At Easol we are champions of the Entrepreneur, the innovators and those who think outside the box. We have learnt a lot over the years about how entrepreneurs tick and what makes a successful entrepreneur.
Recently Mike sat down with Dave Jarman - Associate Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship to discuss his key insights of Entrepreneurs.
Dave explained that one of the most valuable skillsets an entrepreneur can develop is the ability to learn quickly. It’s not just about recovering from failure, but about drawing fast, useful insights that lead to better decisions in the future.
When it comes to ideas, Dave believes passion should always come first. Being deeply passionate about solving a problem outweighs simply chasing the latest trend. A surfer who is obsessed with their sport and wants to improve the experience will always be a stronger bet than someone who has no personal interest but sees a business opportunity.
Innovation, he pointed out, rarely appears from nowhere. It often comes from personal experience, exposure to different environments, or even from reusing “scrap parts” of old ideas in fresh ways. True novelty arises when familiar elements are reassembled into something new.
Resilience also sits at the heart of entrepreneurship. But resilience doesn’t mean brute strength. Instead, it’s about adaptability, vulnerability and self-awareness. It’s about remaining committed to solving the problem even when the journey becomes tough, being comfortable with discomfort, and staying open to iteration and learning.
For those who work with entrepreneurs, supporting them can be deeply rewarding. There is a unique joy in watching someone uncover their passion, grow in confidence, and take steps forward on their journey.
Finally, Dave shared that while some structure is necessary, momentum and continuous learning are far more important. Often, a scrappier, more flexible model proves more effective than a rigid one. Teaching adaptability and encouraging flexibility in business models is essential for long-term success.
At Easol, we recognise and celebrate these traits every day in the entrepreneurs we work with. Whether it’s harnessing resilience, channelling passion, or finding joy in the journey, our role is to help them break through barriers, build momentum and create something remarkable.
If you’re ready to explore what’s possible with the right support and mindset, get in touch with us today, let’s create your breakout moment together.