Entrepreneurial Leadership

The world needs entrepreneurial leaders to solve complex challenges that have persisted for decades or longer, as well as future ones we can’t even envision yet. Entrepreneurial leadership is both a skill set and a mindset, and entrepreneurial leaders impact businesses, organizations, and society because they put people first and manage in a relational way. Here, we illustrate the impact of entrepreneurial leadership through inspiring and uplifting stories from the Babson community and beyond.

Carlos Rodriguez Laconi poses for a picture against a backdrop of trees
A Personal Journey of Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition A Babson alumnus pursues a different type of entrepreneurial opportunity, by focusing on growing an existing business, rather than launching a new one.
By
John Crawford
Senior Journalist
John Crawford
A writer for Babson Thought & Action and the Babson Magazine, John Crawford has been telling the College’s entrepreneurial story for more than 15 years. Assignments for Babson have taken him from Rwanda to El Salvador, from the sweet-smelling factory of a Pennsylvania candy maker, to the stately Atlanta headquarters of an NFL owner, to the bustling office of a New York City fashion designer. Beyond his work for Babson, he has written articles and essays for The Philadelphia Inquirer, Notre Dame Magazine, The Good Men Project, and other publications. He can be found on Twitter, @crawfordwriter, where he tweets about climate change.
September 8, 2023

Posted in Entrepreneurial Leadership, Outcomes

President Spinelli talks to students on campus
‘Greater Impact’: How Babson Is Positioned to Lead As he begins his fifth year with a clear vision for the future, President Stephen Spinelli Jr. MBA’92, PhD reflects on navigating the unexpected journey of the pandemic and how the challenges and solutions have the College poised to expand its leadership and impact.
By
Eric Beato
Editor / Writer
Eric Beato
Eric Beato is the Editor of Babson Thought & Action and Babson Magazine. A native of Chicago and a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, Eric has worked as an editor and writer at newspapers across the country, including the Chicago Sun-Times and Boston Herald. Eric joined Babson College in 2019 after working as the communications director for a private educational travel company and as the managing editor of six regional sports publications.
September 1, 2023

Posted in Community, Entrepreneurial Leadership

Three members of the Babson College community address the crowd at a conference.
What Is Entrepreneurial Acquisition, and Why Is It Booming? Entrepreneurship through acquisition—buying and further building an existing business—has surged in popularity at Babson.
By
Hillary Chabot
Writer
Hillary Chabot
Hillary Chabot is a writer for Babson Thought & Action and Babson Magazine. An award-winning journalist, she is known for her insightful reporting and dedication to detailed storytelling. With a career spanning over two decades, she has covered a wide range of topics, from presidential campaigns and government policy to neighborhood issues and investigative series. As a reporter for The Boston Herald, Hillary earned a reputation for tenacity and integrity. Her work at Babson College fuels her passions—to learn something new every day and conduct thoughtful, empathic interviews. She’s thrilled to be at Babson College, where students, faculty, staff members and classes provide compelling copy daily.
August 31, 2023

Posted in Entrepreneurial Leadership, Outcomes

Sandra Bravo sits at a desk at her home
Fighting for Those Too Often Forgotten Associate Professor of Practice Sandra Bravo MBA’87 has spent a lifetime concerned about children in the foster care system. She adopted two foster children and started a nonprofit that aims to rethink the system and raise awareness about its challenges. Even in the face of tragedy, she remains resolute.
By
John Crawford
Senior Journalist
John Crawford
A writer for Babson Thought & Action and the Babson Magazine, John Crawford has been telling the College’s entrepreneurial story for more than 15 years. Assignments for Babson have taken him from Rwanda to El Salvador, from the sweet-smelling factory of a Pennsylvania candy maker, to the stately Atlanta headquarters of an NFL owner, to the bustling office of a New York City fashion designer. Beyond his work for Babson, he has written articles and essays for The Philadelphia Inquirer, Notre Dame Magazine, The Good Men Project, and other publications. He can be found on Twitter, @crawfordwriter, where he tweets about climate change.
August 30, 2023

Posted in Community, Entrepreneurial Leadership, Outcomes

People talk and network in a crowded event
Four Networking Tips for Entrepreneurs After giving a pitch at an event, entrepreneurs may be swarmed by people seeking to talk with them. Here’s advice on how to navigate the scrum and make connections.
By
John Crawford
Senior Journalist
John Crawford
A writer for Babson Thought & Action and the Babson Magazine, John Crawford has been telling the College’s entrepreneurial story for more than 15 years. Assignments for Babson have taken him from Rwanda to El Salvador, from the sweet-smelling factory of a Pennsylvania candy maker, to the stately Atlanta headquarters of an NFL owner, to the bustling office of a New York City fashion designer. Beyond his work for Babson, he has written articles and essays for The Philadelphia Inquirer, Notre Dame Magazine, The Good Men Project, and other publications. He can be found on Twitter, @crawfordwriter, where he tweets about climate change.
August 17, 2023

Posted in Entrepreneurial Leadership, Insights, Outcomes

Brothers Kirk and Jacob McKinney at their co-founded business Junk Teens.
Talkin’ Trash: Babson’s Junk Teen Spills Secrets to Success Kirk McKinney ‘26 started a junk removal business with his brother while in high school. He says Babson has been key to Junk Teens’ success.
By
Hillary Chabot
Writer
Hillary Chabot
Hillary Chabot is a writer for Babson Thought & Action and Babson Magazine. An award-winning journalist, she is known for her insightful reporting and dedication to detailed storytelling. With a career spanning over two decades, she has covered a wide range of topics, from presidential campaigns and government policy to neighborhood issues and investigative series. As a reporter for The Boston Herald, Hillary earned a reputation for tenacity and integrity. Her work at Babson College fuels her passions—to learn something new every day and conduct thoughtful, empathic interviews. She’s thrilled to be at Babson College, where students, faculty, staff members and classes provide compelling copy daily.
August 11, 2023

Posted in Entrepreneurial Leadership, Outcomes

A boat sails in the water
The Entrepreneurial Spirit of Sailing Around the World Mark Towill MBA’23 is the co-founder of the 11th Hour Racing Team, which just won the grueling Ocean Race. The achievement took resilience, as well as business know-how.
By
John Crawford
Senior Journalist
John Crawford
A writer for Babson Thought & Action and the Babson Magazine, John Crawford has been telling the College’s entrepreneurial story for more than 15 years. Assignments for Babson have taken him from Rwanda to El Salvador, from the sweet-smelling factory of a Pennsylvania candy maker, to the stately Atlanta headquarters of an NFL owner, to the bustling office of a New York City fashion designer. Beyond his work for Babson, he has written articles and essays for The Philadelphia Inquirer, Notre Dame Magazine, The Good Men Project, and other publications. He can be found on Twitter, @crawfordwriter, where he tweets about climate change.
August 10, 2023

Posted in Entrepreneurial Leadership, Outcomes

Marvin Makofsky holds several vegetable plants
Solving Food Insecurity One Row at a Time Marvin Makofsky ’64 feeds a need with his nonprofit Plant a Row for the Hungry, which utilizes local gardens to provide fresh vegetables to his community of Port Washington, New York.
By
July 27, 2023

Posted in Entrepreneurial Leadership, Outcomes

Picture of Wishroute owner Jessica Lynch ’13, MS’13, MBA’18.
When Should You Sell Your Startup? Jessica Lynch ’13, MS’13, MBA’18 decided to sell her beloved venture Wishroute earlier this year. Here’s how she did it.
By
Hillary Chabot
Writer
Hillary Chabot
Hillary Chabot is a writer for Babson Thought & Action and Babson Magazine. An award-winning journalist, she is known for her insightful reporting and dedication to detailed storytelling. With a career spanning over two decades, she has covered a wide range of topics, from presidential campaigns and government policy to neighborhood issues and investigative series. As a reporter for The Boston Herald, Hillary earned a reputation for tenacity and integrity. Her work at Babson College fuels her passions—to learn something new every day and conduct thoughtful, empathic interviews. She’s thrilled to be at Babson College, where students, faculty, staff members and classes provide compelling copy daily.
July 25, 2023

Posted in Entrepreneurial Leadership, Insights, Outcomes

Sonal Dalvi MBA’23 poses for a portrait with a group of women artists
She Empowers Women Artists in India Sonal Dalvi MBA’23 works with tribal artists in India whose art is in danger of disappearing. She wants them to have careers that are rewarding, profitable, and empowering.
By
John Crawford
Senior Journalist
John Crawford
A writer for Babson Thought & Action and the Babson Magazine, John Crawford has been telling the College’s entrepreneurial story for more than 15 years. Assignments for Babson have taken him from Rwanda to El Salvador, from the sweet-smelling factory of a Pennsylvania candy maker, to the stately Atlanta headquarters of an NFL owner, to the bustling office of a New York City fashion designer. Beyond his work for Babson, he has written articles and essays for The Philadelphia Inquirer, Notre Dame Magazine, The Good Men Project, and other publications. He can be found on Twitter, @crawfordwriter, where he tweets about climate change.
July 24, 2023

Posted in Entrepreneurial Leadership, Outcomes