674: Ryan Wenger | How to Know When to Pivot

As an entrepreneur, you know that the key to the success of any venture or project is knowing when it’s time to pivot and being intentional about it. Ryan Wenger, LA Magazine featured ‘superlawyer’ turned travel business innovator, is the Founder and CEO of WhereTo, a travel business manager for travel business managers.

Ryan is on a mission to make traveling cheaper and easier for all people. He has raised over $10 million in venture capital, brought together a team of world class engineers and executives, and helped build two platforms used by millions, one of which was acquired by Flight Centre.

Let’s dig into this episode and learn more from Ryan about how to know when it’s time to pivot, and how to do it effectively. 

Things you will learn in this episode: 

[00:01 - 07:12] Opening Segment  

I introduce today’s guest, Ryan WengerWant better interviews? Go to Guestio.com Ryan gives us some background on his storyGrowing up in Woodstock, New YorkParents’ career and lifestyleHigh School experienceCollege experience Going into Law

[07:13 - 18:04] How to Know When to Pivot

Ryan shares about his experience transitioning from lawAlways experimental at heartThe inspiration to go into ‘travel’Getting investors through telling storiesBuilding a new platform Building and launching process Getting passed the learning curves The story of going viral and getting millions of usersGetting key partnerships How to know when to pivot A glaringly obvious point Put your problems into perspectiveA word from our sponsors 

[18:05 - 26:44] How to Pivot Well

Getting into uncomfortable positions to move forward The key to success Playing the numbers game How relationships come into play Being a good networker Ryan’s partnership experience The levels of investors How to know when to hand over leadershipKnowing when someone can do a better job

[26:45 - 34:34] Closing Segment

What’s next for Ryan?Getting acquired by Flight Centre Merging strengths Seeing it all stand on its own Who you know or what you know?Your network is what helps or hurts your company It’s ok to start from zero if you put in the workThE RanDoM RoUnDHow to engage with RyanLinks below Final words 

Tweetable Quotes: 

“I loved jumping into ideas and seeing if I could bring them to light.” - Ryan Wenger

“You have to take an honest look at your problems and think about the pivot opportunity and weigh the cost and the benefits.” - Ryan Wenger

Resources Mentioned: 

WhereToWhereForThe Lean StartupThe Art of the Start

Connect and engage with Ryan on LinkedIn and Twitter. Check out https://ryanwenger.com/ to get your hands on some more awesome content and tips.

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