How do you find the entrepreneurship that suits you?

How do you find the entrepreneurship that suits you? A worldwide quest from an enthusiastic Nuffield Scholar.

One of the first outcomes of visiting and interviewing entrepreneurs in several countries is that their views on entrepreneurship differ greatly depending on where they are from. I noticed striking similarities among entrepreneurs within the same country, not just in how they run their businesses but also in their mindset and approach to challenges.

Looking back on my journey, I realize there are many lessons I will carry with me in both my professional and personal life. Here are the three most important conclusions from my Nuffield journey and research on ‘How do you find the entrepreneurship that suits you?’:

1. Embrace your individual journey

Every person has a unique story shaped by their cultural background, personal experiences and values. One of the key lessons I've learned while researching entrepreneurship is that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Accepting that your journey is different from others is essential for finding your entrepreneurial path. Many of the entrepreneurs I’ve met have highlighted the importance of embracing their unique experiences and perspectives. It feels good to be lost in the right direction. Embrace your journey.

2. Happiness

Knowing what really makes you happy, finding your passion and the motivation that gets you out of bed each morning is so important for everyone, but especially for (aspiring) entrepreneurs. By understanding what brings you joy and fulfilment, you can better navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. And don’t be afraid of change and failure. Failure doesn’t exist. It’s only a change of direction. Setting boundaries based on personal strength and limitations, leads to a more focused and rewarding entrepreneurial experience. Many of the entrepreneurs I’ve met emphasized that discovering your passion is crucial for success. Focus on what makes you happy.

3. The importance of people

Building relationships is key when it comes to entrepreneurship. Building a successful business is no longer about B2B (business-to-business) or B2C (business-to-consumer). It’s about P2P, those people-to-people relationships. Throughout my interviews, a recurring theme emerged across different countries: successful entrepreneurs place great emphasis on building relationships, whether within their local communities, among their staff or through international connections. This supportive network not only fosters personal growth but also encourages collaboration and innovation. The opportunity to learn from others and share experiences has been invaluable in shaping my entrepreneurial journey,

 

What am I going to change in my business?

Talking with inspiring entrepreneurs about my journey has provided me with valuable insights into our farm. Nuffield has encouraged me to be more open about my thoughts and ideas. Sure, running a family business can be tough, but it’s also a fantastic opportunity to share this adventure with my family.

I have become more open about my ideas and thoughts during our conversations, and we are currently in the process of developing our mission and vision for the future of our business. We dream of making everything as local as possible, localizing all inputs and outputs to establish a circular agriculture system on our farm. One of the significant changes that Nuffield has facilitated for me is the openness in communication and the realization of our dream as a more achievable goal.

When I started my Nuffield Scholarship, I was struggling to find the path that would make me truly happy. Should I become a full-time entrepreneur, focus entirely on teaching, leave farming, or find a balance between a job and entrepreneurship? Thanks to Nuffield and the incredible people I've met, I now have a much clearer picture of what my "happy path" looks like.

At this point, I know I want to continue teaching two days per week, as it allows me to connect with people, have colleagues, and support aspiring entrepreneurs. But I also love managing the farm and handling all the tasks involved in running a business. So, as long as life allows me to balance both, I’m truly happy being a part-time entrepreneur and teacher.

Finding what you truly want in life can take time. It made me feel nervous at first, but now I realize there’s no need to rush. Take the time to discover what genuinely makes you happy. For me, the choice to balance a job with part-time entrepreneurship is my happy path and entrepreneur’s choice, and it feels just right at this moment.

 

What has Nuffield brought me?

Participating in the Nuffield Scholarship and all the traveling pushes you to step outside your usual routine. This opportunity requires you to temporarily set aside the day-to-day responsibilities of your business, allowing you to gain a fresh perspective and view your operations from a helicopter perspective. With this newfound space, you can think about your future and discover what truly brings you happiness.

Nuffield has taught me the importance of honesty, both with myself and with those around me. If something in your life or business makes you unhappy, don’t hesitate to bring it to the table and discuss it openly.

Another wonderful aspect that Nuffield brought me is a 3^rd family. A global family with many friends that I truly cherish. The idea that I have friends in many countries where I’m always welcome, and where I can happily host them in return, is just amazing.

 

 

 

 

Recommendations for others

I do believe that my journey and research can also be of value to others. Especially for (aspiring) entrepreneurs. The roadmap I’ve developed on how to find the entrepreneurship that suits you, is a realistic blend of all the entrepreneurs I’ve met worldwide. If you’re thinking about starting or growing a business, I encourage you to use this roadmap as a source of inspiration.

This roadmap can also be a valuable tool in education. Discussing your entrepreneurial path and finding what truly makes you happy can be challenging, particularly in a classroom of aspiring entrepreneurs. A roadmap like this can facilitate these conversations, helping students explore what fits them best. I see entrepreneurial skills and characteristics as just as important as agricultural expertise and know-how, and one of my goals is to see these included in educational curricula.

While each individual has a unique journey and must carve their own path, certain fundamental steps are universal. Stay curious, seek your happy place, and remain open to learning from new experiences and people.

The Nuffield experience is something I recommend to everyone!