Building a Personal Edge: Entrepreneurial Principles for Any Path

As we settle into fall, I find myself gearing up for a season of speaking engagements and connections. And with each talk on the horizon, I keep coming back to a question: How can I make this resonate not just with current founders, but with anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in their career?

After years of working with entrepreneurs, I’ve noticed something about the traits that lead to success. There are certain core principles that every successful founder seems to have in their toolkit, yet they’re not exclusive to startups. Whether you’re launching a business, managing a project, or leading a team, these traits can give you an edge. They’re universal, empowering tools that build resilience and momentum in nearly any pursuit.

Now, I’ll be the first to say that not everyone should feel pressure to become an entrepreneur—if it’s not your calling, the challenges of that path can be overwhelming. But I do believe there’s something valuable in the entrepreneurial mindset. It’s a way of approaching challenges that helps build a personal advantage, making the journey a little easier, regardless of the destination. These principles, rooted in the lessons I’ve learned from some of the most remarkable founders I’ve worked with, can be applied to anyone’s professional growth and ambition.

Below, I’ll break down the traits I’ve found most essential to building that personal edge. And for those areas where you might feel especially challenged, I’ve added “Ultra Tips”—tangible ways to get started, no matter where you’re coming from.

1. Thinking Beyond Today

A powerful trait I see in successful entrepreneurs is their ability to think beyond today’s demands. It’s one thing to set goals; it’s another to see how today’s choices affect the future. Visionary entrepreneurs imagine how their product or idea could shape the world in five or ten years, staying focused on that bigger picture even when the daily grind gets tough.

Tip: If you’re working on a new project or even planning your next career move, ask yourself, “What impact will this have in a year?” It’s a small shift but helps you approach your work with a longer-term purpose in mind.

Ultra Tip: If this feels abstract, start with shorter time frames. For example, ask, “What impact will this have in three months?” Breaking it down helps create tangible, near-term milestones while still building toward a bigger picture.

2. Building Meaningful Relationships

One of the less-discussed but powerful tools in any founder’s toolkit is empathy. This is about building relationships that go beyond networking—whether with colleagues, mentors, teammates, or even competitors. In my work, I often see the most effective entrepreneurs creating genuine, mutually beneficial connections based on understanding and shared goals.

Tip: Next time you’re connecting with someone new, approach the conversation with curiosity rather than an agenda. Ask them about their passions, their current challenges, or what they’re working on. It’s a way to build a network that’s not just extensive but also deeply valuable.

Ultra Tip: If networking feels overwhelming, aim to connect deeply with just one person each month. Reach out, ask questions, and really listen to their answers. This slower pace helps build confidence and makes networking feel more like a natural conversation.

3. Taking Informed Action (Even Without Every Answer)

Many believe risk-taking in entrepreneurship is reckless, but the best founders know how to manage risks strategically. They rarely wait for perfect information—because it rarely exists. They take calculated steps forward, using each decision as an opportunity to learn and adapt. This approach can benefit anyone, in any role.

Tip: If you’re hesitating on a decision because you don’t have all the answers, try setting a short deadline to make the choice anyway. Just taking action gives you feedback that can help you either move forward or make adjustments as needed.

Ultra Tip: If making decisions quickly feels daunting, try using a “30% rule.” When you feel 30% informed, go ahead and decide on a small next step rather than committing fully. Taking tiny steps builds confidence and reduces pressure to make the ‘perfect’ call.

4. Bouncing Back from Setbacks

If there’s one certainty in entrepreneurship, it’s that setbacks are inevitable. But here’s what separates resilient entrepreneurs from the rest: they don’t let failure define them. Instead, they learn from each stumble, adjust their approach, and keep moving. In my role, I see founders doing this time and again—and it’s a powerful lesson.

Tip: Next time you face a setback, take a moment to ask yourself: “What can I learn from this?” The answer may not be obvious at first, but if you approach each setback as an opportunity for growth, you’ll be better prepared for the next challenge.

Ultra Tip: If resilience feels tough, write down one small, specific thing you can improve for next time. For instance, if a project didn’t go well, commit to a minor tweak, like prepping one day earlier. Focusing on tiny, tangible changes can make setbacks feel more manageable.

5. Financial Awareness Without Financial Expertise

Now, I’ll be honest with you: I have dyscalculia, which means math has always been challenging. But I’ve learned that financial acumen isn’t just about numbers—it’s about knowing enough to ask for help and manage resources smartly. You don’t have to be a math whiz to understand the basics of cash flow or budgeting, and, more importantly, to know when you need support.

Tip: If financials feel overwhelming, try using tools or apps that simplify budgeting, or consult with someone who has a strong grasp of finances. Having basic financial awareness, paired with a support system, goes a long way in keeping things sustainable.

Ultra Tip: For those who really struggle with numbers, set aside 15 minutes each week to check in on just one metric, like cash flow or expenses. Over time, this small habit builds familiarity and confidence, making financials feel more approachable.

Final Thoughts

These principles—vision, empathy, decisiveness, resilience, and financial awareness—are essential for entrepreneurs, but they’re also universal. They apply to anyone committed to growth, ambition, and a sense of purpose. Whether you’re leading a business, a team, or your own professional journey, embracing these traits can make a real impact.

So, while my upcoming talks might be geared towards entrepreneurs, I’ll be sharing these insights with a wider audience. Because the entrepreneurial mindset doesn’t just belong to founders; it’s a toolkit that can help anyone make their mark.