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February 26.2025
3 Minutes Read

Laid Off by Zillow: John Doherty's Inspiring Journey to Entrepreneurship and Success

Entrepreneurship journey after layoffs, digital ad with city skyline

The Unforeseen Path: From Layoff to Entrepreneurship

In a surprising twist of fate, John Doherty, once a valuable team member at Zillow, found himself with an unexpected opportunity after being laid off. Instead of succumbing to despair, he launched Credo, a digital agency matchmaking platform. Fast forward to now, and on the exact anniversary of his layoff, he celebrated the successful sale of Credo. This transition from employee to successful entrepreneur presents an inspiring narrative that resonates with many professionals facing job insecurity.

The Birth of Credo

Doherty's journey into entrepreneurship began in the wake of several years spent honing his digital marketing skills. While working for Zillow, he gained insights into the agency landscape, enabling him to realize the need for a platform that connects businesses with trusted digital agencies. With Credo, businesses can find vetted digital marketing, SEO, and creative services tailored to their needs, effectively streamlining the hiring process.

Coping with Job Cuts: An Entrepreneurial Perspective

The correlation between job cuts—especially due to the rise of AI technologies—and entrepreneurship is increasingly significant. In today's economic climate, many individuals are facing similar challenges, prompting them to explore alternative career paths. As AI job losses grow, the entrepreneurial spirit showcased by Doherty could serve as a blueprint for those looking to pivot in their careers. He also beautifully underscores the number of digital agencies that have sprung up during the pandemic, revealing an adaptive marketplace flourishing amid economic uncertainties.

The Road Ahead: Insights from John Doherty

Doherty also shared his latest endeavor, EditorNinja, an outsourcing service aimed at helping brands streamline their content creation process. This launch came as a response to the growing demand for quality editing services in a world flooded with digital content. As he noted in a recent interview, the process for launching a business now involves establishing a customer base first—potentially before any product comes to fruition.

Crossover Stories of Success: Lessons from Other Entrepreneurs

Doherty's story parallels many others in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. For instance, startups originating from layoffs—like Credo and EditorNinja—show that the right skills and determination can lead to great success. In Toronto, *business development firms are finding new ways to innovate against the backdrop of tech layoffs. Similarly in *Ohio and *Michigan, local entrepreneurs are redefining their futures amidst job market volatility, creating new opportunities with their skill sets.

The Importance of a Supportive Community

Networking played a pivotal role in Doherty's success. He has always emphasized the value of having a supportive community—be it around him or through professional relationships. As aspiring entrepreneurs navigate their journeys, nurturing connections could be the key to unlocking new ideas or opportunities.

Future Predictions: The Evolving Landscape of Work

As work dynamics change, driven by technology and economic shifts, the role of freelancers and agency work will only grow. As highlighted by Doherty, the demand for both content creation and editing will likely rise, allowing for even more entrepreneurial ventures to emerge. Those well-versed in digital marketing can carve significant paths for themselves, following in the footsteps of pioneers like Doherty.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Unexpected

John Doherty’s journey from being laid off to becoming a successful entrepreneur reminds us that sometimes, the best opportunities arise from adversity. It's a call to embrace change and adapt, showcasing that success is not always linear. As the job landscape continues to evolve, sectors such as freelance work and digital marketing will offer promising avenues for innovative thinkers ready to embark on their own journeys.

Local Innovators

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09.04.2025

AI Is Fueling a New Wave of High School Entrepreneurs—Here’s How

Update The Rise of Student Entrepreneurs in the Age of AI In recent years, artificial intelligence has transformed the landscape of education and entrepreneurship, particularly for high school students. As schools grapple with the implications of AI technologies like ChatGPT, many students are leveraging these tools not merely for academic completion but as platforms for creating their own businesses. Students across the nation are quickly evolving into the next generation of entrepreneurs, setting the foundation for a new economy. AI: A Double-Edged Sword in Education The statistics surrounding AI usage among high school students are staggering. A report indicated that 70% of high schoolers utilized AI tools like ChatGPT in the 2023-24 academic year. However, while educators are debating about potential cheating implications, students like Zach Yadegari, a 17-year-old entrepreneur, are turning these AI capabilities into cash-generating ventures. With an AI app generating over a million dollars in monthly revenue, it is clear that many students are not waiting for permission from their schools to innovate. Turning Homework Into Business Opportunities These young entrepreneurs have redefined the concept of homework. Instead of merely using AI for assignments, they’re harnessing the technology to develop products and services right from the classroom. This transformation is seen in high school hallways across the United States, where students are capitalizing on their skills to sell AI-generated study guides, effectively monetizing their academic tools. What some educators label as shortcuts, these students view as minimum viable products, showcasing a fundamental shift in the entrepreneurial landscape. Innovation Comes From Within: The Role of Intrapreneurship The entrepreneurial spirit does not only sit outside the realms of academia but thrives within it. Students are acting as intrapreneurs—leveraging their knowledge and resources from school to create practical AI solutions. This phenomenon presents a compelling case for schools to revisualize their approach towards education, moving towards a model that supports innovation rather than stifles it. By fostering an environment where failure is part of the learning process, schools could cultivate the next generation of innovators. Supporting Entrepreneurship in Schools To truly nurture this budding talent, schools must implement innovative educational frameworks. Establishing dedicated "innovation hours," along with transforming detention into incubation periods for business ideas, could bridge the gap between traditional learning and entrepreneurship. The recent announcement of a national AI challenge by the White House validates the importance of these efforts, recognizing the value students bring to the table as entrepreneurs. Looking Ahead: The Future of AI and Student Entrepreneurship As we look toward the future, the intersection of AI and entrepreneurship in education will undoubtedly create a ripe environment for economic growth. Regions experiencing job transitions, such as Detroit and Cleveland, can benefit enormously from encouraging this mindset in local high school students. By enabling these young minds to shape their own futures, we’re not only teaching them about entrepreneurship but also fostering a generation eager to innovate amidst economic challenges. Embracing these young entrepreneurs and their potential will be crucial as society navigates an ever-evolving technological landscape. The more schools encourage and accommodate innovation, the more likely they are to cultivate future leaders in various industries.

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