Nathan Wangliao, a former consultant at McKinsey, transitioned to the fast-paced world of startups, where he co-founded an artificial intelligence (AI) company named Havana. His journey highlights the challenges and growth that come with leaving a stable consulting role for the uncertainties of entrepreneurship.
Wangliao’s career path took a significant turn when he departed from McKinsey in 2021 at the age of 27. He initially joined the consulting firm in the UK in 2018, where he honed his skills in client management and strategic thinking. The experience exposed him to diverse perspectives and encouraged him to pursue his ambitions.
During his time at McKinsey, he worked alongside individuals from various backgrounds, including a former doctor who had shifted to consulting to address issues in healthcare, and a military veteran who transitioned into the business world after serving in Iraq. These encounters inspired Wangliao to consider a different career trajectory and ultimately led to his decision to embrace the startup lifestyle during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the pandemic forced many workplaces to adapt to remote operations, Wangliao found the collaborative environment he valued diminishing. He recognized that the consulting role he once loved was becoming less engaging, which prompted him to reflect on his future.
After leaving McKinsey, he joined another Singapore-based AI startup, where he played a key role in developing the go-to-market strategy for nearly two years. This experience was markedly different from his previous role. No longer surrounded by a large team, he found himself in a coworking space with just two colleagues, tackling the challenges of building a company from the ground up.
Wangliao candidly admitted to his founder during his first month, “Maybe I should just go back to McKinsey because this feels too scary.” Despite his fears about the startup’s viability, he pressed on, driven by the potential he saw in the venture.
In 2023, the startup was acquired, allowing him to co-found Havana. This new venture focuses on creating AI agents that assist student recruitment and enrollment teams at universities. Wangliao shared that the most challenging aspect of running a startup is managing one’s own psychology rather than the technicalities of product development or sales.
The lessons learned at McKinsey proved invaluable when navigating the complexities of client relationships in the education sector. Wangliao emphasized that understanding client needs and effectively managing meetings are critical skills that have remained relevant in his current role, where he interacts with larger organizations.
However, the transition from consultant to entrepreneur also required unlearning certain habits. Consulting often emphasizes thorough data analysis to reach optimal solutions, which can hinder decision-making in a startup environment. As he adapted to the fast-paced demands of a startup, Wangliao learned to prioritize decisiveness over exhaustive analysis.
He explained that in the startup world, “You’ll never have enough data,” necessitating a willingness to act promptly. Initially, he struggled with the pressure to gather extensive information before making decisions, but as he gained experience, he became more comfortable with risk-taking.
Wangliao also noted that his role as a non-technical founder required him to engage with customers regularly. This involvement has fostered a greater confidence in expressing his ideas and perspectives. At McKinsey, he received feedback to be more vocal in meetings, and now, as a founder, he embraces the necessity of having a distinct point of view.
Reflecting on his journey, Nathan Wangliao’s transition from McKinsey consultant to startup CEO illustrates the profound changes that come with the entrepreneurial mindset. He encourages aspiring founders to embrace the uncertainties and psychological challenges of building a business, emphasizing that with effort and adaptability, anyone can navigate this complex landscape.
