Parents often shield their children from challenges, a natural instinct to protect them. However, exposing children to real problems and demonstrating that they can overcome them helps them learn to embrace the world rather than fear it. It’s a lesson in both reality and possibility, teaching children not to be driven by the fear of failure. In this article, we delve deeper into how successful entrepreneurs are nurtured.
Developing Successful Entrepreneurs
Alexis Jones, the founder of I AM THAT GIRL, an online empowerment community for girls, draws inspiration from her mother, Claudia. Claudia, a strong role model, taught an auto repair extension class at the University of Texas, worked as a bartender at night, and pursued her BA at the age of 43. She exemplified independence and self-reliance, showing Alexis how to make things happen on her own.
Claudia always encouraged Alexis to choose her own path and make her own decisions. She supported Alexis in every endeavor, whether it was sports, modeling, acting, public speaking, or pursuing a graduate degree. When Alexis faced financial challenges to attend graduate school at the University of Southern California, she rented a garage in Beverly Hills for $135 a month, paid for school with scholarships and loans, and completed the program in one year to reduce costs. Today, through I AM THAT GIRL, Alexis empowers girls worldwide, embodying the resilience instilled in her by her mother.
Strong and Supportive Relationships
In my interviews with 70 successful entrepreneurs and their parents, the presence of a close and supportive relationship between parent and child emerged as a common factor. Regardless of family size, financial status, or structure, the assurance of a safety net seemed to be pivotal in nurturing confident children who later became risk-taking entrepreneurs.
While not all close-knit families raise entrepreneurs, those that offer unwavering support create an ideal environment for fostering confident individuals. The key distinguishing factor was the encouraging, trusting, and supportive attitude of the parents towards their children.
Reflecting on the diverse family backgrounds of the entrepreneurs I interviewed, it became evident that family composition did not dictate entrepreneurial success. Whether from wealthy or modest backgrounds, traditional or unconventional families, the common denominator was the parents’ attitude.
It’s not merely about familial love, but about belief. Parents who instill confidence, encourage passions, nurture dreams, and dismiss fears of setbacks play a pivotal role in shaping entrepreneurial spirits in their children.
One prevailing lesson from my interviews is that while all parents love their children, successful entrepreneurs have parents who believe in them, support their aspirations, and reassure them during challenges.
Empowering a child with a secure foundation and entrusting them with responsibilities can yield remarkable outcomes.
Author Bio
Margot Machol Bisnow spent two decades in government, including roles as an FTC Commissioner and staff director of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers. Over the past ten years, she has been educating parent groups on raising resilient, confident children who achieve their aspirations.
She has actively supported programs like EQ Generation in NYC, the MUSE School in Malibu, and Spark the Journey in Washington DC, which mentor students for success. Her latest book, Raising an Entrepreneur: How to Help Your Children Achieve Their Dreams – 99 Stories from Families Who Did, delves into fostering entrepreneurial spirit in children. Explore more at raisinganentrepreneur.com.
