This as-told-to essay draws from a discussion with Candice Bryant, who served as an internal communications manager at Google until last October. She departed to concentrate on independent consulting and developing AI-focused products. Prior to Google, Bryant dedicated roughly 16 years to the Central Intelligence Agency, concluding her tenure in a communications position. She is in her early 40s and resides in the Washington, DC, region.

My professional journey has consisted of repeated instances where I responded with 'Sure, I'll try it,' beginning with a chance I nearly overlooked.

Over twenty years ago, as I studied political science at Towson University in Maryland, a career fair nearly went unattended due to my lack of suitable attire. Raised in Baltimore, I did not perceive myself as disadvantaged at the time, though I later understood my background was likely underprivileged.

Roommates persuaded me to attend regardless, suggesting a coat paired with quality trousers. Since it was winter, they noted, the outfit would suffice without notice.

At the fair, I visited the Central Intelligence Agency booth. Seeking an internship, I instead received encouragement to pursue full-time employment. I applied as a political analyst and, after completing my degree in December 2004, began at the CIA the next month at age 21.

That unexpected meeting set in motion a path leading from the CIA to Google and eventually to independent ventures. A key insight gained is the value of embracing opportunities as they appear.

I devoted about 16 years to the CIA

A major realization from my CIA tenure was the world's inherent vulnerability and the frequent need for leaders to decide swiftly despite limited data. As an analyst, my role involved narrowing that divide.

In 2018, following more than ten years across analyst positions, I was invited to transition into communications at the agency. The prospect appealed because it involved shaping narratives at a secretive institution and highlighting the dedication of personnel, including those who gave their lives in service.

Reflecting on that period, a primary lesson was how my perception of crises or difficult days differed markedly from later private-sector experiences.

Transitioning to Google

No external pressure prompted my exit from the CIA. I valued the agency's purpose and continued progressing there. Yet I recognized that purposeful work exists in both government and corporate settings. When a prior colleague contacted me about a Google role, I accepted.

I started at Google in September 2021 as an internal communications manager. Initial responsibilities centered on the company's COVID-19 measures, such as vaccine guidelines and office return planning.

Once that phase concluded, I shifted to Google's Search group, handling executive and internal messaging. My arrival coincided with the rise of generative AI, following ChatGPT's debut and preceding Gemini's launch.

The assignment excited me. It allowed collaboration with talented engineers and translation of their innovations into accessible language.

Reasons for departing Google

Upon first encountering Google's AI capabilities, I was captivated. Features such as NotebookLM converting notes into podcasts prompted thoughts that everything would transform.

Despite recognizing the tools' promise, I observed that few people around me had begun using AI.

It became clear that advanced technology remains ineffective if people neither comprehend nor adopt it. The true divide lay not between tech hubs and regulators but between innovation centers and the broader public. I concluded greater influence could come from aiding AI understanding outside Google.

This perspective led me to leave and advance that goal independently.

Launching an entrepreneurial path in my 40s

In October 2025, I exited Google to dedicate myself fully to personal projects. The move felt manageable because prior roles had built resilience for success beyond large organizations.

My current efforts encompass advisory work, angel investments, a weekly AI newsletter, and creation of AI-related tools. I view the venture as a system with interconnected elements all aimed at broadening technology access for ordinary users. After years clarifying complex topics for senior officials, I now extend that skill to wider audiences.

Earlier this year, I introduced the Cello app, which supplies daily prompts for discovering everyday AI applications. Additional apps are already in development.

Key lessons include the relative ease of innovating within established companies versus solo efforts, though independent work yields fully owned outcomes.

Those considering entrepreneurship should share progress publicly rather than awaiting perfection, as delayed launches often indicate excessive refinement.

Following opportunities rather than a fixed route

I have grown convinced that individuals need not adhere to one rigid career trajectory. My own path included the CIA in my 20s, Google in my 30s, and entrepreneurship in my 40s.

Entrepreneurship suits my current stage yet might not have fit a decade earlier during my CIA years.

No one should feel compelled toward founding ventures. Corporate roles hold value, and entrepreneurial timing varies by life phase. Numerous accomplished founders begin in their 40s.

Preparation for this phase began years ago, around 2010, when my husband and I invested in real estate to create future flexibility. The entrepreneurial concept evolved gradually.

Opportunities that seem mismatched today may align later.