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Justin McLeod, the CEO of Hinge, is a prime example of how determination, creativity, and a love for what you do can lead to incredible success. A young Harvard Business School student with a vision, McLeod set out to revolutionize the world of online dating with his app, Hinge. His app quickly gained popularity and is now one of the most downloaded dating apps in English-speaking areas, boasting over 14 million users. However, McLeod’s journey to success was not without its challenges. In the early days of launching Hinge, he employed creative tactics to attract users, such as bribing his classmates with KitKats to try out the app. This grassroots approach worked; however, it was not easy. McLeod had to beg, borrow, and hustle to get Hinge off the ground. He even delayed a six-figure job offer from McKinsey to pursue his dream of building Hinge into a successful business.
McLeod’s decision to turn down a lucrative job offer in favor of entrepreneurship shows his passion and dedication to his vision. He knew that Hinge was something he believed in and was willing to take risks to make it a reality. This decision paid off, as Hinge was later acquired by Match Group, earning McLeod a significant sum of money. His story is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those of the Gen Z generation who are increasingly eschewing traditional career paths in favor of pursuing their own ventures.
McLeod’s advice to young entrepreneurs is simple but powerful: be both hopelessly idealistic and brutally realistic. Dream big, but also be willing to put in the hard work and make tough decisions to turn those dreams into reality. He emphasizes the importance of balancing vision with practicality, focusing on the everyday tasks that are necessary to bring a grand vision to life. For Gen Z graduates who may be unsure of their career path, McLeod encourages them to take action and start working towards their goals, whether that means starting a company or entering the workforce.
McLeod’s story serves as a reminder that success often requires a combination of passion, hard work, and a willingness to take risks. By following his advice and embracing both idealism and realism, young entrepreneurs can increase their chances of achieving their dreams. As McLeod himself can attest, the road to success may be challenging, but the rewards are well worth it in the end.
