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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.

    Download here.

      Acton Blog

      Hugo Díaz, Director of Acton MBA in Harvest

      The Entrepreneur’s Solo Journey

      In “The Entrepreneur’s Solo Journey,” the author reflects on the solitary nature of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the isolation and challenges faced during the launch of a new venture. Despite the support of friends and mentors, the entrepreneur grapples with the unique burden of bringing their vision to life alone, navigating the demands of clients, time management, and maintaining personal relationships amidst the intensity of start-up life.

      Three men talking

      The Three Types of Entrepreneur: Which Are You?

      Acton categorizes entrepreneurs into three distinct archetypes: Bootstrap Tortoises, Asset Foxes, and MBA Hares. Each archetype represents a unique approach to entrepreneurship, tailored to different temperaments and preferences. Bootstrap Tortoises, for instance, build their businesses gradually, focusing on customer satisfaction and minimizing risks until demand is proven. Asset Foxes, on the other hand, prefer tangible assets like property, gradually acquiring, improving, and trading them. MBA Hares, influenced by traditional business education, prioritize rapid growth through venture capital, often overlooking the foundational stages of business development. The blog encourages readers to reflect on their entrepreneurial instincts and consider which archetype resonates with their strengths and ambitions. Through introspection and understanding of these archetypes, individuals can align their business strategies with their natural inclinations for greater success and fulfillment.

      Do You Know what You’re Working for as an Entrepreneur?

      In his blog post, José Javier Muñoz discusses the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of intentionality, financial planning, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. Drawing from the Life of Meaning course, Muñoz outlines the process of determining one’s financial “number” and setting a timeline for achieving it, while also involving family members in the planning process. By reflecting on personal experiences and insights from John Warrillow's book Built to Sell, Muñoz illustrates the power of clarity in decision-making, particularly in the context of exiting a business. Ultimately, Muñoz invites readers to engage with these concepts, urging them to align their entrepreneurial goals with their deepest values and aspirations for a more fulfilling life.

      How To Fix Business Schools

      Master Teacher Jeff Sandefer critiques traditional MBA programs for prioritizing theoretical knowledge over student development. He advocates for a shift towards a pedagogy of humility, emphasizing the importance of asking questions, experiential learning, and finding a meaningful “calling” in business. Sandefer contrasts this approach with the perceived decline of many business schools, highlighting Acton as an exemplar of this philosophy.

      Acton students discussing a case

      Acton Answers: Why Prematriculation?

      This blog delves into the unique prematriculation program offered by Acton in Austin, a one-year accelerated MBA program. It highlights the benefits of prematriculation, including preparation for Acton’s demanding workload, the opportunity for students to continue working or running their companies, building connections among students, and acquiring essential skills for success in the classroom and beyond.

      Headshot of an woman, Acton MBA Alumni

      Alumni Voices: Real Estate Careers After Acton

      Entrepreneurial aspirations often lead individuals to consider the challenging yet rewarding path of real estate. At Acton, students with diverse backgrounds and ambitions find themselves drawn to the entrepreneurial opportunities within the real estate industry. Alumni share their journeys of choosing Acton, navigating the demanding curriculum, and leveraging their MBA experience to thrive in real estate careers. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they offer valuable advice for aspiring real estate professionals on maximizing their Acton experience and carving a successful path in the industry.

      Don’t Start a Company, Buy One

      Becoming a successful entrepreneur is challenging, with high failure rates for new start-ups. However, acquiring an existing company offers a less risky path to entrepreneurship. This blog explores why acquisition makes sense, delving into the success rates, types of acquisition models, global trends, and strategies for acquisition without up-front capital. Drawing from personal experience, the author highlights the potential of strategic acquisitions as a route to entrepreneurial success.

      Acton MBA students

      Princeton Review’s 2017 Most Competitive Students & Best Administered Program

      At Acton, the journey of entrepreneurship begins with purpose, preparation, and tenacity. The institution celebrates its recognition by The Princeton Review for the fifth consecutive year, lauding its MBA as the #1 Most Competitive Students and earning the #1 Best Administered Program accolade. Acton's curriculum, infused with real-world entrepreneurial experiences, cultivates an enduring impact through Socratic discussions led by experienced teachers. Join Acton and embrace the adventure of entrepreneurship.

      Acton MBA teacher in Operations course

      Understanding the Importance of Processes & Operations for Business

      Discover Levent's expert insights on overcoming operational challenges to business growth. From the importance of data collection to practical strategies for process management, Levent shares invaluable wisdom gained from years of consulting experience. Get ready to revolutionize your approach to entrepreneurship and take your business to the next level.

      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 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.

      The Entrepreneurial Journey Podcast

      “T2 Episodio 18, Luis Pedro López”

      En este episodio del pódcast de Acton MBA, Hugo, el anfitrión, entrevista a Luis Pedro López, un graduado del Acton MBA, quien comparte su trayectoria como emprendedor en la industria de la energía. Luis Pedro explica cómo, tras finalizar el programa, decidió desarrollar la generación de energía renovable dentro de la empresa familiar, para después lanzar su propia compañía en el sector solar.

       

      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…