From Fortune 500 Executive to Entrepreneur: Dianne D. Campbell’s Journey
What does it really take to walk away from a Fortune 500 career and start your own business? For Dianne D. Campbell, the decision came after 30 years of leadership at Microsoft, Cisco, HP, and Samsung. She had built a strong reputation in the corporate world, but the pull to create something of her own was stronger. Today, she is the founder of PRODUCTIVITY, a company dedicated to helping organizations and individuals maximize their effectiveness.
In our conversation, Dianne shared the truth about what it’s like to go from the stability of corporate life to the unpredictability of entrepreneurship.
Transitioning Corporate Skills to Business Ownership
One of the biggest assets Dianne carried into entrepreneurship was her corporate experience. Strategic planning, leadership, and the ability to manage complex projects gave her a strong foundation for running her own company. She explained that many professionals underestimate just how transferable their corporate skills are when launching a business.
Learning New Skills Along the Way
Even with decades of experience, Dianne had to develop new skills quickly. From managing finances to understanding legal structures, the entrepreneurial learning curve was steep. “You don’t have all the resources of a large company anymore,” she noted. “You become the marketing team, the finance team, and the operations team all at once.”
Rewards and Challenges of Entrepreneurship
Owning a business has its challenges, but Dianne is clear about the rewards too. The ability to design her own path, create impact on her terms, and work directly with clients makes the hard work worthwhile. At the same time, she’s honest about the sacrifices: entrepreneurship demands financial planning, long hours, and a high tolerance for uncertainty.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For anyone considering the leap, Dianne encourages deep reflection and preparation. Her top advice:
Recognize which corporate skills can support your business.
Be ready to learn new skills every day.
Understand the financial and legal realities before you start.
Always listen to your customers — their feedback will shape your success.
About PRODUCTIVITY
Dianne’s company, PRODUCTIVITY, focuses on helping professionals and organizations improve efficiency, streamline operations, and achieve measurable results. It’s a direct reflection of her own career journey: applying big-company expertise to solve real-world problems for clients who want to thrive.
Connect with Dianne