After 15 years, Santiago got a director promotion and felt distressed, sparking his leap to entrepreneurship.
This episode is the conclusion of a five-part series sponsored by Amazon, focusing on professionalizing digital businesses. Host Juan del Cerro interviews Santiago, founder of Lean Travel, and Tania, Amazon Mexico's Global Selling director. Santiago recounts leaving a 15-year corporate career after a promotion triggered an existential crisis, leading him to start Lean Travel, a brand of premium travel bags. He launched with no prior experience in product development or e-commerce, relying on Amazon FBA for logistics and sales. Initial success came from organic sales and customer reviews, which guided product iterations like adding colors and expanding into accessories. The discussion shifts to international expansion, with Santiago targeting the US market due to its size, advanced e-commerce, and proximity. Tania details Amazon's Global Selling program, which assists with administrative burdens, regulations, and logistics for cross-border sales. Key challenges highlighted include logistical complexities like import processes and inventory management, as well as the need for market research and adaptation. Santiago emphasizes building a brand rather than just selling products, using advertising both on and off Amazon. Tania notes that small entrepreneurs can succeed by outsourcing tasks and focusing on differentiated, quality products. The episode concludes with future plans: Santiago aims to consolidate in the US before expanding to Canada and Europe, while Tania discusses Amazon's ongoing tool innovations and support for Latin American sellers.
