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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

      Practicing leadership: Acton MBA SHAD Challenge

      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.

      What type of entrepreneur are you? Acton MBA Madrid Students on finding who they are

      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.

      Acton MBA Students at Bootcamp Introduction

      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

      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.

      2022 Gymcana in Madrid, Spain

      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.

      Opportunity, Analysis and Costs Challenge

      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.

      Kimberly Watson on Operations, Analysis and Costs in Acton's MBA Madrid Campus

      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.

      Acton MBA second year students preparing for NGA Bootcamp 2022

      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.

       

      Acton MBA Teacher discussing a case

      Let’s Ban the Word “Launch”

      This blog challenges the prevalent obsession with the term "launch" in entrepreneurial spheres, highlighting its diminishing value in an era where manifesting ideas has become inexpensive. The post criticizes the romanticization of launches in Silicon Valley, pointing out the distortion caused by tech press fixation on ideas rather than the actual business. It raises concerns about the disconnect between press validation and genuine customer validation, adoption, and retention. Emphasizing the need for entrepreneurs to focus on serving customers effectively, the blog questions the true purpose of launches and encourages a strategic approach centered around solving problems and ensuring profitable outcomes.

       

      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…