Today we’d like to introduce you to Cortney Woodruff.
Hi Cortney, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
Growing up in my grandparents’ grocery store in Jackson, Mississippi, I felt like royalty, free to grab any candy and soda I wanted. But the real lesson was in realizing that my privilege came from my family’s entrepreneurial spirit, with our name “Woodruff” emblazoned on the store’s sign. That’s where my journey began.
I was a kid who loved two things: soccer and Bloomberg TV. My passion for soccer took me to Alabama A&M University, thanks to a recruitment by their Division I soccer program, where I pursued an Economics degree. There, a dream took hold: to make it to Wall Street. To edge closer to that dream, I spent every summer interning in banking on the East Coast, a stark contrast to many of my classmates who stayed in the South due to limited opportunities.
This disparity sparked my first venture into tech. In my sophomore year, from the confines of my dorm room, I launched a startup aimed at connecting students with limited networks to internship opportunities. This endeavor was my real introduction to the tech world.
After graduating top of my class, I dabbled in the finance world with a year at a hedge fund but felt unfulfilled. Seeking a bigger challenge, I set my sights on IESE Business School in Barcelona, Spain. With just $2,500 in savings and some borrowed money, I embarked on what would be a life-changing experience. Attending a week-long program there, I landed an interview and an offer for their full-time MBA program. At 22, I was ready to leave the South for Europe.
However, a year into the MBA, I realized the corporate path wasn’t for me. I yearned to refine my business skills on my own terms, leading me to take a hiatus from IESE to dive full-time into tech entrepreneurship. I moved to San Francisco, immersing myself in Silicon Valley’s culture, supported by the generosity of friends like Bruce Chen, the founder of https://ins.to, who offered me a place to stay and work on my company, Trainersvault.com.
Trainersvault was born out of a garage and sustained by trips to LA and financial help from friends and family. Despite the struggle, those 18 months were the happiest of my life, teaching me invaluable lessons about the tech industry. Eventually, I moved the company to Los Angeles to better connect with the fitness scene.
Fundraising challenges led me to Shanghai, where I joined the China Accelerator. Living between Los Angeles and Asia for four years expanded my network and worldview, connecting me with brilliant minds globally. Yet, like many startups, Trainersvault had to be wound down.
Reflecting on my journey, I realized how critical support and mentorship had been to my success. This realization led to the creation of Assemble, a platform designed to offer tailored mentorship and advice by connecting users with experts worldwide. It’s the solution I wished I had at every step of my journey.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Ask any entrepreneur if the road to success is a walk in the park, and you’ll get a loud ‘No way!’ from the crowd. And yep, I’m right there with them. Starting from zero was like jumping into the deep end without floaties. You’ve got so much to learn and a million miles to catch up on. Gathering the big three—social, political, and financial capital—isn’t just tough; it’s a marathon that’s all about persistence and elbow grease.
Sacrificing the now for the later? Huge. Especially when you’re young and watching everyone else take the easy road. I mean, setting aside a decade or more of your life for a dream that might not pay off until way later? That’s the reality for lots of us chasing the dream. For me, it was 15 long years.
But here’s the thing: starting your own thing from scratch tests you in ways nothing else does. It’s not just about making it in business. It’s about sticking to your guns, even when the going gets tough, and learning a ton about yourself along the way. The journey? Brutal but totally worth it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We’d love to learn more about your work. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc? What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
Right now, I’m at the helm of Assemble.FYI, as its co-founder and CEO. It’s an AI-powered tech company with a pretty exciting mission: we’re here to make it super easy for people to learn from and connect with some of the biggest names out there. Through our platform, we offer everything from in-depth online courses to one-on-one video chats and special Q&A sessions.
We’ve worked with an incredible range of talents, from Drake’s first manager, Cortez Bryant, to Beyoncé’s makeup artist, Sir John. But it doesn’t stop there. Our platform is packed with mentors who’ve been in the thick of it, from Fortune 500 boardrooms to the halls of the White House, not to mention the creative genius behind Michelle Obama’s hair looks. It’s all about giving our users access to the kind of guidance and advice that can really make a difference.
Besides that, I’m also involved with a couple of nonprofits I helped start. There’s BeGreatTogether.org, which supports education programs for kids in underserved communities. And then there’s DocuCourse.org, where we shine a light on social issues through documentaries. What am I proudest of, though? Seeing the belief in my parents’ eyes as they watch me chase and live my dreams. Everything I do is about lifting others up and leaving a positive mark on the world.
What sets me apart? Well, I’d say it’s my down-to-earth Mississippi roots and starting from humble beginnings. I’ve always had these big dreams, even when I was just hanging out in Mississippi, far from where I am now. It’s like I could see this future for myself, even though I’d never been to these places or done any of this stuff before. And while I might not have the kind of story you hear about in songs or movies, I’ve lived the whole ‘started from the bottom’ journey, aiming for greatness. And here I am, living it.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey is both thrilling and daunting. If I could share a few pearls of wisdom with those just starting out, the first would be to embrace patience. Good things truly do take time, and your journey is no exception. Alongside patience, practice empathy towards yourself. This road is tough, and beating yourself up over every small setback will only make it tougher. Remember, every successful entrepreneur has faced their fair share of challenges and failures—it’s part of the process.
Avoid the temptation of shortcuts. They might seem appealing, especially when you’re eager to see your dreams materialize, but genuine, lasting success comes from a foundation built on integrity and hard work. Set realistic expectations for yourself and your venture. This approach not only leads to a more resilient and sustainable path but also ensures you maintain your moral and ethical compass.
Lastly, know that it’s okay to ask for help. No one makes it alone, and seeking advice or mentorship can provide invaluable perspectives that you might not have considered. Stay true to your values, be kind to yourself, and remember why you started this journey in the first place.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.assemble.fyi/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/assemble.fyi/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/assemblefyi
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/assembleftobegreat
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AssembleFYi
- Other: https://www.bgtogether.org/
Image Credits
Assemble
