Wall Street Meets Silicon Valley: Transitioning from Banker to Founder

In this episode of Conversations in Credit, host Jeremy Tsui talks with Jon Hershman, founder of TempoBD, about his transition from a structured banking career into the world of entrepreneurship. Jon shares how his experience at JPMorgan and other major financial institutions equipped him with skills that now help him guide startups on business development and risk management. He explains how banking’s policy-driven environment contrasts with the fast-paced, flexible nature of entrepreneurship.

Jon discusses the importance of calculated risk-taking in both finance and startups. He emphasizes that while banks focus on mitigating risk with precision, entrepreneurship often involves making decisions with incomplete information, testing hypotheses in real time. Jon highlights the necessity of balancing these two mindsets for success.

Finally, Jon reflects on the parallels between endurance sports and running a business. Drawing from his experience as a marathon runner, he shares how discipline, focus, and persistence play vital roles in achieving long-term entrepreneurial goals.