Fuel your entrepreneurial fire #2
Always looking for fresh thinking? Here’s what our entrepreneurship faculty recommend…
Life as an entrepreneur is fast-paced and ever-changing. You have to explore new opportunities, face new challenges – and make decisions that could change the future of your business – every day.
You know what it’s like when you find that nugget of inspiration? The one that sparks an exciting idea? Or that helps you to approach a difficult challenge in a totally new way? This series is your one-stop-shop for fresh thinking. Our expert faculty regularly share books, articles, blogs, podcasts and videos that inspire them. So dive on in – and find fuel for your entrepreneurial fire.
When history is the greatest teacher
Esha Mendiratta, Professor of International Business, recommends the Founders podcast by David Senra. The podcast originated from his passion for reading biographies, particularly those of entrepreneurs.
She says: “In this podcast, David Senra reads biographies of history’s greatest entrepreneurs and shares valuable insights from them. He not only breaks down the story of each entrepreneur but also connects the dots between different companies and life stories. We can make the mistake of believing that today’s world of business is very different to previous eras. But this podcast shows history can be the greatest teacher. It’s a must-listen for all founders and entrepreneurs.”
Why companies still – and always will – need managers
Koen Dewettinck, Professor of Human Resources Management, has this book on his desk: Why Managers Matter: The Perils of the Bossless Company by Professors Nicolai J. Foss and Peter G. Klein.
He says: “Some start-ups are characterised by a company culture that has limited managers and hierarchy. The book brings into question whether flat and leaderless organisational structures spark innovation and breakthrough performance – and why this model cannot just be applied to any organisation. The book describes how hierarchy and authority can be used creatively to make companies more agile and flexible – empowering educated, motivated people and teams to thrive.”
Exploring founder dilemmas
Professor of Corporate Finance Sophie Manigart believes this book is a must-read for all entrepreneurs: The Founder’s Dilemma by Harvard Professor Noam Wasserman.
She says: “It explores the unique dilemmas of founder CEOs. Do you maintain control of your venture – or seek external investors to grow fast? Do you split shares equally – or is there a true leader with a higher equity stake? Do you start your venture alone – or with a team? The answers depend on the founders’ goals and objectives – but decisions have far-reaching consequences for the venture’s evolution and its founders.
Is it better to be a unicorn or a camel?
Miguel Meuleman, Professor of Entrepreneurship recommends the Harvard Business Review article Startups, It’s Time to Think Like Camels — Not Unicorns.
He says: “As an entrepreneur, it's essential to understand whether your company is a unicorn or a camel. Unicorns, achieving billion-dollar valuations rapidly, represent a high-risk, high-reward growth model, heavily reliant on venture capital. On the other hand, camels are businesses that prioritise sustainability and resilience. They emphasise steady, adaptable growth and long-term stability. Choosing between these paths impacts your business strategy, funding approach, and market resilience. So, should your company be targeting mythological status? Or the sure-footed path of the camel?”
Is entrepreneurship in your veins?
Then come and bring your spark to the Vlerick Entrepreneurship Academy! Here you will learn the tools to take on challenges and expand your business sustainably. And you will find here a community of like-minded people who will inspire and support you at every step of your growth journey.