By: Bella Fitzpatrick
In an era where technology increasingly intersects with every facet of our lives, entrepreneurs like Cortney are at the forefront of shaping the future. With a passion ignited in the halls of Alabama A&M University and honed through global education and professional experiences, Cortney’s journey is not just a story of personal achievement but a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Cortney embarked on his entrepreneurial path in college, driven by the challenge of securing Wall Street internships from a distance. This experience birthed the idea of a website to bridge the gap between students nationwide and internship opportunities, addressing the common hurdle of inadequate professional networks. His educational journey further equipped him with critical insights into economics at Alabama A&M followed by an enriching stint at IESE Business School in Barcelona. It was here that daily case studies and interactions with diverse intellects broadened his perspective on business operations globally.
The transition from academia to entrepreneurship was fueled by an idea conceived during his business school days – a digital platform for personal trainers. Over ten years, this venture laid down the groundwork for what would eventually become Assemble. This period was instrumental, teaching Cortney valuable lessons in recruiting talent, building technology, raising capital, and scaling operations globally. Moreover, navigating these waters as a black male founder added layers of complexity but also resilience to his approach towards founding and leading Assemble.
At its core, Assemble leverages digital media for streaming content, video call technology for personal coaching sessions, and AI to personalize user experiences. These technologies were chosen carefully to create an immersive learning environment that addresses the unique needs of its audience. Despite initial challenges in raising capital and navigating investor skepticism during COVID-19 disruptions, Cortney’s strategic focus on educating investors about Assembly’s mission proved fruitful.
What sets Assemble apart is its commitment to democratizing access to learning for underserved communities while employing cutting-edge technology to provide multifaceted learning experiences. The platform uniquely caters to Black and Brown audiences by featuring experts of color who share their knowledge and offer advice – something truly revolutionary in today’s market.
Looking ahead, Cortney envisions expanding Assemble reach and impact by collaborating with HBCUs to match elite educational experiences while continuing technological innovation to stay ahead in providing accessible education.
For those inspired by Cortney’s journey or aspiring to make their mark in tech entrepreneurship, he offers invaluable advice:
Embrace Discomfort: Entrepreneurship is replete with challenges; developing a high tolerance for discomfort enables you to navigate through uncertainties.
Fuel Your Passion: Genuine interest in your work sustains you through difficult times; ensure your venture has meaning beyond growth.
Prioritize Self-Care: Managing both highs and lows requires resilience; having strategies for self-care ensures longevity in this demanding field.
Continuous Learning: Knowledge is power; staying informed allows you to seize opportunities effectively.
Foster Relationships: Diverse networks can provide support and open doors; value every connection.
Practice Empathy: Understanding different perspectives enhances leadership qualities and fosters mutual respect.
Integrity Over Shortcuts: Short-term gains can compromise long-term success; focus on doing what’s right rather than what’s easy.
Cortney concludes with thoughts that resonate deeply within the entrepreneurial spirit: “There’s a difference between doing the right thing and doing what’s right.” It encapsulates the essence of ethical entrepreneurship – pursuing ventures that not only succeed commercially but also contribute positively to society.
Aspiring entrepreneurs looking for inspiration or guidance can follow Assemble journey through innovative education solutions via their Instagram, embodying Cortney’s vision of breaking down barriers and creating opportunities through accessible learning platforms.
Cortney’s narrative isn’t just about overcoming obstacles or technological innovation; it’s about envisioning a future where education empowers everyone equally—making his journey not only inspiring but also transformative both within tech circles and beyond.
Learn more at Assemble.fyi.
Published by: Martin De Juan
