New York City is a fascinating place, but especially during UN Week. Lots of interesting people doing interesting work on behalf of the world. I was there last week and had the privilege of speaking with Bob Safian at the Social Good Summit about my new role as the UN Foundation’s first Global Advocate for Entrepreneurship.
My goal as Global Advocate is to help pave the way for the next billion jobs by advocating for the No. 1 creator of jobs—the world’s entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs have an uphill climb and, as the source for roughly 70 percent of new jobs globally, it’s critical that we work collectively to remove the obstacles to their success. There are lots of ways to go about that, but first and foremost we have to make sure job creation makes the final list of Sustainable Development Goals, which will be voted on by the UN General Assembly this time next year. These goals will set the world’s agenda through the year 2030, and I will be making a strong case among key stakeholders for job creation (and the entrepreneurs that drive it).
Of course at Dell, we’ve been supporting emerging, fast-growing businesses for a long time. I’m inspired by the energy, enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit. One question I get asked all the time is, “How can I become a successful entrepreneur?” But that’s one question I can’t answer. Because if you’re waiting for someone else’s advice to become an entrepreneur, chances are you’re not one.
If I’d listened to everyone who told me what I could and couldn’t do and why, I’d be writing this column on an IBM PC. For the record, IBM doesn’t make PCs any more. I’m using a Dell XPS 15.
But there are a few things that distinguish real entrepreneurs, and if you have them, you’re starting in the right place.