Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Onur Baydar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Onur, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
At 18, I left my Petroleum Engineer study and I arrived in the United States from Turkey with a dream, a plan, and a burning desire to make something of myself. The city of New York, with its towering skyscrapers and relentless energy, was both exhilarating and intimidating. I found myself in a sea of people, each with their own ambitions, but I was determined to carve out a space for myself.
I didn’t have the luxury of waiting for opportunities to come my way. Instead, I created my own—by launching horse and carriage rides in the heart of New York City. It was a bold move, one that required not only a keen sense of business but also the confidence to believe that I could turn an unconventional idea into a thriving enterprise. Every day, I navigated the streets, not just steering the carriage, but also steering my own future. I quickly learned the importance of persistence, charm, and resilience. It was here that my self-esteem began to grow, nurtured by each successful ride and every satisfied customer.
The financial success from this venture allowed me to take the next step in my journey—pursuing a master’s degree in mathematical finance at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC). The transition from the bustling streets of New York to the academic halls of UNCC was another significant leap. I was stepping into a world where my intellect, not just my street smarts, would be tested. The challenges were different, but no less daunting.
I faced complex theories, rigorous coursework, and the pressure of competing with peers who had been on a more traditional academic path. But I drew strength from my previous experiences. I had proven to myself that I could overcome obstacles, and now I applied that same determination to my studies. With each equation I solved, with each concept I mastered, my confidence grew. I was no longer just the young entrepreneur from New York; I was becoming a scholar, a future leader in finance.
After earning my degree, I entered the US banking industry, where the stakes were higher and the environment even more competitive. But by this point, I had built a solid foundation of self-belief. I knew I could succeed because I had already done so in the face of significant challenges. My time in banking was another chapter in my story of growth, where I honed my skills, learned the intricacies of the financial world, and proved my worth in a demanding field.
But the entrepreneurial spirit that had driven me to start the horse and carriage rides never left. After five years in banking, I felt the pull to create something new, something uniquely mine. This led to the founding of Charlotte City Tours. This venture combined my passion for business with my love for storytelling, as I guided others through the city’s history and culture. It was a venture that allowed me to use all the skills I had developed over the years—my business acumen, my financial expertise, and my ability to connect with people.
Through each stage of my journey, my self-esteem was not something that was given to me; it was something I built. It was constructed piece by piece through hard work, resilience, and the courage to take risks. My story is one of transformation—of a young immigrant who didn’t just find a place in the world, but created his own, building not just businesses, but a strong sense of self along the way.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
At Charlotte City Tours, we provide a unique and immersive experience that brings the rich history and vibrant culture of Charlotte, North Carolina, to life. What excites me most about what we do is our ability to connect people—residents and visitors alike—with the stories that have shaped this city. Every tour is a journey through time, where guests can see the city through the eyes of those who built it, from its early settlers to the modern-day pioneers driving its growth.
What makes Charlotte City Tours special is our commitment to authenticity and personal connection. We don’t just recite facts; we tell the stories behind the landmarks, the people, and the neighborhoods that make Charlotte unique. Our tours are carefully curated to offer a blend of history, culture, and local insights, ensuring that each guest leaves with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the city.
Beyond the tours themselves, we take pride in being a part of the community and contributing to its cultural landscape. Whether it’s collaborating with local businesses or supporting community events, we strive to create experiences that not only entertain but also enrich the lives of those who join us.
Charlotte City Tours is more than just a business; it’s a passion project that reflects my love for this city and its history. I want people to feel the same excitement and connection that I do when they explore Charlotte with us. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, there’s always something new to discover, and we’re here to guide you on that journey.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey, I believe three qualities were most impactful: resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to learning.
Resilience was crucial, especially in the early stages when I faced numerous challenges. Starting a horse and carriage business in New York City as a young immigrant wasn’t easy. There were days when things didn’t go as planned, and it would have been easy to give up. But I learned that resilience—pushing through the setbacks and maintaining focus on my goals—was key to overcoming obstacles and moving forward. For those early in their journey, my advice is to embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. Every setback is a chance to build resilience. Don’t be discouraged by failure; use it as a stepping stone to success.
Adaptability was another critical factor. My path wasn’t linear—from creating a business in New York to pursuing a master’s degree in mathematical finance, and then transitioning into the banking industry and eventually founding Charlotte City Tours. Each step required me to adapt to new environments and demands. In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to pivot and adjust is invaluable. For those starting out, I recommend staying open to change and being willing to step out of your comfort zone. The more adaptable you are, the more opportunities you’ll be able to seize.
Finally, a deep commitment to learning has been a driving force throughout my journey. Whether it was mastering the ins and outs of finance at UNCC or learning the history and culture of Charlotte to create meaningful tours, I’ve always believed that knowledge is power. My advice to others is to be curious and never stop learning. Invest time in developing new skills, seek out mentors, and stay informed about the areas that interest you. Continuous learning not only enhances your expertise but also fuels your passion and keeps you motivated.
By cultivating resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to learning, you can navigate the challenges of your journey and position yourself for long-term success.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes, I’m always open to partnering or collaborating with like-minded individuals and organizations. At Charlotte City Tours, we believe in the power of collaboration to enhance the experiences we offer and to contribute to the cultural vibrancy of Charlotte.
We’re particularly interested in working with local historians, artists, and storytellers who have a passion for Charlotte’s history and culture. If you have a unique perspective or knowledge that could enrich our tours, we’d love to hear from you. We’re also eager to collaborate with local businesses and community organizations that share our commitment to creating meaningful and memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Whether it’s co-hosting events, developing new tour concepts, or creating content that highlights the best of what Charlotte has to offer, we’re excited to explore new ideas and partnerships.
If you’re interested in collaborating with us, please reach out. You can connect with me directly via email or through our website’s contact form. I’m always open to discussing new ideas and seeing how we can work together to create something special for our community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.charlottecitytour.com
- Instagram: Charlottecitytour
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