Leaving the Comfort Zone to Follow a Bigger Vision
At 27, Toby Egbuna made a life-changing decision. He left a $140,000 consulting job to pursue a mission for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) by starting Chezie, a software company focused on advancing workplace equity. Alongside his sister, Toby ventured into entrepreneurship, a path different from the one his immigrant parents imagined when they moved to the U.S. in 1997. Yet for Toby, the chance to create a positive impact outweighed any security a traditional career path could offer.
Early Wins and Hard-Earned Progress
The journey wasn’t easy, but Chezie saw early success: within a week of launching, they signed their first client. Since then, Toby has bootstrapped and grown Chezie to more than $100,000 in annual revenue, secured over $300,000 in grants, and landed contracts with recognizable clients like DocuSign, Take-Two Interactive, and the NBA. With more than 25 clients, Chezie’s impact in the DEI space is evident. Toby reflected on this journey in a recent LinkedIn post, noting how every step—whether smooth or challenging—has strengthened his resolve.
A Tough Path Filled with Lessons
Despite progress, Toby’s journey has been far from linear. Alongside the wins, he’s faced countless challenges: over 100 venture capital rejections, two rounds of letting go of team members, and a lawsuit from a prominent DEI consultant. He’s even experienced the setback of clients deprioritizing DEI initiatives, resulting in lost revenue. These moments have tested Toby’s resilience, but they’ve also deepened his commitment to Chezie’s mission.
The Hardest Job You’ll Ever Love
Through it all, Toby admits that entrepreneurship can be a heavy journey. Reflecting on the lows, he acknowledges, “Sometimes, this founder’s journey is heavy. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss my cushy job a few years ago.” Yet, the experience has been rich in lessons and personal growth—experiences he says he couldn’t have gained in a “safe” job. His advice? For those with a vision, take the leap. Starting something may be challenging, but it’s a journey that will teach you more than years spent in a conventional career.
A Call to Aspiring Founders and Changemakers
Toby’s story carries an empowering message: Black entrepreneurs and change-makers have the unique resilience and insight the world needs. His journey exemplifies the power of determination and intentional work in DEI. Toby encourages those considering a similar path to embrace the unknown, even if it feels daunting. “It’ll be the hardest thing you ever do, but it’ll teach you more than any ‘safe’ job ever could.”
For Toby, building Chezie is about more than business; it’s a commitment to shaping workplaces that value inclusion and equity. It’s a reminder that while the road may be tough, the work of creating lasting impact is worth it.