Week 3 Reading Reflection

1) What was the biggest surprise for you in the reading? In other words, what did you read that stood out the most as different from your expectations? 

The MBAs Without Borders was the biggest “surprise” for me. Although it wasn’t necessarily some sort of epiphany, I enjoyed reading about the program and think it has the potential to do great things via social entrepreneurship. I found it interesting that something as antiquated as a mosquito net could be essentially rebranded and made successful just by taking a different perspective on it (i.e. vibrant colors and movie placements)

2) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.

The Entrepreneurial Motivation section was confusing, as it didn’t really break down actionable steps, only a blob of writing with scientific jargon.

3) If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?

1) Would you agree that a successful entrepreneur plays the middle ground of Type A and Type B personalities? It seems that the “getting stuff done” side of Type A is necessary, as it provides to motivation to take action, whereas a Type B personality is more laid back and does not take things too seriously (i.e. will take failure in stride and not get caught up on it). It also seems that the hybrid Type A/B would be most efficient in communicating with the widest number of people, and therefore create a more encompassing network.

2) Given the above is true, what is the best way for a Type A individual to learn type B characteristics and vice versa? If a successful entrepreneur is one who can be the Type A/B personality, then learning to bridge that gap will likely be beneficial.

4) Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree with what she or he said? How?

Not that I disagree with the author, but I found the dichotomy of “an entrepreneur is optimistic” and “an entrepreneur tends to distrust” interesting. The beginning part of the text lays out how entrepreneurs share certain characteristics, only to later go through all of the negativity experienced by entrepreneurs.