Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Rebecca White, an experienced board member, educator, speaker, author, consultant, and entrepreneur based in Tampa, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I have expertise and experience in design, management and leadership of innovation, and talent development. I am a business consultant, trainer, and frequent speaker on opportunity recognition, creative problem solving, innovation, and entrepreneurial mindset. I'm an active member of the National Association of Corporate Directors and Women Corporate Directors and was named one of the 2019 Most Influential Board Members by Women Inc. My podcast and blog, The En Factor, shares inspirational stories of successful entrepreneurs with a focus on opportunity recognition and resilience. My recent book, See, Do, Repeat: The Practice of Entrepreneurship, offers a success framework for aspiring and practicing entrepreneurs.
I currently hold the Walter Chair of Entrepreneurship and am the Director of the John P Lowth Entrepreneurship Center at the University of Tampa. Under my leadership, the entrepreneurship program is nationally ranked and has won numerous awards. In 2018, I served as a Kohane Distinguished Professor at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and Duke University, where my primary focus was on advancing the discipline's understanding of the entrepreneurial mindset. Prior to my work at the University of Tampa, I built a top 25 nationally ranked entrepreneurship program at Northern Kentucky University and was the founder and director of the Women's Entrepreneurship Institute, an educational program for female entrepreneurs offered jointly with the New York Times.
In addition to teaching, I spend time hosting my podcast, writing books, doing consulting work, and developing a new product called Podagogy™ which is the art and science of teaching and learning through podcasts. Each lesson that I am currently creating provides educational content tied to inspiring clips from conversations I have had with podcast guests.
Tell us about yourself
I grew up in a small town in southern WV with a mother who taught me an entrepreneurial mindset. Her name was Betty White (I know, great name), and she was a pioneer, always ahead of her time. Both my parents believed that education was a way to advance, so I did very well in school and eventually got a Ph.D., and began a career as a college professor. But a typical teaching position wasn't enough for me, so I was always creating something new and building new courses and programs.
Soon after I joined my first university after completing my Ph.D., I led the design and funding for a new program in entrepreneurship. This was the first of 3 university-based programs based on innovation where I have been the champion and provided leadership in design, implementation, and funding. About 13 years ago, I joined the University of Tampa and led the design and growth of the entrepreneurship program and center we now have. This included a deliberately designed space for learning entrepreneurship. I am motivated to share the message of the power of an entrepreneurial mindset to bring about progress and positive change.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Leading and developing talent. I have mentored or coached hundreds of entrepreneurs over the years, and I never grow tired of helping others pursue their dreams.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
There are many. Entrepreneurship and business ownership is hard. But the hardest is when the business outgrows treasured employees, and you have to move on without them.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- It is always about the people - surround yourself with good people - especially people who are smarter than you.
- Don't try to do it all. Focus on what you can do best and what the market wants you to do. Listen to your customers, and don't fall in love with any of your own ideas so you can pivot if needed.
- Don't wait until you think you are ready. You will never be ready. Dive in and keep going - you will face failure and challenge, and you will learn along the way. Entrepreneurship is a learning journey.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://drrebeccawhite.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enfactorpodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drrebeccawhite/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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