The Essential Entrepreneur, 2nd Edition

ARE ENTREPRENEURS BORN OR MADE?

The age-old question of what makes a successful entrepreneur has long been debated. Are there any common traits that they are potentially born with? How much is instilled from the environment they are raised in? How much is learned?

Successful entrepreneurs have the unique ability to be able to focus intently and not be distracted from achieving their goals. They always find ways to get past obstacles that would stop most people in their tracks, and they manage to re-invent industries and themselves. I see these skills as a combination of three key elements:

1. Tenacity to not let go of your passion.
2. Creativity to think laterally and to see things differently, to piece together things others have missed.
3. Resilience to get back up and continue to find a way and not give up at the first obstacles put in front of you — to not accept ‘no, that can't be done’ for an answer when you know it can be done.

So let's look at the question, ‘What might successful entrepreneurs be born with?’ Firstly, it's the ability to focus intently and lock everything else out. Examples of world-class entrepreneurs who are well recognised for being ‘on the spectrum’ include Bill Gates, Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. They sometimes appear socially awkward yet have an innate intelligence and focus that sets them apart with the depth of their thinking.

This can be a social disadvantage, and potentially detrimental to their families in the longer term if not controlled. However, ...