The term “Startup” often conjures images of seasoned entrepreneurs and industry veterans, leaving newcomers wondering where they fit in. However, a new wave of young leaders isn’t just participating in the startup world—they’re working to shape it. In this first installment of Leaders Unfiltered, we connect with Adam Breaux, Chief of Staff at Agentech, a young leader making an impact in Tulsa’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem. Adam offers practical advice on navigating the challenges of entering the startup world, insights into what’s happening in Tulsa, and how young leaders can begin to leave their mark.
What Inspired You to Get Involved in Startups at Such a Young Age?
I’ve always been drawn to figuring out how things work and finding ways to build or improve them. Early on, I knew I didn’t want to be just another cog in a larger system—I wanted to shape my own future. My curiosity led me through a few different majors, including engineering and exercise science, before finally landing on a pre-med track. Although I never intended to continue into medical school, that pre-med path gave me the freedom to explore what truly interested me. Eventually, local venture capital firms introduced me to the startup world, and I found it to be a place where I could dive deep into problems, envision new solutions, and chart my own path. That energy was infectious, and I’ve been fully committed to helping build and grow startups ever since.
How Has Tulsa’s Startup Scene Played a Role in Your Journey?
Tulsa’s startup scene has a real openness that I’ve rarely seen elsewhere. In larger hubs like New York or Silicon Valley, it can be tough for someone just starting out to meet seasoned founders and investors. Here, so many people are willing to share advice, make introductions, and guide you along if you show initiative. I’ve seen doors open that shouldn’t have opened for me at this early stage in my career.
I actually got introduced to 19days through a connection at a local bike shop while I was working on the sales floor. I knew Kevinn was connected with Joey (the Managing Partner of 19days), and I asked Kevinn if he would introduce me. The next thing I knew, Joey was at the office at 7 AM, ready to talk about the venture studio and answer all of my questions. That kind of direct access and willingness to help is what I think makes Tulsa special for emerging entrepreneurs and young leaders.
How has your time at 19days influenced your approach to innovation, particularly when it comes to rapid prototyping and refining new business models?
My time at 19days has taught me everything I know about starting a company. I've read all the books, which definitely helps, but actually being in the room with experts and doing it day in and day out has taught me the power of asking questions, getting out and testing things, and how hard you have to grind in both good times and hard times.
As the Chief of Staff at Agentech, what leadership approach do you follow, and how is it different from leadership in more traditional industries?
Honestly, the “Chief of Staff” title is just a name for the many roles I juggle for Agentech. While I spend about half my time on their work, I’m still part of 19days. In a startup, titles are fluid; everyone pitches in wherever they’re needed, whether it’s strategic planning or running out for coffee.
I focus on showing up for the team and making sure everyone feels empowered to do their best work. There’s a lot of listening, asking about blockers and finding ways to remove them. It’s less about hierarchy and more about collaboration, trusting each other’s expertise, and dividing tasks in ways that align with people’s strengths.
Compared to more traditional industries, leading in a tech startup tends to be much more adaptable and hands-on. Because teams are usually smaller and more resource-constrained, you don’t have the luxury of rigid roles or extensive layers of management. Instead, you move fast, rely on real-time feedback, and stay ready to pivot when you learn something new. It can be messy, but that energy and flexibility are exactly what make startups so exciting.
Young leaders often face the challenge of being seen as “too young” for leadership roles. How do you address this perception, and how do you build trust with your team and stakeholders?
I think it’s fair for people to wonder whether someone so young can handle leadership in a startup, where there’s an enormous amount of trust involved. People are putting their livelihoods on the line, so you want to make sure they feel confident that you’re taking that commitment seriously.
For me, it’s about staying in a constant learning mode. I’ve learned enough to recognize when something needs attention or isn’t quite right, but I also understand that I might not always be the one to fix it. The real value I bring is in coordinating with those who do have the expertise and removing blockers, offering support, and making sure we stay aligned on our goals. I’ve found that by being transparent about what I know and what I’m still learning, I build genuine trust. People appreciate authenticity over a façade of confidence, and when they see that I respect their experience and lean on their insights, it strengthens our relationships. Over time, as I help leaders navigate challenges, they start to trust me with bigger responsibilities. That trust shows me I’m on the right path—and it’s also a pretty great learning opportunity.
What key resources or networks should new entrepreneurs take advantage of when building their tech startups in Tulsa?
Tulsa has a handful of great startup-focused programs—accelerators, incubators, and coworking spaces like the Root or Gradient, which can be a huge help when you’re looking to connect with mentors and get practical support. But honestly, I think the real unlock lies in finding industry insiders who know the specific challenges of the market you’re trying to tackle. Often, early founders focus so much on looking and acting like a “startup” instead of diving deep into the industry they’re aiming to disrupt.
Seek out experts who understand the underlying problems and nuances of your target space. Spend time talking to them, validating your ideas, and iterating on solutions. Having direct communication with people who’ve been in the trenches will save you time and help you build something that actually solves the right problems. In Tulsa, you can pretty quickly find these folks through local networking events or by tapping into incubators and accelerators that maintain close ties to industry experts. Combining their guidance with ecosystem resources will set you up with a strong foundation for growth.
Looking ahead, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs and young leaders entering the startup space today?
I’d say it comes down to genuine curiosity and an almost obsessive drive. If you don’t find yourself thinking about your startup’s challenges or opportunities every spare minute, it might not be the right path for you. But if it energizes you—if you get that feeling of “I can’t wait to solve this problem”—then lean into it completely.
Next, don’t be afraid to reach out to people who’ve been there before. Building those relationships and soaking up their insights is an irreplaceable part of the journey. Most importantly, give yourself permission to be a beginner. Be open to new experiences, ideas, and skills. That willingness to learn and adapt will set you apart and help you discover your own path toward success.