SPECIAL EDITION: Michael Layton Goes to Silicon Valley

In this episode of the FYIC Podcast, Justin and Shelby sit down with FYIC alum Michael Layton to reflect on his time in the program and the entrepreneurial path he’s taken since leaving the classroom. Michael shares how his experience in the FYIC helped shape his mindset around problem solving, collaboration, and taking initiative—skills that became critical as he launched his startup over the past year.

The conversation dives into the realities of building a company from the ground up, including the challenges, pivots, and unexpected lessons that come with early-stage entrepreneurship. Michael also discusses the milestone of being accepted into a Y Combinator cohort, what that experience was like, and how it has helped shape the business student and professional he has become.

Whether you're a student thinking about entrepreneurship, someone curious about startup life, or interested in how classroom experiences translate into real-world impact, this episode offers an inside look at the journey from student to founder.