Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO

Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO Plot Summary

Introduction

In today's rapidly evolving professional landscape, success is no longer defined by climbing a predetermined corporate ladder. The traditional path of joining a company, working diligently, and waiting for promotions has given way to a more fluid, unpredictable journey that requires adaptability, resilience, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Whether you're an executive in a Fortune 500 company, a freelancer juggling multiple projects, or a professional seeking more fulfillment in your current role, the entrepreneurial mindset has become essential. This mindset isn't just for those starting businesses—it's a powerful approach to navigating your entire career. It involves seeing opportunities where others see problems, taking calculated risks, building meaningful connections, and constantly reinventing yourself. Throughout the following chapters, you'll discover practical strategies for developing this mindset, techniques for overcoming common workplace challenges, and inspiring stories of professionals who transformed their careers by thinking like entrepreneurs and acting like CEOs of their own professional lives.

Chapter 1: Embrace the Entrepreneurial Mindset in Any Role

The entrepreneurial mindset is not reserved for business founders or startup teams—it's a powerful approach that can transform your career regardless of your position or industry. At its core, this mindset involves taking ownership of your professional journey, spotting opportunities others miss, and being willing to adapt and innovate continuously. Beverly, a corporate attorney who spent years at large law firms before joining a Fortune 500 utility company, discovered this truth gradually throughout her career. Initially seeking job security at organizations like the Securities and Exchange Commission, she eventually realized that even within established institutions, success required entrepreneurial thinking. At her first law firm, she observed that partners with power were those who had their own loyal clients. Rather than simply completing assigned work, she began actively recruiting clients, essentially creating her own enterprise within the firm structure. When Beverly later joined Consolidated Natural Gas Company as their public affairs executive, she approached her role not as a traditional employee but as a change agent responsible for reorganizing and inventing outreach services. In every budget cycle, she had to essentially "sell" her programs to the CEO and board, demonstrating how they supported both the company's service mission and its bottom line. This entrepreneurial approach proved valuable when the company eventually disappeared through a merger—she had developed the skills and mindset needed to reinvent herself. To develop your own entrepreneurial mindset, start by deeply understanding your organization's mission and the challenges it faces. Entrepreneurs are passionate about their work because they're clear about their goals and how their contributions support the collective strategy. Similarly, focus intensely on those you serve—whether they're external clients or internal stakeholders. Ask yourself how you might better serve your current "customers" and look for ways to expand your impact. Familiarize yourself with business fundamentals, even if you work in government or nonprofit sectors. Understanding operations from product development to marketing gives you a more comprehensive view of how value is created. Also, practice becoming comfortable with failure. Successful entrepreneurs know that setbacks provide valuable lessons, and they "fail their way to the top." If you're used to success, deliberately take up activities where perfection isn't guaranteed—this builds resilience and creative confidence. Choose positivity as your default stance. Research confirms that optimism can be learned, and it starts with noticing your internal dialogue and shifting away from complaints and self-deprecation. Finally, consciously build your personal brand—what you stand for, your values, and the quality of your work. Your brand is powerful enough to open or close career doors, so be intentional about shaping how others perceive you.

Chapter 2: Build Your Personal Brand with Purpose

Your personal brand isn't just marketing jargon—it's the professional reputation that precedes you and influences how people respond to your ideas and contributions. Whether you're conscious of it or not, you already have a brand. It's defined by what people think about you, their assessments of your expertise, work quality, and character. The question is: does your current brand accurately reflect your best qualities and support your career goals? Sally, a talented project manager with strong technical skills and collaborative abilities, struggled with this disconnect. Despite her competence, she'd been repeatedly passed over for promotions. When her manager asked for coaching help, conversations with Sally's colleagues revealed a surprising pattern—many described her as "a flake." Sally loved fantasy events and science fiction conventions, and sometimes allowed these interests to influence her workplace fashion choices. She also frequently discussed her weekend activities at length, boring colleagues who found her hobbies silly. While people liked Sally and found her amusing, her eccentric personal tastes had become such a dominant part of her brand that coworkers overlooked her professional strengths. After recognizing this issue, Sally developed a three-pronged plan to rebuild her brand. First, she focused on managing appearances—adopting a more mainstream personal style so that reactions to her clothes and grooming wouldn't overshadow her competence. She began dressing more like her boss and styled her long hair in a neat French braid. She also stopped trying to interest work friends in her weekend activities. Second, she built expertise in a hot new technology and made sure her knowledge was recognized by publishing an article in an industry journal and creating a helpful guide for colleagues. Finally, she enhanced her leadership presence by keeping a journal where she documented the leadership qualities she most admired and consciously incorporated these into her behavior during meetings. The results came quickly. Sally's manager reported that other leaders were talking about how she had "finally grown up." With her newly developed expertise, she became known as an innovative thinker and was soon assigned to a key project. Her experience demonstrates that rebranding isn't about being fake—it's about becoming more intentional about how you present yourself professionally. To gain control of your own brand, start with an honest assessment of how you currently come across. Research your reputation by gathering feedback from colleagues—whether through formal 360 reviews or by simply asking how you might be more helpful. Look objectively at your personal style, including how you dress, speak, and carry yourself. Find inspiration by observing people who appear energetic, polished, and powerful. Beyond appearances, actively promote your work through speeches, articles, or regular progress reports. Even subtle actions like offering assistance to colleagues can showcase your expertise. And don't overlook your online presence—when you meet someone new, they've likely already searched for you online. Creating a LinkedIn profile with even a brief summary can help shape the professional image that appears in search results. Ultimately, building your brand is about becoming more attuned to how your work impacts others, developing stronger relationships, and authentically presenting your best professional self to the world.

Chapter 3: Master Communication for Impactful Connections

Effective communication forms the foundation of professional success, and listening may be the most undervalued yet powerful communication skill. When you truly listen—not just waiting for your turn to speak, but fully concentrating on understanding others—you create connections that advance your career and enhance your influence. Neuroscience and philosophy suggest that people fundamentally desire to have their concerns acknowledged and their presence felt. When you genuinely listen, you satisfy this deep human need, even if it's not immediately apparent. Research on "mindful listening" shows that speakers can sense whether their audience is truly attentive or merely pretending. When you listen without judgment, you're perceived as authentic, charismatic, and even more attractive. Trish, a talented financial wizard, demonstrated how listening can transform professional relationships. She wanted to move to her dream job in another division of her company and realized she would need support from Al, a senior colleague with connections to the leaders there. When coaching suggested she build a relationship with Al, Trish hesitated: "He's self-absorbed and expects people to kowtow to him. I just don't like to suck up." Rather than approaching the relationship as insincere flattery, Trish was encouraged to identify Al's strengths and areas of expertise, then find occasions where his advice might genuinely help her work. Trish made a list of Al's specialties and sought his guidance on projects where his insights would be valuable. To her surprise, Al responded warmly to her attentive listening and eventually became her mentor, ultimately guiding her to the transfer she desired. Her initial reluctance to appear sycophantic had almost prevented her from developing a relationship with someone who became her champion. The fear of looking like a flatterer often prevents honest professionals from building important relationships. However, there are many situations when offering sincere appreciation is appropriate and beneficial. When you consistently maintain a positive environment with authentic feedback, people won't view your praise as manipulative. Even bosses need acknowledgment, and expressing respect to someone you'd like to know better is a perfectly acceptable way to build connections. Remember that how you speak also significantly impacts your professional image. One particular challenge across generations involves different communication patterns that can create barriers. Older professionals might lose credibility by dwelling on health complaints or reminiscing excessively about "the good old days," while younger professionals might undermine themselves with speech habits like "up-talking" (ending statements with upward inflections that make them sound like questions). To improve your communication impact, become aware of your speech patterns by asking trusted friends for feedback or recording yourself speaking. Notice repetitive phrases, tone issues, or tendencies to weaken your points with tentative phrasing like "I'm not sure, but I think that..." Being mindful of how you express yourself ensures your valuable contributions don't get lost in distracting delivery. Ultimately, masterful communication—centered on genuine listening and thoughtful expression—creates the connections that fuel entrepreneurial success and career advancement. When you develop this skill, you'll find doors opening as people feel truly heard and valued in your presence.

Chapter 4: Navigate Change with Resilience and Agility

In today's professional landscape, change isn't just occasional—it's constant. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median time workers spend with their current employer is just 4.6 years. Even if you defy these odds and stay with one organization, your positions will change, projects will evolve, and entire organizations may transform repeatedly. The ability to navigate these transitions with grace and purpose is essential for long-term success. Andrea Wilkinson, an executive leading global government affairs initiatives for biopharmaceutical products, exemplifies this resilience. Throughout her career, she has successfully weathered multiple mergers, division liquidations, and company restructurings. From her early days as a congressional staffer, Andrea developed expertise in timing her career moves perfectly, always creating goodwill and landing solidly on her feet despite industry turbulence. When asked about her approach to thriving amid uncertainty, Andrea emphasized several key strategies. First, she recognizes that organizational change isn't personal—it's like a rainstorm affecting everyone, not just targeting individuals. She avoids wasting energy on complaints or bitterness, instead focusing on playing the cards she's been dealt. Second, she remains deeply informed about her industry, understanding not just her company's business but also market trends, regulatory frameworks, and the competitive landscape. This broad awareness helps her anticipate changes before they arrive. Andrea also prioritizes understanding her bosses' immediate objectives. While long-term contributions may be appreciated, the most valued team members are those solving today's problems and supporting tomorrow's goals. She consistently asks herself: "What do my leaders need to succeed, and how can I help them get there?" This alignment makes her indispensable even during restructuring. Her extensive professional network provides another layer of resilience. Andrea makes connections everywhere she goes, maintains relationships even during busy periods, and freely offers and asks for help. This web of professional relationships provides both opportunities and support during transitions. She balances this career focus by building stability in other aspects of life—staying active in her church, nurturing friendships, and visiting family members. These structures provide emotional grounding when workplace changes create uncertainty. To develop your own change resilience, start by acknowledging that transitions require significant physical and emotional energy. Andrea maintains a regular fitness routine and prioritizes adequate sleep, recognizing that sustained energy is crucial for navigating long-term change. She also reduces financial pressure by living within her means and diversifying investments. This financial cushion prevents desperation when facing potential job changes and allows for more strategic career decisions. When facing your own professional transitions, establish a methodical process for managing change. The "Sugar Grain Process" provides a practical framework: develop a vision of what you want next, identify achievable goals that could lead there, then commit to regularly doing small actions—"sugar grains"—that move you forward. These actions needn't be large or linear; what matters is building momentum through consistent effort. As patterns emerge, your goals will become clearer, and the process will generate its own energy. Remember that change resilience isn't about avoiding discomfort—it's about developing the confidence that you can adapt and thrive regardless of circumstances. By approaching transitions with intentionality and maintaining focus on the future rather than past disruptions, you can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and reinvention.

Chapter 5: Cultivate Leadership Presence in Every Interaction

Leadership presence—that elusive quality that makes people take notice when you enter a room—isn't reserved for those with executive titles. It's a powerful attribute that impacts how others perceive your ideas, influences your career opportunities, and determines whether people naturally follow your lead. While some might describe it as an innate "It factor," presence can absolutely be developed through deliberate practice. Consider Ed, a brilliant corporate attorney who was repeatedly overlooked for management positions despite his technical excellence. When asked about his promotion prospects, the COO explained: "He'll always be valued as a talented technical lawyer, but we're not going to move him up. Ed just doesn't have executive presence." Though Ed could write exceptional memos, he appeared hesitant in person, often mumbling and shuffling down hallways without the confidence and dignity that others associated with leadership material. Lydia, an accomplished economist, faced a similar challenge. Her perfectionism translated into successful projects, but her worried demeanor undermined her leadership effectiveness. Whenever assigned a new task, she would immediately begin fretting about the best approach, appearing anxious and uncertain. Her boss reported that people hesitated to follow her directions because she seemed so unsure of herself. To strengthen her presence, Lydia worked on two techniques. First, before meetings, she would clearly define her intent—something like "I'm going to raise point X and come across as interested and positive." Then she'd encourage herself with affirmations such as "My plan is on target and I know it will work." Second, she became aware of her body language, noticing that when anxious, she'd bow her head, cross her arms, and hunch her shoulders. Inspired by research on "power posing," she began practicing confident postures before important events, like holding her arms high in a V shape. She also resumed regular yoga classes, which helped her body appear and feel less tense. Within months, her boss was surprised by her transformation. Developing your own presence begins with clarity about leadership values. Create a vision statement listing characteristics you admire, such as reliability, honesty, or positivity. Post this where you'll see it frequently as a reminder to incorporate these traits into your daily behavior. Next, address organizational elements—if you're typically late, struggle with deadlines, or maintain a chaotic workspace, your presence is compromised. Colleagues may see you as disorganized and unable to deliver results. Your physical appearance also significantly impacts presence. Well-groomed, appropriately dressed professionals command more respect and attention. Similarly, the ability to speak clearly and directly enhances your gravitas—eliminate self-deprecating phrases or hesitant qualifiers like "I'm not an expert, but..." Your energy level matters too; managing your vitality through adequate sleep, regular exercise, and stress management practices helps you project the calm confidence that marks true leadership. For deeper development, regularly check in with different aspects of yourself. Ask about your physical self: How's my posture? Am I tense? What's the expression on my face? Examine your intellectual self: Has my internal voice been nagging me? What are my top goals right now? Assess your emotional state: What am I feeling now? Are there emotions I need to release? And connect with your spiritual self: What values will guide my decisions today? What am I grateful for? Through consistent attention to these elements, you can develop a commanding presence that opens doors, enhances your influence, and helps you lead effectively—with or without a formal leadership title.

Chapter 6: Transform Challenges into Growth Opportunities

The ability to turn setbacks into stepping stones is perhaps the most valuable skill in an entrepreneurial career. Every professional encounters rejection, frustration, and seemingly impossible challenges—but those who thrive don't just endure these difficulties; they deliberately transform them into catalysts for growth and innovation. Paul, a highly qualified professional with an extraordinary track record, experienced devastating disappointment when he didn't get his dream job. "I hate how this news makes me feel," he confided. "Not only did I miss out on a job that I really wanted, but the company hired someone against whom I stacked up very well." Even more troubling to Paul were his "second-order emotions"—feeling angry at himself for being sad and frustrated, believing these weren't "becoming emotions of a gentleman." Paul's experience highlights how career rejection often triggers complex emotional responses. The pain is real and normal, especially for high achievers unaccustomed to setbacks. Rather than suppressing these feelings, Paul learned to examine them objectively. He wrote about exactly what he was experiencing, noting where he felt physical discomfort and identifying recurring thoughts. This practice created distance from the pain and prevented it from controlling his actions. While processing his emotions privately, Paul maintained a gracious external demeanor. He thanked everyone involved in the hiring process and avoided displaying disappointment. This professional approach paid unexpected dividends—one executive involved in the decision kept him in mind and later helped him secure an even better position. What initially seemed like career devastation ultimately led to superior opportunity. Gayle Williams-Byers demonstrates another powerful approach to transforming challenges. Growing up in a family where no one had yet attended college, she viewed her semester in Washington as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. When her White House internship involved nothing but making photocopies, she boldly approached a corporate office and essentially announced she'd be transferring her internship there. This determination to create meaningful learning experiences, regardless of obstacles, characterized her entire career trajectory. Later, while campaigning for municipal court judge at age 37, Gayle faced discouragement when an angry resident jabbed his finger at her saying, "We don't want to hear it. We've already made up our minds. You got no chance, kid." Looking down a long street of houses still to visit, she nearly gave up. When asked why she continued, Gayle explained: "That's what self-determination is. You dig really deep when you don't want to, and you decide to take one more step toward your goal." Gayle's approach highlights several strategies for transforming challenges. First, define goals beyond personal ambition—Gayle developed a comprehensive plan for a more transparent, service-focused court system that would benefit her entire community. When obstacles arose, focusing on this larger mission provided energy that mere personal ambition couldn't sustain. Second, control what you can control and accept the rest—during law school, Gayle couldn't control having cancer, but she could control how she spent her time studying and caring for herself. Third, build a support network of mentors and role models who can provide perspective during difficult times. Fourth, act as if you already have the self-discipline required—identify the steps you would take if you possessed abundant self-control, then simply begin taking those actions. Each decision to act builds your self-discipline "muscle." Finally, maintain perspective through humor and humility—Gayle laughs about looking silly delivering court information door-to-door in sweats at 5:30 a.m., preventing her determination from becoming self-righteousness. When facing your own challenges, remember that resilience isn't innate—it's built through repeatedly overcoming difficulties. Start by accepting that setbacks are normal for all high achievers. Share your struggles with trusted supporters who can help maintain perspective. Identify exactly what you've lost and what matters most about moving forward. Practice gratitude daily to counteract anxiety, and maintain grace even in disappointment. With each challenge you transform, you build the confidence and skills needed for ever-greater opportunities.

Summary

The entrepreneurial mindset transforms how we approach our careers and ultimately our lives. Throughout these chapters, we've explored how thinking like an entrepreneur while acting with the responsibility of a CEO can create unprecedented professional resilience and fulfillment. As Beverly Jones wisely notes, "You are in charge of your career. If you hope to stay where you are, and you want things to improve, you need to come up with a plan." This mindset isn't about starting a business—it's about taking ownership of your professional journey, regardless of your role or industry. The path forward begins with a single decision: to approach your work differently starting today. Choose one area where you can apply these principles immediately—perhaps by clarifying your personal brand, practicing deeper listening, or developing a more commanding presence. Remember that career resilience isn't about avoiding challenges but developing the confidence that you can adapt and thrive regardless of circumstances. By cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, you transform from someone who merely responds to workplace demands into someone who actively shapes their professional destiny and consistently turns challenges into opportunities for growth.

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Beverly E. Jones

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