This week I’ve been in some acts that have reminded me how important the entrepreneurial spirit is in our day to day to move forward, to change if necessary, to achieve what we want, to make a difference and to make our dreams come true.
That’s why today I bring you some thoughts about the so-called entrepreneurial spirit and what it helps us to achieve, if we “put our foot into it”.
Have you ever thought about what the entrepreneurial spirit is?
I admit that it is the first time that I think carefully on it. But it is not the first time I refer to it when I talk about entrepreneurship and the person, indeed.
The fact is that this weekend I started thinking about how we could define the so-called entrepreneurial spirit, which, I assure you, is something fundamental for the entrepreneur. Will you accompany me?
Looking for ways to define the word spirit, I have come across meanings such as aptitude or particular disposition of intelligence, energy of a person, spark that moves us, a group of ideas or feelings that guide the action of a person, essence or central idea of a thing and mood or value of a person, among others. For me, personally, all these ways of defining it fit perfectly with the entrepreneur, his/her way of being, thinking and acting, which is where his/her essence is.
The point is that this week I have been surrounded by people who have the spirit and attitude that is necessary to move the world, to change it – and change themselves – when it’s necessary and to make it a place worth LIVING.
First example. Last week I talked to you about the closing and opening, on March 23rd, of the 2nd and 3rd edition, respectively, of the MET Community program. It was a very special day in which there was a lot of emotion and where the good feelings were going through the Sala Garate of the University of Deusto. It was a special moment in which the mentees of this past course and their mentors shared with all of us their illusions, dreams and some of their achievements, because they still have many left to savor and share. The entrepreneurial spirit was present and we could see it, without any doubt, among the mentees that accompanied us last Thursday and those who couldn’t: Ziortza, Saioa, María, Erika, Beatriz, Cristina, and also Eider, Arancha y Violeta who, despite not being there, their entrepreneurial spirit allowed us to notice them among us. Their mentors contributed to it. And, of course, my fellows Yanire, Virgina and Irune.
By the way, if you are interested in being a mentee or mentor, you can access through the bases that are on our page.
Second example. Last Friday, March 24th, the TEDxUDeusto took place in the Auditorium of the University of Deusto. For those who still don’t know TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design), it is a non-profit organization dedicated to disseminating ideas that are worthwhile. For this, TED has created a program called TEDx, a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. That’s where TEDxUDeusto belongs to.
Also on Friday I noticed the entrepreneurial spirit I’m talking about. Not only by some of the speakers who participated in their talks (TEDTalks), but also by the young people who organized the event, the invited artists, as well as a large group of people (some I met that night and others I already knew) with whom I was able to share the day.
Among the invited speakers, I would like to highlight Paloma Rodrigo Salaverri, Laura Montenegro, Jon Uriarte, Yanire Braña and Juan Barbed. They transmitted us talent, courage, dreams, passion, illusion, desire, overcoming, effort, perseverance, learning and formation, motivation, actions to change the world, risk taken, ideas that work, social values of reference, happiness – a lot of happiness – and, ultimately, examples of social entrepreneurship (in the great majority of cases). About Yanire and Juan I have spoken to you on more than one occasion, and I am glad of it, because it continues to show me that I was not mistaken in that moment and that I don’t continue doing it. You are an example of exception.
Between talks we had the opportunity to enjoy young artists like Nagore Rondón, Leire Goti and Endika Basterretxea, from ELEY, Ane Zugaza, Alain Miranda, the VENICE group and Iker Arrieta. The comments of those who attended the event and could enjoy them can be summarized in 2 words: talent and courage. They still have a long way to go, but, with no doubt, they all are where they should and want to. Congratulations.
I don’t want to stop naming the organizers of the event, those who had the idea of organizing the TEDxUDeusto and those who, with their will and effort, have succeeded. Hopefully it’s not going to be the last time we enjoy TEDxUDeusto. As Victor said, the next time more people will be able to enjoy and participate in it. Congratulations to Víctor Chicharro, María Molina, Ariane Gallardo, Urko Barreda, Ander Fernández Totorika, Diego Castresana and, my revelation of this week, Javier Uriarte. Thank you for making it possible.
Third example. On Saturday, I attended the conference given by Marta Macho Stadler about women and science thanks to the Bilbao Talento Gaitasun Fundazioa. This time, it was the Hotel Abando the place chosen by the entrepreneurial spirit. Marta reminded us again that women and entrepreneurship have gone hand in hand for many years. Because women like Madame Curie, Ada Byron, Rosalind Fanklin, Florence Nithingale, Hypatia of Alexandria or Mary Anning, among others, were those who, with perseverance, effort, courage, patience and desire, embarked on paths reserved for men. Entrepreneurship and the values inherent to it are a thing of everyone. Thank you, Marta, yesterday you taught me again that we must fight for our dreams and that we have to do everything in our power so that girls can become what they want, without stereotypes or prejudices.
I encourage you to visit the page of the Foundation. You will find the presentation of Marta and other examples of entrepreneur women.
Be happy.
Translated by María Ubierna Quintanilla and supervised by Arantza Arruti.