From Intern to Founder: How Playing Ping-Pong at Work Led to Starting My Own Company

In 2014, a game of ping-pong at work cost Miles Schwartz his internship at Salesforce. Schwartz learned he prefers work environments where he can step away for a break if needed. As the cofounder of his own company, he says employees should be given freedom in how to work.

Struggles in a Structured Environment

After studying marketing at Concordia University, Miles Schwartz started an internship at Salesforce. However, the structured 9-to-5 job environment didn't allow him to thrive. Schwartz, now a successful entrepreneur, emphasizes the importance of giving people the freedom to work in a way that suits them best.

A Challenging Experience at Salesforce

Starting his internship at Salesforce in September 2014, Schwartz found himself doing data entry and feeling out of place as a business development intern. The office culture clashed with his personal preferences, such as prioritizing health and fitness over post-work socializing.

An Unexpected Turn

Just six weeks into his internship, Schwartz found himself being escorted out of the building after playing ping-pong during work hours. The incident highlighted the mismatch between his work style and Salesforce's expectations for entry-level employees.

Thriving in a Less Structured Environment

After leaving Salesforce, Schwartz explored different career paths until he found a fit at a fintech startup. The freedom to work autonomously and creatively motivated him to excel, eventually leading to a leadership role within the company.

Fostering a Culture of Freedom

Today, as the cofounder of Zūm Rails, Schwartz prioritizes creating a mission-driven culture where employees have the freedom to work in a way that suits them best. By focusing on output rather than micromanagement, Schwartz believes in empowering employees to succeed on their own terms.

Business Insider reached out to Salesforce for comment, but they did not respond.

—————————————————————————————————————————————
By: ccheong@insider.com (Charissa Cheong)
Title: From Intern to Founder: How Playing Ping-Pong at Work Led to Starting My Own Company
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/salesforce-ping-pong-work-flexible-2024-7
Published Date: Tue, 02 Jul 2024 10:27:22 +0000