'Don't Be Stupid. Go To Work For Google'—Scott Galloway Says People 'Romanticize Entrepreneurship,' But Underestimate Corporate Jobs

Key takeaways

• Corporate careers, especially at large firms with equity, can build wealth as effectively as entrepreneurship.
• Galloway spent two years at Morgan Stanley before starting businesses
• A former colleague who stayed at the bank now has roughly the same net worth as Galloway
• Companies offer equity that can build substantial wealth over time

What happened

NYU Stern professor Scott Galloway told the BiggerPockets podcast that many people over‑value starting their own business and under‑value the wealth that can come from a solid corporate career. He cited Google and JPMorgan Chase as examples of companies that offer high salaries, stock options, and benefits. Galloway compared his own path—two years at Morgan Stanley before launching businesses—to a former colleague who stayed at the bank and now has a similar net worth. He warned that juggling…

Why it matters

The story highlights that corporate jobs can be a reliable route to wealth, challenging the popular narrative that entrepreneurship is the only way to financial freedom. It underscores the importance of evaluating risk tolerance, career focus, and the benefits of equity compensation. By comparing two career paths, it…

Short-term and longer-term

Short-term. For the next few days, watch Google and JPMorgan Chase for any hiring or equity‑grant announcements that could boost their stock.

Longer-term. Over the coming months, consider adding exposure to large‑cap tech and financial firms that offer robust equity packages.