From BMW to Blockchain Founders Group – Sarah’s Unfiltered Story of Reinventing Her Career in Venture CapitalWhat happens when you walk away from a top-tier corporate job—with no Plan B? In this episode of Million Dollar Playbook, we sit down with Sarah Gottwald, now the Managing Director at Blockchain Founders Group, to explore how she transitioned from a stable career in corporate strategy and M&A at BMW to becoming a key leader in Web3 venture capital.In this inspiring career transformation story, Sarah reveals:1. Why she quit BMW without a fallback job2. How she broke into the VC and startup ecosystem with zero experience3. The mindset shifts from corporate structure to startup chaos4. What makes a strong VC leader in the blockchain and Web3 space5. The power of documenting failure and building resilience as a first-time leader6. Her outlook on early stage investing, accelerator programs, and empowering global foundersWhether you’re considering leaving your corporate job, transitioning into tech or VC, or exploring the future of blockchain startups, this episode is packed with practical insights and raw reflections.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more founder stories, venture insights, and career shifts into tech and Web3.0:00 – Intro: Who is Sarah Gottwald?A brief introduction to Sarah’s background and career starts at BMW.1:20 – Climbing the Corporate LadderHow Sarah moved through finance, M&A, and strategy roles at BMW.2:45 – The First Signs of RestlessnessWhat made her question the corporate path—and crave something more.4:00 – The First Encounter with Startups & Venture CapitalHow BMW’s startup garage sparked her curiosity for the startup world.5:15 – Entering Blockchain: A Risky First StepBuying Bitcoin in 2017 and feeling completely lost.7:00 – Making the Leap Without a Plan BWhy Sarah quit her BMW job with no backup—and how she mentally prepared for the worst-case scenario.9:00 – Downsizing, Doubt & ResilienceHow she managed her personal life, finances, and mental health during the transition.11:00 – The Role of Influence & EnvironmentHow your closest 5 people shape your life—and how Sarah’s network evolved.13:00 – Why She Didn’t Start as a FounderExploring the influence of upbringing, friends, and societal norms on career choices.16:20 – First Steps in VC: From BMW Executive to VC InternHow she joined a small Munich-based VC and embraced starting over.21:00 – Becoming Managing Director at Blockchain Founders GroupAfter only 6–8 months in VC, she was offered the MD role—here’s how she handled it.24:00 – Learning to Lead: From Contracts to CrisisHow Sarah built her knowledge base, used Notion to track her growth, and handled responsibility.28:00 – Building Resilience: Documenting the StrugglesSarah’s method of listing every problem—and how it helps her deal with new challenges.30:00 – Scaling BFG: The Vision for 2025Why 2025 is the year of growth for Blockchain Founders Group—and the unique global markets they focus on.33:30 – Advice to Aspiring Founders & Career SwitchersSarah’s final reflections on overcoming fear, understanding your values, and designing a career that aligns with who you are.38:00 – Closing Thoughts: You’re Not Alone in the StruggleReal talk about founder challenges, mental health, and knowing when to ask for help.