Entrepreneurs: Think Big Do Good Reach Out

By M. Isi Eromosele

2012 has shown that the world requires a new kind of entrepreneur, one that has long-term vision and a firm dedication to social responsibility.

The changes brought about by the Arab Spring, financial crises sweeping across Europe and the United States and extreme climate change have sparked a wave of uncertainty worldwide.

From the U.S. and Europe where people are frustrated by income equity to the Middle East and Asia where many have lost trust in the existing political and economic status quo, the world is ripe for change and ready for a new framework of governance where wealth creation is accompanied by social enterprise and justice.

The transformations triggered by the anti-corporate demonstrations organized in North America and Europe has created a unique opportunity to change the way entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship are viewed.

The reputation of entrepreneurs must undergo a brand transformation. Entrepreneurship should not be viewed solely as the hunt for short-term profits, but should stand for a dedication to long-term innovative businesses and a commitment to wealth creation and social enterprise.

Some past world aid programs have distorted organic social entrepreneurship in favor of a top-down approach; entrepreneurs should instead look toward empowering those at the bottom of the pyramid to eradicate poverty in their communities.

Assistance should be provided to promote social enterprises and equip those at the bottom of the economic pyramid with the required technical know-how and infrastructures to run their businesses.

Increasing urbanization has put renewed pressure on cities to meet the demands of growing populations and competition for limited resources. Cities should take an active role in promoting entrepreneurship in order to raise the number of jobs and to benefit from more innovative and sustainable technologies.

At present, there is a major disconnect between politics and entrepreneurship. In order to bridge the gap between these two entities, entrepreneurs should be encouraged to take a more active role in supporting cities and cities should try to motivate and push entrepreneurship at more tangible and practical levels.

Infrastructural investment should be aimed at empowering individuals to start their own enterprises and to improve the status quo.

Currently the majority of educational systems around the world are products of the past industrial revolution curriculum, where there is very little emphasis on entrepreneurship.

In order to equip students with the necessary skills and information required to start successful businesses, entrepreneurship needs be encouraged in educational institutions as an integral element of ongoing curricula.

The promotion of social entrepreneurship and problem-solving enterprises need to be encouraged in order to forestall future problems and provide sustainable solutions to global citizens.

All these point to entrepreneurship in all its forms, as one of the most sustainable ways to find enduring answers to these global challenges. Most countries are eager to create wealth and improve existing economic and social conditions for their citizens.

Entrepreneurs will be pivotal in addressing these challenges. They are the ones who transform challenges into opportunities, find innovative solutions, deploy sustainable organizations and take risks.

The world needs this enlightened approach that will see entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship as playing key roles in formulating solution to its current challenges.

The creation of wealth and social justice are two sides of this crucial coin that is wholesomely important to the future of the world’s economic and social well being.

M. Isi Eromosele is the President | Chief Executive Officer | Executive Creative Director of Oseme Group - Oseme Creative | Oseme Consulting | Oseme Finance

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