk around the office every day and ask questions, get to know them, treating each person as an owner of the company," Snell recalls. This approach boosted morale and encouraged innovative thinking at all levels of the organization. Snell's people-first philosophy extended beyond day-to-day operations. When InfoArmor was founded, they made a crucial decision: Every employee would be a shareholder. This decision paid off tremendously when the company was acquired. Snell shares a touching moment: "We had this big celebration, and members of our team said, 'I can pay for my kids to go to college debt-free because of this decision.' That was probably one of the best moments of my life."

Strategies for Unlocking Your Entrepreneurial Potential

1. Embrace Change

Snell's journey demonstrates the importance of being open to new opportunities and willing to pivot when necessary. Whether you're in a startup or a corporate setting, cultivating this flexibility can lead to unexpected success.

2. Prioritize People

Building a strong team and fostering a positive company culture is crucial for long-term success. Snell's people-first approach contributed significantly to InfoArmor's growth and innovation.

3. Stay Educated on Industry Trends

Keeping a pulse on market needs and emerging challenges in your industry can help you identify valuable opportunities. Snell's awareness of the growing cybersecurity threats led to the creation of a successful business model.

4. Think Creatively About Business Models

InfoArmor's shift to offering their product as an employee benefit showcases the power of innovative business strategies. Don't be afraid to explore unconventional approaches to product delivery or customer acquisition.

Lessons for the Corporate Innovator

Even if you're not starting your own company, Snell's experiences offer valuable lessons for fostering innovation within larger organizations:

• Seek to understand diverse perspectives within your team
• Encourage ownership and accountability at all levels
• Stay agile and be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances

The Entrepreneurial Mindset: A Lifelong Journey

Snell's advice to her younger self encapsulates the entrepreneurial spirit: "Enjoy the ride for what it's worth at each particular point in time." This mindset of embracing challenges, learning from experiences, and maintaining perspective is valuable for entrepreneurs and corporate innovators alike. As Snell puts it, "It's all going to be okay, regardless of how it turns out." This outlook allows entrepreneurs to take calculated risks and persist through difficulties, knowing that each experience contributes to their growth and potential for success.

By applying these lessons and cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, you can unlock your own potential for innovation and success, whether you're launching a startup or driving change within an established organization.