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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 Blog

      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 students on a business case

      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.

      Lawson Boothe and Hugo Diaz in 2009

      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.

      Make the right investment for your future with Acton MBA

      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.

      Acton Answers: Why the Socratic Method?

      The Acton School employs the Socratic Method, utilizing case discussions to prepare students for real-world business challenges. This dynamic teaching approach fosters critical thinking, decision-making under pressure, and practical application of entrepreneurial skills.

      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.

      The Entrepreneurial Journey Podcast

      T3 Episodio 6, Jacque Falla & Hugo Díaz pt 2

      En esta segunda parte de la entrevista, Hugo Díaz responde preguntas clave sobre cómo piensan los inversionistas y qué buscan realmente al evaluar un pitch. Una conversación directa y reveladora para quienes quieren levantar capital con intención.

      The Entrepreneurial Journey Podcast

      T3 Episodio 5, Jacque Falla & Hugo Díaz

      En este episodio de The Entrepreneurial Journey, Hugo Díaz comparte los momentos que marcaron su evolución como emprendedor, inversionista y educador. Junto a Jacque Falla, reflexionan sobre el poder del propósito, el crecimiento personal y la transformación que ofrece el Acton MBA.

      The Entrepreneurial Journey Podcast

      T3 Episodio 4, Adrián Lemcke

      En este episodio de The Entrepreneurial Journey, dos sharks se encuentran para una conversación reveladora. Adrián Lemcke y Hugo Díaz, inversionistas y panelistas en la primera temporada de Shark Tank Guatemala, comparten una mirada directa y sin filtros sobre lo que realmente buscan los inversionistas antes de firmar un cheque.

      The Entrepreneurial Journey Podcast

      T3 Episodio 3, Peter Lamport

      Peter nos comunica cómo su experiencia en consultoría de gestión en grandes empresas lo llevó a descubrir la importancia de comprender a las personas en el marco de las propias organizaciones. También nos cuenta cómo su búsqueda de diálogos más auténticos lo impulsó a especializarse en estrategia de talento humano y coaching ejecutivo, construyendo así una vida alineada con los valores de libertad, propósito y crecimiento personal.

      The Entrepreneurial Journey Podcast

      T3 Episodio 2, Alejandro de León

      Alejandro nos cuenta cómo pasó de trabajar en banca a lanzarse al mundo del emprendimiento con una start-up de car-sharing. A lo largo de su camino, ha aprendido que el éxito no siempre proviene de un plan perfecto, sino de la capacidad de adaptarse y escuchar al mercado. Su experiencia con Microwd, una empresa de microcréditos para mujeres emprendedoras en América Latina, es un testimonio de cómo el impacto social y los negocios pueden ir de la mano.

      The Entrepreneurial Journey Podcast

      T3 Episodio 1, Levent Asanoski

      En este episodio de The Entrepreneurial Journey, Levent comparte su fascinante camino como emprendedor, revelando cómo la vida lo llevó a iniciar su propio negocio y las lecciones que ha aprendido en el proceso. Exploramos cómo la inteligencia artificial puede potenciar los negocios y transformar la forma en que operan.

       

       

      The Entrepreneurial Journey Podcast

      “T2 Episodio 20, Edgar Soto”

      En este episodio de The Entrepreneurial Journey de Acton MBA, Edgar Soto, graduado de Acton y fundador de Tía Ofilia, nos comunica cómo su transformación personal lo llevó a crear una empresa de alimentos orgánicos.

      The Entrepreneurial Journey Podcast

      “T2 Episodio 19, Fernando Castillo, Silvia Mansilla, Marco Micheo y Luis Castillo”

      En este episodio de The Entrepreneurial Journey, Hugo Díaz, director del Acton MBA en la Universidad Francisco Marroquín, modera un panel de alumni del programa que han enfrentado el reto de emprender dentro de empresas familiares.

      The Entrepreneurial Journey Podcast

      “T2 Episodio 17, Gustavo Pivaral y Eduardo Cruz”

      En este episodio, Eduardo Cruz y Gustavo Pivaral, ambos graduados del MBA de Acton, comparten cómo el programa transformó sus trayectorias empresariales, ayudándolos a enfrentar desafíos comerciales reales y hacer crecer sus emprendimientos.

      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…