The Intrapreneur: A New Breed of Leader Rising Within

Sparking a Conversation

This week, during a final interview with a Fortune 100 company the conversation took an unexpected turn when the question arose, "What type of work environment do you thrive in?" My response was immediate, "An environment that embraces the intrapreneur." This sparked a deeper conversation about the unique value intrapreneurs bring to an organization.

Defining the Intrapreneur

Intrapreneurs, not to be confused with your typical high-performing employees, are internal entrepreneurs. They possess a rare blend of ownership, passion, and a vision that can revolutionize a company from within. Think of them as the Jeff Bezos or Jensen Huangs of your organization. They're not content with simply executing tasks; they're driven to create, to think outside of the box, to disrupt, and to leave their mark.

Why Intrapreneurs Matter

Most intraprenuers like myself would keep a tight lip on this part of themselves because of the fear of possible negative backlash of not appearing loyal to the organization and or the perception that their personal aspirations outside of work were a threat. In the past, this independent spirit might have been viewed with suspicion, and to be honest some leadership did misunderstand this. Too disruptive, too ambitious, so they thought. 2024 is a completely different ball game. In today's rapidly changing business landscape, it's precisely this kind of audacious thinking that companies desperately need.

The Intrapreneurial Mindset

Picture a workforce where everyone operates with the mindset of an owner:

• Solutions-Oriented: Problems aren't roadblocks, but challenges to be met head-on.
• Innovative by Design: They relentlessly test, learn, and iterate, fueled by data and a thirst for improvement.
• Nimble: Unburdened by bureaucracy, they adapt to change swiftly and decisively.

Embracing Intrapreneurship

Embracing intrapreneurs isn't about relinquishing control; it's about harnessing the latent entrepreneurial energy already present within your organization. It's about fostering a culture where bold ideas are encouraged, not stifled.

On a day-to-day basis, this looks like:

• Empowerment: Giving intrapreneurs the autonomy to experiment, take calculated risks, and own their initiatives.
• Collaboration: Encouraging cross-functional teamwork and knowledge sharing.
• Feedback: Providing constructive criticism and celebrating successes, both big and small.
• Learning: Creating opportunities for continuous growth and development.

A Growing Recognition

The conversation during my interview highlighted a growing recognition of the transformative power of intrapreneurs. The senior leader's positive response to my "intrapreneur" answer during the interview gave me hope that perhaps more organizations are recognizing that the question isn't whether they can afford to embrace intrapreneurs, but whether they can afford not to.

If You're a Bit of a Research Buff Like Me

Take a look at --> The Role of Intrapreneurship in Today's Economy: Case Studies of Successful Intrapreneurial Ventures: https://fastercapital.com/topics/the-role-of-intrapreneurship-in-today's-economy:case-studies-of-successful-intrapreneurial-ventures.html

The Conversation Continues

So, I ask you:

• Are you fostering a culture where the next Bezos or Huang can flourish within your own organization?
• What are your thoughts and or experiences with intrapreneurs?

I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Let's have an open conversation! Add your thoughts below.

#intrapreneurship #innovation #leadership #futureofwork