Diane Foreman - The Emerald Group

I just read this inspiring speech given by Diane Foreman as she gave an award to Michael Whittaker as the 2001 Entrepreneur of the Year.

Here are some bites:

o what makes an Entrepreneur?

Is it brains? Maybe. Is it the ability to take risks? Definitely. Is it education - certainly not according to the examples I have just given? Is it gender, definitely not. I think it’s about the nature and mind set of the individual - thinking innovatively, recognising opportunities that other don’t see and having a tenacious optimism that manages stress more easily, delights in tackling tough challenges and smashing through barriers others see as insurmountable.

What it is not about, is a singular desire to make money. The evidence is fairly clear that money by itself is too shallow a goal to motivate. Money is the score card on which we are all judged, not the reason for playing the game. I have never met a truly successful businessperson who’s sole focus was to make money. Every successful person I know set out to find a better mouse trap, to grow a business, to give their people bigger opportunities and customers a better quality product, but above all else to fulfil their dream.

Now read the rest. Damn. Inspiring: From the Spirt.