Ariel Lopez is helping companies & job seekers find the ideal match

I’m a former recruiter turned entrepreneur with a passion for helping people find a sense of belonging in their professional and personal lives. My business,  2020Shift, helps companies and job seekers find the ideal match. We make it easier for millennials to find meaningful work by letting them complete assessments and challenges from our employer partners. Our clients are able to source and screen candidates more efficiently, while users benefit from portfolio building, job matching, and career coaching. I was inspired to start my company after recognizing the massive skills gap that exists in today’s economy and the challenges that people experience trying to break into the tech industry.

(We currently work with companies like Google, Spotify, Snapchat, Uber & more to help them hire top talent).

What motivated you to become an entrepreneur? Is having your own business something you always wanted to have?

Funny enough I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit (I came up with my first business plan at 15). I think some people have an innate drive to be problem solvers and to be leaders; both of those came naturally to me. I think the biggest motivation by far is having the ability to impact others in a big way while finding significance in your success. I’m consistently inspired by people that have benefited from our products and services. I believe most entrepreneurs are motivated by their users and finding a better or easier way for them to meet their needs. 

Do you have a fixed work routine? Is it important to have one? Any tips for our readers?

I’ve been anti routine before (I quit my job to sleep until 9 right?!) but have recently embraced waking up before 5:30 every morning and working out/meditating before I start my day. GAME CHANGER If you study the habits of successful people you’ll find that they are early risers, they read, they exercise, they meditate, and they invest a lot of time into personal development. It is imperative to nourish your mind and train it to be positive, creative, and open to what the universe has available to you. I also live by my calendar, and schedule time to do outreach accordingly. 

What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?

I’ve literally sacrificed everything. My time, my money, my energy, a stable income etc. As the saying goes, “no pain, no gain”’; I’m a firm believer that in order to fully commit to anything (professionally or personally) it takes sacrifice, and your business will require 110% of you. I think that’s why it’s so important to keep the end goal top of mind and to only do things that you’re truly passionate about. Sometimes the sacrifice can seem tiring, or like it’s taking too much out of you, but when you’re able to remember why you’re doing it- it makes it easier to keep going.

What is your greatest fear? How do you manage it?

My greatest fear is complacency. I believe that even with failure, at least it’s proof that you’re trying. When you become complacent you are stagnant to growth and as an entrepreneur that’s catastrophic. I still get in my head a times before launching a new product, pitching a client, or even deciding what to say in a post or on social media. But I’ve realized that done is truly better than perfect and every step you take is getting you closer to where you’re supposed to be in life.