In the Webster dictionary, an entrepreneur is defined as one who organizes, manages, and assumes the risks of a business or enterprise. But I recently came across another definition that I thought was much more appropriate. An Entrepreneur is a person who risks their own money for freedom rather than exchanging their freedom for money!
If you are among the 5% of the world population that owns a business you know exactly what I am talking about. In the US alone, there are about 27 million entrepreneurs running their own business. A number that has been steadily increasing for the past several years. And the US is listed as the fastest growing country in terms of entrepreneurship opportunities.
I still remember the look on my mom’s face when I told her that I was leaving my 9 to 5, 6 figure corporate job of eight years to pursue photography full time as a career. You see I had been working on my side hustle also known as hobby in her eyes for quite some time and was thoroughly enjoying it. Did she not want me to be happy doing that what I loved to do? I had an MBA from Booth School Of Business at the University of Chicago, one of the top schools in the country and what better way than to put my degree to good use riding the crazy train called Entrepreneurship. You know the one that stops at money, fame, creativity, freedom and make an impact stations, among countless others.
But my mom, being like most other moms, just nodded her head and asked me what my backup plan was? Notice she did not say business plan but back up plan. Considering that more than 30% of businesses fail in the first year, and 50% within the first 5 years, I guess she was right in her skepticism.
That was over 5 years ago and to say that I still call myself an entrepreneur running her own business and working for herself does give me great pride. Sure, the days are long and sometimes the nights even longer. I have post it notes all over my house, my best ideas seem to come to me in the shower or at precisely 2.15am, but who cares. We entrepreneurs all over the world are known for our eccentric tendencies at times, especially when we are in our “zone of genius”.
And that is what Season 02 of CulturallyOurs is all about ‘Global Entrepreneurship’, where you and I get to chat with other business men and women who have exchanged money for freedom, sleep for the thrill of ideation and mundane for the chance to make a difference in their lives and the lives of others.
What is it that makes these people tick, what are their biggest ‘aha’ moments, what are their struggles and who do they lean on when the going gets tough – let’s find out together on this season of CulturallyOurs.
I leave you with this inspiring quote, definitely one that I lean on when the going gets tough!
Life will only change when you become more committed to your dreams than you are to your comfort zone
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