The debate has gone on for decades about whether entrepreneurs are born or made. Hard to tell really, but my own humble opinion is that parents do play a key role in making them.
“Lemonade Stories” is a documentary film about extraordinary entrepreneurs and their mothers. The film, which features Richard Branson (of Virgin), Russell Simmons (of Def Jam), Arthur Blank (of the Home Depot and owner of the Atlanta Falcons) and Tom Scott (of Nantucket Nectars), among others, examines the impact that mothers have on sparking creativity and entrepreneurial spirit in their children.
Hard to imagine Richard Branson as a painfully shy 7-year-old. At least he was until his mother Eve made him start talking to people.
“Shyness is being introverted and thinking only of yourself,” she said. On the way home from a shopping trip, Eve stopped the car and let Richard out. “You will now walk home. You will have to talk to people to find your way home,” his mother told him. He made it home and it clearly worked!
Arthur Blank of Home Depot learned from his mother how to approach life. And then he applied it to his business career.
“People think entrepreneurship is about being a risk-taker when it comes to business, but it’s really about being a risk-taker and adventurer when it comes to life,” said Blank.
Moms (all parents) pass along a variety of gifts, both inherited and taught. Among the most valuable of these being enthusiasm, perseverance, creativity, problem-solving, patience and love.
Thanks to my Mom, and to all the Eve Bransons of this world – women who taught their children to be independent and gave them space to experiment, to fail – and to figure things out on their own.
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