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- TE&MN #46 How I Used Case Studies to Learn to Work for Equity and You Can Too
TE&MN #46 How I Used Case Studies to Learn to Work for Equity and You Can Too
The game-changer for working for equity? Case studies that show how others turned skills into ownership (and how you can too)

👋 Tech Equity & Money News 📈 your go-to source for building wealth with tech equity and managing the money that comes with it.
Every Tuesday, we'll deliver a concise and powerful lesson on building wealth working for equity compensation or on managing your seven and eight-figure portfolio.
Our mission is to demystify equity compensation, investment strategies, and financial independence for tech professionals.
Case Studies are my secret weapon to learning. I study people and what they have done to accelerate my learning.
This week I give you the framework of how Case Studies can accelerate your learning too and also highlight past case studies from the Podcast & YouTube for you to enjoy.
Surprise! There is a new Case Study this Week of a Tech Sales Exec that went through 3 x IPOs.
His due diligence is spot on and I took away a few tips.
Also let me get to know you in our Quarterly Survey (LINK)!
Time to Read: 3.5 minutes
The Power of Case Studies when Trading for Equity
Can I Work for Equity to Build Personal Wealth?
When I first entered the world of equity compensation, success seemed like a fuzzy distant mirage.
While I'd heard whispers of others striking gold, the details were frustratingly vague.
Questions swirled in my mind like a tornado:
How does the equity compensation process work?
What exactly is an equity agreement?
How much equity am I worth?
How should I manage my equity once it's granted?
Are all forms of equity created equal?
These questions outnumbered my answers, leaving me feeling like I was trying to solve a Rubik's Cube in the dark.
My lack of clarity led to a gnawing skepticism.
Could equity compensation really build wealth?
This disbelief was especially strong after my first startup fizzled out like a damp firecracker.
My Journey
Let's break this down: my lack of knowledge made the journey more challenging than trying to assemble IKEA furniture without instructions.
But here's the key thing to remember—I found my compass when I started talking to people who'd been there, done that.
I became slightly obsessed with seeking these equity trailblazers who could share their stories.
Their experiences were like treasure maps, guiding me through the often confusing landscape of equity compensation.
The Importance of Case Studies
My deep dive into these real-world examples answered my questions and illuminated a path forward.
It's no exaggeration to say that examining these case studies was the secret sauce that allowed me to work for three companies that went through an IPO. (And yes, that's as exciting as it sounds!)

Case Studies are a Path to Competence
The Power of Case Studies →A Path to Competence
Case studies are more than just exciting stories - they're powerful tools that can transform you from equity compensation novice to experienced pro.
Let's explore why
Clarity:
Case studies provide real-world context, making complex concepts as clear as a freshly cleaned window.
They help you recognize patterns of success and bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
It's like having a seasoned guide point out landmarks on a map - suddenly, the terrain makes sense.
Confidence:
By observing others successfully navigate the equity maze, you'll build confidence in your own abilities.
It's like watching someone complete a challenging hike before you attempt it yourself - suddenly, it seems more achievable.
Case studies encourage critical thinking and provide a safe learning environment where you can explore different scenarios without real-world risks.
Commitment
Success stories are rocket fuel for motivation.
They demonstrate the long-term impact of mastering equity concepts, encouraging you to commit to ongoing education in this field.
These real-life narratives create an emotional connection, inspiring you to take action and stay committed to your equity journey.
Result → Competence
Here's the exciting part - as you gain clarity, build confidence, and strengthen your commitment, you're on a direct path to competence.
It's like learning to ride a bike: at first, you wobble and feel uncertain, but with practice and guidance, you're soon zooming down the street with ease.
Enhanced understanding: You'll develop a profound, nuanced grasp of equity compensation beyond surface-level knowledge.
Improved problem-solving skills: You'll learn to approach equity-related challenges with a strategic mindset, identifying potential pitfalls and opportunities.
Ability to apply knowledge: Most importantly, you'll be able to apply what you've learned to your unique situation and make informed decisions about your equity compensation.
Think of case studies as your personal equity tutors, guiding you from novice to expert. By leveraging these real-world examples, you're not just accumulating information - you're building a robust skill set that will serve you throughout your career.
Your Next Step → Dive Into Real-World Equity Wisdom.
Are you ready to supercharge your equity knowledge and transform your financial future?
It's time to take action!
Are you ready to revolutionize your financial future and unlock the true potential of your tech equity?
Look no further than the Tech Equity and Money Talk Case Studies (LINK)
– your ultimate guide to mastering equity compensation and building lasting wealth!
This isn't just another financial podcast; it's your masterclass in turning equity into wealth.
• Ryan Gallego: Discover how he leveraged his Amazon equity to launch his dream business (LINK)
• Frederick DeWorken: Learn the secrets behind his success with two major IPOs (Tableau & Snowflake) (LINK)
• Frank Xia: Uncover strategies for turning tech equity into a thriving private equity portfolio (LINK)
• LeSean Smith: Explore how big tech equity can fuel your entrepreneurial ambitions (LINK)
• Ajit Desphande: Master the art of navigating from public tech giants to private companies on the cusp of IPOs (LINK)
These visionaries didn't stumble upon success by accident.
They learned from others, applied that knowledge, and achieved their financial goals.
Now it's your turn to join their ranks!
Here is what you do next:
1. Subscribe to Tech Equity and Money Talk on your favorite podcast platform or YouTube.
2. Apply one key insight from the episode to your current equity situation.
3. Hit Reply and Let me know your biggest challenge - let's start a conversation!
I answer every email.
Remember, every day you wait is a missed opportunity to grow your wealth.
The most successful tech professionals aren't just working for equity - they're working it to their advantage.
Are you ready to join their ranks?
Your equity education starts now.
Tune in, take notes, and prepare to transform your financial future. Let's turn your equity into your legacy!
Let’s Get to Know Each Other
Let me know what your greatest challenge is in working for equity and managing the money that comes with it. 👇️
This short survey will take 2 minutes to complete. I want to know about you!
Tech Equity & Money Talk

Tech Equity & Money Talk is a Weekly Podcast that explores the process of building wealth through Tech Equity and managing the money that comes with it.
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I can’t stop and won’t stop the Case Studies!
This week, it is David Banks.
David had a 40-year career in software sales that saw him through three IPOs, Interwoven, VMware, and Splunk.
He learned early the value of equity and how to perform due diligence on private equity tech companies.
You can learn a ton from his story, check it out 👇️
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Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or career advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making any decisions based on the information provided.