What Type of Entrepreneur Are You? Asset Fox, Bootstrap Tortoise or MBA Hare?
Discover the business archetype you tend to follow. Learning more about you will help you in your entrepreneurial journey.
So . . . You Want to Be an Entrepreneur?
Discover what it takes to successfully start a business and grow it to the point of harvest in our exclusive Acton article.
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Acton Answers: Why Visit a Class?
At Acton, the classroom and the learning that happens inside it are really the most important elements of our program, and as a result, one of the first questions we ask prospective students is, “when would you be able to visit a class?” While talking through the program and its methods might be informative, there’s really no substitute for experiencing the real thing.
Acton Answers: Why Entrepreneurial Guides?
The Acton blog emphasizes the critical role of finding an entrepreneurial guide as part of the entrepreneurial curriculum at Acton. It explains that engaging with experienced entrepreneurs can provide invaluable insights and firsthand knowledge, significantly enhancing the learning experience. The blog highlights that the student-guide relationship is a rare and precious opportunity, offering a unique chance to learn from someone who has successfully navigated the challenges of starting and growing a business. It encourages students to make the most of their time with their guides, respecting their expertise and time commitment. The piece concludes by suggesting that the guidance received from these mentors can profoundly impact one’s entrepreneurial journey, setting the foundation for future success.
Let’s Talk Valuation
In his blog, Levent Asanoski reflects on recent help sessions, highlighting the nuanced and multifaceted nature of business valuation. He asserts that valuation transcends mere calculation, blending numbers with narratives to capture a business’s true worth. Asanoski explores different valuation methods, such as comparables and discounted cash flows, stressing the importance of grounding assumptions in data and adapting to market changes. He emphasizes that effective valuation requires an understanding of both tangible and intangible assets and weaving a compelling story to convey a company’s potential. Ultimately, he underscores that valuation is an art, a continuous process that evolves with changing business landscapes.
Alumni Voices: Technology Careers After Acton
This blog post features three Acton alumni discussing their careers in technology and the impact of their Acton education. Ben Allen, Bharath Sundararaman, and Nelson Chau share their motivations for choosing Acton, the challenges they faced, and the valuable lessons they learned. They emphasize the importance of understanding customer needs, managing time and energy, and applying practical business skills. They also offer advice for students interested in technology careers, such as choosing a growing industry, engaging with professional coaches, and valuing both engineering and sales skills.
Acton Answers: Why Study Business Cases?
This blog post emphasizes the value of studying business cases to learn entrepreneurship. It argues that while real-world experience is crucial, simulations using business cases can help you learn from the failures and successes of others. By stepping into the shoes of real entrepreneurs and navigating complex scenarios, students can develop decision-making skills and learn to identify patterns. This method allows for quick, informed judgments, ultimately preparing students for real-world challenges. The post encourages readers to visit an Acton class to see the case method in action.
Acton in Action: Walking in the Customers’ Shoes at SchoolAdmin
This blog post features Acton alumnus Nate Little, Cofounder of SchoolAdmin, a software start-up for school admissions and enrollment. Nate emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs, a lesson from Acton, and how his team immersed themselves in the world of school administrators. They built the company around customer feedback, creating the Customer Echo Chamber, where weekly meetings and continuous engagement ensure the product evolves to meet user needs. Nate credits Acton for teaching him to prioritize customer experience, which has been central to SchoolAdmin’s success.
Acton Answers: Acton in Action: Raising Money with Vital Interaction
This blog post highlights the entrepreneurial journey of Acton alumni Lawson Boothe and Hugo Diaz, who cofounded Vital Interaction. The company, which helps healthcare providers communicate with patients, has reached a breakeven point and is exploring funding options to accelerate growth. Lawson and Hugo are considering whether to secure investors or continue bootstrapping, weighing the benefits of equity versus debt. Their Acton experience has been instrumental in their decision-making process, providing them with valuable skills and perspectives.
Acton Answers: Make the Right Investment for Your Future
This blog post emphasizes the importance of return on investment (ROI) when deciding to pursue an MBA. It discusses the significant time and financial commitment involved, highlighting that the right MBA program should offer substantial long-term benefits. The post critiques traditional MBA programs for focusing too much on theoretical knowledge and not enough on real-world challenges. It advocates for Acton's hands-on approach, where successful entrepreneurs teach practical skills essential for navigating the business world. Acton’s immersive environment aims to develop entrepreneurial traits like courage and perseverance, preparing graduates to innovate and succeed in business. The post invites prospective students to consider Acton for a practical, time-efficient MBA experience and encourages them to reach out for more information.
Acton Answers: Why Running Partners?
This blog post highlights the unique running partner relationship at Acton MBA, which distinguishes it from other programs. Every Acton student is paired with a running partner, a classmate who provides support and accountability. This partnership is crucial for pushing through challenges, both during the program and in real-world business scenarios. Running partners hold each other accountable, offer honest feedback, and provide emotional support through successes and failures. The blog emphasizes that entrepreneurship is a team effort and encourages prospective students to reach out for more information about Acton.
The Entrepreneurial Journey,
a Podcast by Acton MBA at UFM
In this podcast you’ll go on fascinating exploration of the entire business cycle - from identifying opportunities to launching, growing, and ultimately reaping the rewards of a successful enterprise. Tune in and gain invaluable insights from a diverse range of accomplished entrepreneurs for various industries who share practical tips and lesions to help you chart your own path, whether you’re starting out or looking to scale your business. Don’t miss out on this engaging and informative podcast that is guaranteed to leave you inspired and ready to pursue your entrepreneurial calling.
T2 Episode 16, Fintech con Tito Ibargüen y Juan Mini
En este episodio del pódcast hablamos sobre la revolución tecnofinanciera con dos invitados clave: Tito Ibargüen y Juan Mini, emprendedores e inversores que están transformando el ecosistema financiero en Guatemala. Descubre cómo la tecnología financiera…
T2 Episode 15, Jimena Benítez, Marcel Roehrs & María José Jiménez
This Acton MBA podcast episode features a discussion with Jimena Benitez, Marcel Roehrs, and María José Jiménez about the unique challenges and opportunities in the entrepreneurial landscape of Guatemala. The conversation delves into the essential…
T2 Episode 14, Pablo Galindo & Alejandro Zelaya
In this episode of the Acton MBA Open House podcast, Hugo Díaz, the director of the Acton MBA at Universidad Francisco Marroquín, hosts a discussion on what investors in Guatemala look for in start-ups. The…
T2 Episode 13, Tony Koenigsknecht
In this Acton MBA podcast episode, Tony Koenigsknecht shares insights from his journey as an entrepreneur, highlighting the significance of resilience and adaptability in building a successful business. He discusses the challenges and rewards of…
T2 Episode 12, Alejandro Quinteros
In this engaging podcast episode, Alejandro Quinteros shares his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped his career post-Acton MBA. From managing major marketing roles to founding ventures, Alejandro discusses the lessons learned and…
T2 Episode 11, Byron Chavarría
In this episode, Byron Chavarría, a seasoned entrepreneur and Acton MBA teacher and alumnus, shares his journey of founding and scaling his company, Gimmick Company, from humble beginnings. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from…
T1 Episode 10, Luis Marinelli, Lucrecia Monge & Gabriel Salguero
Aquí nos adentramos en el mundo del intrapreneurship con tres destacados graduados de Acton MBA: Luis Marinelli, Lucrecia Monge y Gabriel Salguero. El intrapreneurship se refiere a la práctica de fomentar la innovación y el…
T1 Episode 9, Diego Rivera
Te invitamos a conocer la experiencia de Diego Rivera sobre los retos de transformar la estrategia en una empresa. Diego es cofundador y CEO de Qüilo, una plataforma de RR. HH., de beneficios múltiples y…
T1 Episode 8, Andrea Paola Rosal
Are you interested in learning from an exceptional entrepreneur in the beauty industry? Andrea started with makeup in 2009 and has expanded her influence by creating The Beauty Truck and launching AP Cosmetics, an internationally…
Alumni Stories
Speaker Series with Jon Gray
Jon Gray’s career is a testament to entrepreneurial excellence. As one of the founding employees of HomeAway, he played a crucial role in the company’s growth from 2004 to 2017, leading it to a US$3.9…
An Architect’s Journey into Real Estate Tech Entrepreneurship by Gabriela Mena.
The Acton’s Speaker Series connects you with extraordinary entrepreneurs in a conversation about work and life. Learn about the entrepreneurial journey of Gabriela Mena, an Acton MBA alumnus! Gabriela is an accomplished entrepreneur, mom, and marathon runner who…