Fuel your entrepreneurial fire #3
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.
Liberating finance from the black box
Mathieu Luypaert, Professor of Corporate Finance, recommends the blog Access to Finance by Alex Edmans, Professor of Finance at London Business School.
He says: “Finance is seen as complex and unknowable – almost like a black box. In businesses, this results in finance feeling abstract and unconnected to business reality. And this is even more true in academic research – which can prevent entrepreneurs from being able to access highly relevant insights. This blog bridges the gap between finance research and the business community. Talks and articles on the blog are grounded in academic research on subjects including M&A, entrepreneurship, corporate governance and responsible business. Yet they’re accessible to policymakers, practitioners and the general public.”
Never under-estimate cultural difference
Esha Mendiratta, Professor of International Business, recommends The Culture Map by Erin Meyer, a professor at INSEAD Business School.
She says: “Expanding globally means navigating the complexities of cultural differences. We often assume that an emotionally intelligent leader can navigate these complexities well. Yet cultural differences can be surprisingly subtle and challenging to discern. In this book, Erin Meyer presents an intuitive analytical framework to understand how cultural differences impact people’s behaviour around the world. Importantly, she also provides practical insights on how to use this understanding to work harmoniously with people from different backgrounds. A must-read if your start-up is looking to move into other countries!”
How to be lucky
If you’re facing challenges – and looking for inspiration, Strategy researcher Brett Hamilton has a brilliant book recommendation for you. He says The Serendipity Mindset: The Art and Science of Creating Good Luck, by Professor Christian Busch, helps you develop the ability to turn the unexpected into a positive outcome.
He adds: “Does luck happen to us – or can we influence it? I’ve learned from experience that being an entrepreneur is extremely rewarding, but also immensely challenging. It is easy to become despondent – especially when we perceive others as being ‘lucky’. For me, staying positive is a key determinant of success – and this book helps me to look at things from a new angle.”
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.
Get in touch!
