" When I entered the workforce, I was frustrated. When you’re starting your career, somebody else is ‘The Man’ or ‘The Woman.’ They go into a room and make the decision, not you. You don’t feel empowered. I wanted to break through that. "
- Mark Pincus

When entering the professional world, one often encounters a sense of frustration due to feeling powerless in decision-making processes. New employees frequently find themselves excluded from critical discussions and decisions made by those higher up in the organizational hierarchy. This situation can lead to feelings of disenfranchisement and a lack of empowerment.

At its core, this quote speaks to the universal experience of striving for autonomy and control over one's career trajectory. It highlights the challenge faced by many professionals who start their careers with aspirations to influence decisions but are often sidelined or left out of crucial conversations. This feeling is not limited to entry-level positions; it can persist throughout a professional’s journey, especially as they navigate hierarchical structures within organizations. The quote also underscores the importance of breaking through barriers and asserting oneself in order to achieve personal growth and career advancement.

The quote is attributed to Mark Pincus, an entrepreneur known for founding social media platforms such as TribeNet (later renamed LinkedIn) and Zynga, which is famous for creating games like FarmVille. His experiences reflect a broader narrative of entrepreneurship and innovation, where overcoming initial challenges and asserting oneself is crucial for success in the tech industry and beyond.