My Final Reflections

As I'm sitting down to write this final reflection, I'm realizing this course was so much more than just a class on entrepreneurship. It was a profound journey into what it means to live a life of purpose, and I've been reflecting on the lessons that have stuck with me the most. I've realized that the entrepreneurial path isn't just about building a company; it's about building yourself.

If I had one final lecture to share with a group of students, I wouldn't spend it on business plans or market analysis. Instead, I'd talk about the "why" behind it all. I'd tell them that the true purpose of a business isn't just to make a profit. As Charles Handy argued, profit is just a tool to keep the business community alive; the real purpose is to be a community that serves others. I’d share the wisdom from the "A Hero's Journey" video and challenge them to measure their success not by their bank account, but by three powerful questions that will matter most at the end of their lives: "Have I contributed something meaningful? Was I a good person? And who did I love and who loved me?" That framework completely changed how I think about my goals.

My last bit of advice to someone wanting to begin the entrepreneur journey would be this: your biggest asset isn't your idea, it's your character. The readings on honesty and integrity really drove this home for me. You have to be "true blue, through and through," as Sheri Dew said, because without integrity, trust crumbles, and without trust, no business can truly last. I would also give them a powerful piece of advice from the "7 Habits" framework: "Sharpen the Saw." Don't fall into the trap of the endless hustle. You have to take care of yourself—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—or you'll hit a wall. An entrepreneur who's running on empty can’t lead or create effectively.

Finally, I would give them a word of caution, but also of direction. I'd caution them to expect challenges, but to see them differently. The course taught me that setbacks aren’t failures; they’re part of a grand adventure—the "hero's journey." Every "brick wall" is just a test of how badly you want something. I’d direct them to embrace the idea of "permanent beta," as Reid Hoffman put it. The world is always changing, and so should you. Don't be afraid to pivot, to learn new skills, and to always be improving. Your business is a reflection of you, so as you grow and adapt, so will it. This course has been a powerful reminder that the most important product you'll ever build is yourself. It’s about living with intent, building a meaningful life, and becoming the hero of your own story. I'm leaving this class not just with business concepts, but with a new perspective on what it means to succeed. And for that, I am truly grateful.