Sequoia Partner: 3 ‘Meaningful’ Pay Cuts Shaped My Career

Sequoia Capital Managing Partner Roelof Botha on Making Tough Career Decisions

After graduating from the University of Cape Town, Roelof Botha faced a crucial decision: become an actuary or join McKinsey & Company. Despite the lower salary, Botha chose McKinsey, which eventually opened doors for him to work and study abroad. He refers to this decision as a “marshmallow test” and believes that delaying immediate gratification can lead to long-term success.