About Beyond Cubicles
📢 #BeyondCubicles is a weekly LinkedIn series created by Carolina D’Souza, born out of her own experience transitioning from a corporate career to independent consulting. Since its launch in June 2024, the series has evolved into a platform that showcases the inspiring journeys of several founders who have redefined the traditional 9-to-5.
Through authentic narratives, #BeyondCubicles highlights themes of courage, resilience, and purpose. The stories feature individuals from diverse industries—ranging from tech and education to wellness and adventure—who share their experiences of stepping away from conventional roles to pursue passion-driven careers.Â
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✨ Note: All features in this series are unpaid and shared as a way to honor and amplify real stories of transformation.
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"It wasn’t easy as a startup."
In 2010, Puneet left his corporate job and ventured into freelancing long before transitioning fully into entrepreneurship.
“I was a good performer and realized I didn’t need a company structure to manage my time. I believed I could deliver better results by serving clients directly,” he says.
His early days in the corporate world exposed him to inefficient client management and the pitfalls of poor financial policies. These insights fueled his desire to strike out on his own. After freelancing, he partnered with a branding agency, and three years ago, he founded Tequila.ae, a branding, web, and digital agency in Dubai.
The transition was anything but smooth. “Bigger companies tried to take advantage, pushing for freebies and delaying payments,” says Puneet.
Instead of backing down, he took control and implemented non-negotiable policies. “It wasn’t easy as a startup, but it made me stronger—you grow through experiences over time,” he says.
This shift not only spurred his professional growth but also deepened his personal development. “Empathy is key in my field. While I always had this quality, entrepreneurship helped me nurture it further,” he says, adding, “Empathy has been central to my success in managing client relationships and leading my team.”
For those considering a similar path, his advice is simple: “Be a people person. That’s how you’ll do your best with clients and your team.”
Despite the demands of running a business, he makes sure to carve out time for his family and, occasionally, for personal hobbies. “I love playing the guitar, but unfortunately, I rarely get the chance,” he says.
Looking back, Puneet, who moved to Dubai in 2005, sees his career change as a positive and empowering journey. “Believing in yourself, setting boundaries, and staying true to your values—these are the lessons I’ve learned,” he says.