From Queens to the Top: Matt Higgins’ Journey from Poverty to Success

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“I knew my mother was going to succumb to our circumstances if I didn’t do something to change our trajectory out of poverty.” - Matt Higgins


A Story of Resilience and Determination


Matt Higgins, CEO and founder of the private investment firm RSE Ventures, has a compelling story to tell. Recently, he shared his experiences with Glassdoor’s Hot Seat, revealing his challenging upbringing in the Queens neighborhood of New York City. From dropping out of school to becoming a teacher at Harvard Business School, Higgins' journey is a testament to the power of resilience and determination.

Setting Fears Aside to Start Your Own Business


Higgins’ primary piece of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is straightforward: you cannot eliminate all risks, nor should you want to. “The fear of failure and anxiety will drive you to success,” he explains. Many people are paralyzed by the need to have every detail figured out before making the leap. However, Higgins emphasizes the importance of trusting yourself to navigate challenges when everything is on the line.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome


Higgins views imposter syndrome as a feedback loop that signifies growth. He imagines a life without it as one where he’d be settling for mediocrity. “No one is going to welcome you and invite you to take the seat,” he says. “You belong here because you are here. That's all there is to it.” This mindset shift helps individuals accept their worth and place in any environment.

Survival Instincts and Strategic Planning


Higgins’ survival instincts led to a calculated plan to escape poverty. He recalls his desperation and the realization that he needed to change their trajectory. Working overnight while attending high school seemed unsustainable. He discovered that performing well on his GED could fast-track him to college at 16, opening doors to better-paying jobs. Despite warnings that a GED would brand him a loser, Higgins knew he could offset this with a graduate degree. His dedication paid off, taking seven years of night classes while working two jobs to earn his JD.

Taking Career Risks


One of Higgins’ biggest career risks was leaving the Mayor's Office after being denied the role of Deputy Press Secretary due to his age and experience. Frustrated but determined, he quit and took a higher-paying, albeit soul-crushing, job. Four months later, the Mayor's Office called him back, offering the desired position, a higher salary, and law school funding. “The safest bets we make are the ones we place on ourselves,” Higgins asserts.


Advice for New Grads Entering the Job Market


For new graduates, Higgins advises creating opportunities by addressing company-specific problems rather than focusing on personal needs. He cites AI as an example: propose projects to identify best practices and emergent tools to increase key performance indicators, such as same-store sale comps, in a brick-and-mortar food business. By manifesting opportunities through unexplored problems, applicants can present themselves as invaluable assets to potential employers.


Disclaimer: This article provides insights based on Matt Higgins' personal experiences and perspectives. Individual career paths may vary, and it is important to seek personalized advice and consider your unique circumstances when making career decisions.

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