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This article recounts the journey of Adi Prasad, a 35-year-old co-founder and CEO of the AI manufacturing startup, Matter. Prasad shares insights gained from working alongside prominent figures like Elon Musk at Tesla and Travis Kalanick at CloudKitchens in his twenties. He emphasizes how these experiences shaped his approach to problem-solving, business scaling, and ultimately, inspired him to establish his own company, Matter, dedicated to transforming American manufacturing with AI-driven autonomous factories.

After graduating from MIT in 2015 with a master's degree in mechanical engineering, Adi Prasad was drawn to Tesla due to its innovative approach to manufacturing. He quickly became involved in the challenging task of scaling production for the Falcon Wing doors, a significant engineering feat. During his time at Tesla, Prasad had the unique opportunity to interact with Elon Musk and observe his "first-principles thinking" approach. Musk's ability to dissect complex problems live, even without being the obvious expert in every field, left a lasting impression on Prasad. He admired Musk's relentless questioning of assumptions and his refusal to accept conventional wisdom, a combination that fostered deep technical insight and strong business acumen, driving Tesla's aggressive innovation.

Following his tenure at Tesla and a year at Apple as a product quality manager, Prasad sought another opportunity to learn from a visionary leader. He joined CloudKitchens, a venture by former Uber CEO Travis Kalanick, as one of its first 100 employees. A mentor's insightful question about other entrepreneurs who had disrupted complex global industries in a short period solidified his decision. Working with Kalanick, Prasad witnessed firsthand his shrewd business strategies, particularly his focus on zero-based budgeting and an unwavering return-on-investment mindset. Kalanick's forward-thinking vision, encapsulated in his belief that "entrepreneurs fast-forward the future," profoundly influenced Prasad's entrepreneurial outlook, demonstrating the power of pushing through challenges to disrupt traditional industries.

Armed with the knowledge and experience gained from these influential mentors, Prasad pursued his entrepreneurial ambitions. After earning an MBA from Harvard Business School in 2025, he moved to the Bay Area and fully committed to launching Matter. His company aims to build AI-native autonomous factories in the US, specializing in the assembly of intricate products like drones and robotic systems. The overarching goal is to redefine American manufacturing by approaching it as a software problem rather than solely a labor challenge. Today, Matter has grown to include over two dozen employees, and its first 54,000-square-foot factory is operational in Sunnyvale, California, a testament to Prasad's journey of learning and application.

Reflecting on his entrepreneurial path, two core insights have emerged for Prasad. Firstly, the notion of feeling fully prepared to launch a business is often an illusion; courage to take the initial leap is paramount. Secondly, the evolving landscape of AI underscores the importance of diverse real-world experiences. While specialized knowledge remains valuable, the accessibility of information through AI tools means that a broad spectrum of experiences is crucial for making informed decisions and innovating solutions. These lessons, gleaned from his formative years working with industry giants, provided the essential foundation and confidence for Prasad to embark on building his own company.

Following a significant corporate restructuring at Nike, Tim Perks, a seasoned executive with two decades of experience, faced an unexpected layoff. Despite the abrupt change, Perks, at 58, swiftly navigated the job market, securing a vice president position in store design and planning at DICK'S Sporting Goods within a mere four months. This successful career pivot, which necessitated a move from Portland to Pennsylvania, was not accidental but a result of deliberate and strategic actions. Perks's journey highlights the critical role of professional guidance, established connections, and a firm belief in one's own capabilities during challenging career junctures.

His story serves as a testament to the power of proactive career management, even when faced with the uncertainty of job loss. By carefully preparing for the next phase of his professional life, Perks was able to transform a potential setback into a significant opportunity, reaffirming the value of his extensive experience and leadership skills in a new and dynamic environment. His experience offers valuable insights for professionals, particularly those in later career stages, seeking to make impactful transitions in a competitive landscape.

Strategic Career Planning and Professional Guidance

Tim Perks's rapid re-entry into an executive role post-layoff was significantly influenced by his foresight and willingness to invest in professional development. Recognizing the shifting landscape at Nike, he proactively engaged an executive career coach to help articulate his unique value proposition and formulate a robust job search strategy. This early intervention, even before his official departure from Nike, proved instrumental in clarifying his career aspirations and positioning him effectively for future opportunities. The coaching focused on self-assessment, identifying transferable skills, and crafting a compelling narrative for his LinkedIn profile, which served as his primary professional showcase.

This strategic preparation allowed Perks to enter the job market not from a place of desperation, but with a clear vision and a well-defined personal brand. His coach specialized in assisting older executives, providing tailored advice that addressed potential age-related biases in hiring. By understanding and confidently communicating his extensive experience and leadership qualities, Perks transformed his age from a potential perceived weakness into a distinct advantage, highlighting the depth of knowledge and wisdom he brought to the table. This proactive approach to self-assessment and strategic positioning underscores the importance of professional guidance in navigating complex career transitions, particularly for seasoned professionals seeking leadership roles.

Leveraging a Robust Professional Network and Self-Assured Value

A cornerstone of Tim Perks's successful job search was the activation and strategic utilization of his extensive professional network, cultivated over two decades at Nike. He meticulously cataloged his connections, categorizing them by leadership style and the nature of their relationships, to understand how each contact could contribute to his search. This methodical approach allowed him to engage his network thoughtfully, initiating conversations not with a direct request for employment, but as dialogues about career insights and potential next steps. His ability to foster genuine engagement within his network ultimately led to an interview opportunity, demonstrating the profound impact of long-standing professional relationships.

Crucially, Perks approached his job search with an unwavering belief in his intrinsic value and the compensation his experience merited. Drawing confidence from his coaching sessions, he understood that his prolonged tenure at Nike meant he might be undercompensated compared to market rates, and a move could lead to significant financial advancement. This conviction empowered him to demand fair remuneration, refusing to lower his salary expectations based on age. He perceived his age as an asset, indicative of a rich career history and a wealth of practical knowledge that any forward-thinking company would covet. This self-assured stance, combined with a meticulously leveraged network, enabled him to secure a new executive position that not only matched but enhanced his previous compensation and professional standing.