The Flame of Entrepreneurship
A few years ago, I found myself naturally drawn to supporting entrepreneurs through my involvement with The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE)—a worldwide network devoted to fostering entrepreneurship in all industries with a global reach and a local focus. Through my decade-long affiliation with the Dubai Chapter of TiE, (a group of extraordinary people who have become a true family), I can confidently say today that the organization’s core values reflect the focus of what I would call Personal Social Responsibility (PSR). An individual’s version of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Very much like what CSR entails (an organisational obligation to give back to the community, add positive social value, and take part in philanthropic endeavours), my interpretation of PSR is about empowering, encouraging, and enabling the next generation of talented creators, young leaders, and out-of-the-box thinkers. And while there are hundreds, if not thousands of worthy causes and initiatives where I am drawn to offer my support, I have elected to support entrepreneurs for two main reasons:
The F-Word: Focus: We all have limited mental bandwidth, which, by itself, is already under severe pressure as one’s own business and personal responsibilities expand. Furthermore, time is a very scarce resource. So, narrowing the aim on specific endeavours is imperative to ensure one remains both efficient and effective.
The Butterfly Effect: As entrepreneurs, we are well placed to mentor, guide, and nurture others through our own experiences. The impact is further multiplied through the power of a global network like TiE that not only increases their chances of success but also cascades the positive influence of new entrepreneurial blood in areas that remain underdeveloped, such as education, employment, and diversity.
In the past year, entrepreneurs from all over the world have stepped up to meet a formidable challenge that has been imposed on all of us. As the lines between public services and private enterprises blurred, we saw young start-ups and remarkable entrepreneurs fill the void that was created when established corporations and traditional institutions struggled and sometimes failed in conducting their business and fulfilling their role:
It was the fearless leadership and flawless execution at start-ups like Glovo, Talabat, El Grocer, and others that ensured we had access to food and other essentials.
Less than 10 years old, Zoom, was thrust in the spotlight to facilitate the functioning of centuries-old established sectors such as education, healthcare, and even the judicial system.
And most importantly, it was entrepreneurially driven BioNTech and Moderna who first cracked the COVID-19 vaccine challenge.
We need to not only acknowledge the role of these entrepreneurs, but we also need to salute, recognise, and honour them. That is why we will be hosting TiE Global Summit (TGS2021) as a Celebration of the Spirit of Entrepreneurship in December this year.
In a similar tradition to the Olympic flame that is lit in the sporting event’s birthplace, Athens, the proceedings of TGS2021 officially started on May 8 with the ceremonial lighting of the Flame of Entrepreneurship in Silicon Valley, the birthplace of TiE. The literal (3D printed) and metaphorical Flame will not only play a critical role in the Summit itself but will extend the event’s reach by undertaking a year-long global journey. The Flame of Entrepreneurship will ultimately make its way to Dubai for the TiE Global Summit 2021 which will be held, under the theme “Spark, Sustain and Shine”—taking inspiration from the three main characteristics of the Flame.
Spark: At the origin of a flame is a spark and like a spark, an idea can inspire a great business. We ignite the spirit of entrepreneurship in young students, under-represented communities, and even employees sitting behind their desks wondering how they can fulfil their entrepreneurial potential.
Sustain: Every fire needs fuel to sustain itself. Businesses need to not only be sustainable by themselves but also in their impact on planet Earth and on humanity. We channel our educational resources, mentorship programs, and broader network to support entrepreneurs in facing their challenges as well as accompany them on their entrepreneurial journeys to success.
Shine: Just like the Olympic flame, the Flame of Entrepreneurship serves the purpose of continuity and perpetuity. We create a connection between an old guard and a new generation of entrepreneurs, enabling them to act as guides, shining a beacon that inspires and lights the way forward for others.
In the coming period, we at TiE Dubai and across the TiE Global network will all be working under unusual circumstances and (hopefully decreasing) levels of uncertainty to execute this vision and persevere in our mission. We remain inspired by the words of Bill Ford, great-grandson of Ford founder Henry Ford, when he said that creating a strong business and building a better world are not conflicting goals.
It brings home (more forcefully) the point that all of us not only have to make a conscious effort to support entrepreneurs on a global scale but also continue to guide and nurture them as they can impact the future of humanity in the coming years. By helping the next generation of entrepreneurs find their voice we can act as foundational pillars that can build long-term success—helping organisations AND individuals meet both their CSR and PSR objectives.
Wirelessly yours,
Ziad
This article was written on a laptop while sipping a cup of freshly brewed coffee that allowed for extra introspection. The soundtrack was piped through a Bluetooth speaker via a smartphone running a streaming music app that might or might not have merged with a SPAC and listed on the Nasdaq. All devices were seamlessly connected to the home wireless network.
Want a BIGGER digital dose?
