Why entrepreneurs may hold the answer for changing society
Entrepreneurs, often seen as engines of growth, are increasingly seen as solutions to some of the world's most pressing societal challenges.
In 30 seconds
Entrepreneurs are using technology and innovation to address complex issues such as climate resilience, healthcare and education.
By focusing on what needs to be fixed, entrepreneurs can bring people together on a journey.
Many people think that to grow a small business you need to concentrate on the commercial side, but this is not necessarily the case.
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Entrepreneurs are often celebrated for disrupting markets, but can they also help solve some of society's toughest challenges?
In this episode of Think Ahead, Dean of London Business School, Sergei Guriev, is joined by Luisa Alemany, Associate Professor of Management Practice in Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School, and Ella Goldner, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Zinc VC and an LBS MBA alumnus.
Together, they explore how entrepreneurs are using technology and innovation to address complex challenges in areas ranging from climate resilience to healthcare and education.
The discussion examines whether impact and commercial success can go hand in hand, the role venture capital investors play in shaping responsible businesses, and why entrepreneurial ecosystems are critical to turning ambitious ideas into scalable solutions.
The episode also looks ahead to the opportunities and challenges facing the next generation of impact-driven founders.
Featured guests
Luisa Alemany, Associate Professor of Management Practice in Strategy and Entrepreneurship, London Business School; Academic Director, Institute of Entrepreneurship and Private Capital
Ella Goldner, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Zinc VC
Entrepreneurs, from day one, should think about scaling up a model which has meaningful societal impact
While meaningful impact is often associated with big corporations, foundations and government agencies, entrepreneurs and start-ups are increasingly aspiring to drive impact.
“When we were starting Zinc, there weren't a lot of examples to be pointing to, and that was really frustrating. We thought we need to create more of those opportunities and case studies and examples. I think today, we have lots of examples.” – Ella Goldner
Further reading
A huge problem can turn into a huge opportunity
By focusing on what needs to be fixed, entrepreneurs can bring people together on a journey.
“I think they normally see this big problem, and they are excited because they think, oh, there is a huge problem. This is a huge opportunity. And then they are on a mission to solve the problem. And, really, they bring together people.” – Luisa Alemany
Further reading
Combing growth with purpose
Many people think that to grow a small business you need to concentrate on the commercial side, forgetting the mission impact purpose, but this is not necessarily the case.
“We're looking for people who are combining the business model with the impact. So, in a way, impact is [a] given. The more successful the businesses, the better the impact results are.” – Ella Goldner
Further reading
Continue the conversation
Do you think entrepreneurs are in the ideal position to change the world for the better?
Explore more research and thought leadership from London Business School on sustainability, strategy, leadership and long-term value creation on Think.
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