Upon relocating to the United States, my primary objective was straightforward: survival. I had no connections, minimal understanding of the system, yet a strong determination to construct something significant. At the age of 33, I shared my story — detailing how grit, education, and a sprinkle of good fortune enabled me to launch a real estate tech startup dedicated to transparency.

Four years later, I’m still standing — but I’ve changed. So has my definition of success.

Today, I serve as the founder and CEO of an expanding real estate technology firm situated in New York City. However, the way I manage my business — and my life — has drastically transformed since the beginning. I’ve discovered that to build something enduring, one needs more than just hustle. It necessitates alignment, clarity, and the bravery to adapt.

These are the five lessons I wish I’d known sooner. They now form the foundation of how I lead and advise others.

1. Stop chasing the finish line

Initially, I equated success with rapid scaling, raising funds, and maintaining public attention. However, racing towards an undefined goal often leads to burnout.

Nowadays, I value rhythm over speed. My weeks are centered around in-depth work, self-reflection, and meaningful dialogues. Sustainable growth is not linear — it’s a cycle of continuous improvement. Whether you’re developing a business or transitioning in your career, consider: What version of success feels fulfilling to live, and not merely attractive to display?

Commence your week with a “clarity session.” Identify your top three priorities — pertaining to both your business and personal wellness. If your schedule does not align with these priorities, you might be chasing someone else’s ambitions.

2. Your business should serve your life — not the other way around

There was a time when my business controlled my life. Every client issue, notification, and minor victory or setback influenced my emotional state. I was constantly reacting, sacrificing my personal life in the process.

Now, I see my company as a vehicle for the life I want to lead. I’ve built systems that support autonomy, hired people who don’t need micromanaging and created workflows that don’t require 24/7 attention.

Design your business — or your career — backwards. Start by defining the lifestyle you want, then build your work structure around it. This mindset shift made me a more present human and a better leader.

3. Real estate is still one of the best paths to wealth — if you play the long game

My company helps people make honest, informed real estate decisions. I’ve watched many chase trends or try to time the market. But real estate rewards patience and perspective.

Some of my best investments didn’t look exciting on paper — but they had strong fundamentals. Over time, they became strategic assets, both financially and personally.

Avoid the hype. Focus on long-term value. Sometimes, doing nothing is the smartest move you can make.

4. You don’t need to be the loudest person in the room

In my early years, I believed visibility equaled success. I over-indexed on appearances — networking events, interviews, panels.

But the most impactful moves in my career came from quiet, focused work behind the scenes. Today, I choose depth over noise. I nurture a few meaningful relationships and let results speak for themselves.

Build your “trust circle.” Choose five people you admire and invest in those connections. You don’t need a big network. You need a strong one.

The biggest myth I believed was that success meant arriving. But success is constant movement. It’s reinvention. Pivoting without losing your center.

I’ve evolved from immigrant to employee, tech lead to CEO, and now founder to educator. I mentor entrepreneurs, speak at universities and write — not just to share what I’ve learned, but to keep growing myself. Each quarter, ask: What version of me am I outgrowing? Let the answer shape your next chapter.

Looking back, my path hasn’t been straight — and I wouldn’t change a thing. Fulfillment doesn’t come from proving yourself. It comes from building in alignment with who you’re becoming. Whether you’re just starting or starting over, know this: you don’t need to build the biggest company or be the loudest voice to make a lasting impact. You just need to build with intention.

And most importantly — keep going.