In a surprising turn of events, a Microsoft employee's reaction to her termination became a story of liberation and new beginnings. Instead of the expected disappointment, Tatiana Teppoeva, after dedicating 14 years to the tech giant, experienced what she describes as "pure happiness" upon being laid off.
From Corporate Security to Entrepreneurial Freedom
Teppoeva revealed that for over a year, she had been contemplating leaving her stable tech career to start her own venture. The security of a full-time position at Microsoft, following a 17-year stable career that also included a stint at Boeing, had made the decision incredibly difficult. "I even had a resignation letter saved in my drafts, waiting for the right moment," she shared. "When the layoff happened, I felt it was a green light, and I was grateful." This unexpected career shift provided the push she needed to pursue her long-held ambition.
Building a New Venture from the Ground Up
So, what was her first move after the layoff? Teppoeva, who had advanced from a senior research manager to a senior data and applied scientist at Microsoft, immediately channeled her energy into entrepreneurship. She founded One Nonverbal Ecosystem, choosing to build her own company rather than seek another corporate role. Her new venture focuses on a unique niche: teaching executives how to command the room and project the presence they desire.
The Inspiration Behind the Leap
The courage to make this significant life change was deeply personal. Teppoeva credits her son as her primary inspiration. "Watching his journey encouraged me to take the same leap," she said, referring to her son's success in building a thriving construction business from scratch. She describes her new life as an entrepreneur as a completely new adventure, acknowledging the demanding nature of the work with days that can span over 16 hours, balanced by other days with more flexibility.
Her impressive academic background, which includes a master's degree and a PhD in economics from St Petersburg State University, along with two additional degrees from Harvard University, provided a strong foundation. Her professional journey began as an assistant professor before she transitioned into roles as a research analyst and then to her positions at Boeing and Microsoft, culminating in the launch of her own company in May 2025.
