How To Be An Entrepreneur with Jeff Rosenthal

In this episode, Simon Sinek engages in a meaningful conversation with Jeff Rosenthal, a co-founder of Summit Series, a community for entrepreneurs. They start by exploring what it truly means to be an entrepreneur. Jeff highlights that entrepreneurial spirit is prevalent not only among business owners but also within employees in large organizations who pursue side hustles.

Jeff recounts the inception of Summit Series, revealing how it began when he and his co-founders sought to create a peer group of young innovators. They started small but quickly expanded their events, leading to opportunities at significant venues, including the White House. By fostering a community focused on collaboration and inspiration, Summit endeavored to connect leaders from diverse fields.

During their discussion, they delve into the differences between entrepreneurs and small business owners, emphasizing that entrepreneurship is about solving problems and pushing boundaries, regardless of one's job title. They agree that being an entrepreneur requires an element of unreasonableness, a willingness to face numerous challenges without having all the answers.

Jeff stresses that learning and mentorship are crucial for entrepreneurs. He reflects on personal experiences, recognizing the importance of embracing criticism and using it as a learning opportunity. The conversation also touches on the “shiny object syndrome” and the need for focus in entrepreneurial ventures, expressing the importance of partnership and community support.

Finally, Jeff shares his thoughts on resilience, wellness, and maintaining enthusiasm in the face of challenges. He concludes with a belief that to change the world, collective action and building strong communities are vital. He urges aspiring entrepreneurs to be open to learning and to cultivate relationships with mentors to foster their growth.