Conor Plunkett - Founding and Selling his AI Startup at 23

At just 23, Conor has already built and sold his own AI startup, Cycle, and has an incredible amount of insight to offer from his journey this far. In just a few short years, Conor has packed in experiences that many people don’t reach in a lifetime, and his insights prove that ambition, grit, and a willingness to fail can fast-track your journey to success.

Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:

Experiment in your 20s: Conor emphasizes that your 20s are a time for exploration. Whether it's working in a new city, trying out a different industry, or starting your own company, the more experiences you collect, the better you understand what you truly want to do.

Flip the disadvantage into an advantage: Applying to McKinsey Toronto was tough, so Conor looked globally, landing a position at McKinsey Budapest. His lesson—when you're at a disadvantage, find a way to change the game, making your weakness a strength.

The power of failure: Conor shared how many of his startups didn’t work out, but those failures were crucial for his growth. He believes in learning from setbacks, keeping your ego in check, and embracing failure as part of the entrepreneurial process.

Start with what you can give, not what you can get: Whether it’s building relationships or seeking opportunities, Conor’s advice is to always think about what value you can offer before asking for something in return. It’s a principle that’s shaped his career success.