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.
Download here.
So Now You’re an Entrepreneur. What’s Next?
In "So Now You’re an Entrepreneur. What’s Next?" Levent Asanoski shares a candid reflection on the realities of becoming an accidental entrepreneur. Drawing on personal experiences and observations, Asanoski illuminates the distinct journey of entrepreneurs who find themselves thrust into business ownership due to life circumstances rather than deliberate choice. The blog articulates the challenges inherent in this transition, particularly in terms of lacking the knowledge and skills required for sustainable growth. Asanoski emphasizes the importance of acquiring business acumen and implementing structured processes to overcome barriers to success. Offering practical insights and recommendations, the blog serves as a guiding beacon for entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship by chance.
Announcing: Acton Edge – Next Level Leadership Development
Embark on a transformative journey with Acton Edge, an immersive leadership development program meticulously crafted by master entrepreneur teachers from Acton’s esteemed MBA program. Through a rigorous curriculum emphasizing courage, grit, and tenacity, participants are equipped with practical tools, skills, and habits essential for driving personal and organizational growth. Delving into proven strategies and step-by-step frameworks, Acton Edge challenges individuals to cultivate effective leadership styles while navigating real-world business scenarios. With a dynamic classroom environment and a structured learning model encompassing individual analysis, group discussions, and in-class debates, participants hone critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving abilities. Led by seasoned entrepreneur Ed Perry, Acton Edge promises to foster lifelong learning and empower leaders in their pursuit of meaningful impact.
Are You a Fundamental or Speculative Entrepreneur?
In this thought-provoking article, Robin Weekley Bruce delineates between fundamental and speculative entrepreneurship, highlighting their divergent philosophies and operational methodologies. By emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and recognizing individual entrepreneurial inclinations, Bruce navigates readers through the nuances of building sustainable businesses versus capitalizing on transient market trends. Drawing on insights from business luminary Peter Drucker, the article underscores the fundamentalists’ commitment to customer-centricity and prudent investment decisions, contrasting with the speculative entrepreneurs’ propensity for opportunistic ventures. Ultimately, Bruce advocates for a clear understanding of one’s entrepreneurial identity and a strategic alignment with the chosen approach to maximize business success.
How to Determine the ROI for Entrepreneurial Education
In this insightful blog, the author addresses the perennial question faced by aspiring entrepreneurs: is pursuing additional education worth it? By scrutinizing the conventional MBA ROI formula and challenging traditional thinking patterns, the blog advocates for a nuanced approach to assessing the value of educational investments. Emphasizing the importance of considering both tangible costs and intangible benefits, the author advocates for a broader perspective that aligns with the entrepreneurial spirit, valuing freedom of choice and diverse opportunities over conventional career trajectories.
Find Your Entrepreneurial Spark
Robin Weekley Bruce, former CEO of The Acton School of Business, delves into the journey of finding one's entrepreneurial spark in this insightful Forbes article. Bruce emphasizes the significance of recognizing opportunities and injustices as essential steps towards discovering one's passion. Through practical advice and introspective prompts, Bruce guides readers on how to cultivate their entrepreneurial mindset and ignite their inner spark. This article serves as a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking clarity and purpose in their ventures.
8 Essential Books Every Business Student Should Have on Their Summer Reading List
Former CEO Robin Weekley Bruce presents a curated list of eight essential books tailored for business students embarking on their summer reading journey. From Malcolm Gladwell's David & Goliath to Simon Sinek's Leaders Eat Last, each recommendation offers unique perspectives on entrepreneurship, leadership, and understanding the global business landscape. Bruce's insightful annotations provide context and emphasize the relevance of each book to aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders alike.
The Value of Trial and Error in Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship often evokes the image of high-stakes gambling, but this blog argues for a more nuanced approach. It discusses the concept of beneficial failure, emphasizing the importance of learning through trial and error. Drawing analogies to poker, it suggests starting with small bets, folding when necessary, and gradually increasing risks based on informed decisions. By reframing failure as an opportunity for growth, entrepreneurs can enhance their chances of success in the ever-changing business landscape.
How to Maximize ROI from Your Entrepreneurial Advisors
Entrepreneurial success often hinges on the effective utilization of professional advisors. This blog delineates a step-by-step process for entrepreneurs to vet, choose, manage, and measure the impact of their advisor relationships. Emphasizing the significance of finding the right fit and managing resources judiciously, it provides practical insights for optimizing the ROI from advisor engagements.
The Emotional Allure of “Launch”—and Its Risk
This blog examines the emotional appeal of start-up launches, highlighting the irresistible allure created by dramatic events and glamorous presentations. It emphasizes that launches should be viewed as deliberate trial-and-error experiments rather than mere press events or product releases. The post focuses on a common risk faced by entrepreneurs—allowing emotions to override common sense during significant launches. It advises on using emotions responsibly, acknowledging their role in inspiring key partners and contributors during the early phases of a business. However, it warns against letting emotions influence critical real-world decisions related to customers, products, and employees. The blog concludes by urging entrepreneurs to keep a clear focus on their original vision, even as their business evolves over time.
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…