Oct 4, 20233 min read

Are Entrepreneurs Born or Made?

If you've ever watched an episode of Shark Tank, you've probably felt the surge of excitement when an entrepreneur passionately pitches their idea.

The format for a pitch usually starts with stating the problem, explaining how they understand their customer's pain points, and then, they offer their solution to the problem.

Sometimes they knock it out of the park and a shark offers them a deal. Other times, the sharks laugh or scrutinize the idea, saying at best it's a hobby, or they should simply abandon their idea altogether.

But, what these entrepreneurs have in common is courage.

They're choosing to put themselves, their time, energy and money into their idea to try and make their dream of entrepreneurship a reality.

Not everyone has that drive in them.

So, it's worth asking, what makes some people not only come up with an idea that solves a problem, but also see the idea through and create an entire business around it?

female entrepreneur - are entrepreneurs born or made

Are Entrepreneurs Born or Made - Entrepreneurial Spirit or a Drive for More

Are entrepreneurs born with an innate entrepreneurial spirit, or, are they forged through experience and a drive to learn?

Let's start by exploring the factors that contribute to entrepreneurial success.

Nature vs. Nurture

The "nature vs. nurture" argument, often associated with psychology and genetics, is also relevant to entrepreneurship.

Some argue that certain individuals are born with inherent traits and characteristics that make them more predisposed to entrepreneurship. These traits may include risk tolerance, creativity, vision, and a natural inclination to identify and seize opportunities.

You might see several generations of entrepreneurs in a family because they choose to follow in their parent's footsteps, or they've grown up in a home that encourages entrepreneurship.

On the other hand, proponents of the "made" perspective believe that entrepreneurship can be nurtured and developed through education, mentorship, and hands-on experience.

They argue that anyone can become an entrepreneur with the right guidance, determination, and a willingness to learn and adapt.

But, those who are not born with the drive, or did not grow up in an entrepreneurial environment need access to education and resources to help them become aware of what's possible.

The Role of Education

Education plays a pivotal role in shaping entrepreneurs. Formal education, such as business courses and entrepreneurship programs, can provide aspiring business leaders with valuable knowledge and skills.

Some high schools are now even offering entrepreneur courses, as they realize that not everyone wants to be an employee.

It is worth noting that many successful entrepreneurs, such as Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg, dropped out of college to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

Also, many real-world experiences, including failures and setbacks, often serve as the most effective teachers for entrepreneurs. You might not know what you like or don't like until you get out in the world and try it.

Learning from mistakes and adapting to challenges can be a crucial part of an entrepreneur's journey.

A Combo Approach

In reality, the debate over whether entrepreneurs are born or made is not black and white. It's not a matter of one being true while the other is false.

Instead, it's a dynamic interplay between innate qualities and learned skills. Successful entrepreneurs often possess a combination of natural traits and a willingness to continually learn and adapt.

Nurturing Entrepreneurial Traits

Regardless of whether you believe entrepreneurs are born or made, it's essential to recognize that certain entrepreneurial traits can be nurtured and enhanced over time.

Here are a few key traits that entrepreneurs often develop:

Resilience: The ability to bounce back from failures and setbacks is a trait that can be cultivated through experience and personal growth.
Adaptability: Entrepreneurs must be adaptable in the face of changing markets and circumstances, and this skill can be honed through practice.
Networking: Building a strong network of mentors, advisors, and peers is a skill that can be developed through networking events and relationship-building efforts.
Problem-Solving: Entrepreneurial problem-solving skills can be strengthened by tackling real-world challenges.

So, are entrepreneurs born or made?

The answer likely lies in a blend of both. While some individuals may have a head start with certain innate qualities, anyone with the desire and determination to learn, grow, and persevere can become a successful entrepreneur.

In the end, it's not about where you start but how far you're willing to go on your entrepreneurial journey. Whether born or made, entrepreneurs are defined by their passion, creativity, and unwavering commitment to turning their visions into reality.