The Entrepreneurial Mindset Project

Many people at work just go through the motions because they have never been permitted to contribute in a meaningful way. But if they are given a chance to build an entrepreneurial movement, they can unlock so much more in their career journey. Gary Schoeniger is joined by Maria Racho, an intrapreneur, angel investor, and former organizational effectiveness leader at Allstate, who explores what happens when an entrepreneurial spirit enters a compliance-driven organization. They discuss why the managerial culture built for reliability tends to suppress the very creativity they need, as well as the right way to make the most of our innate nature to contribute.

If life is not a dress rehearsal, then what will you do with it?That's the question at the heart of this conversation with Nico Yeats Zeelie — an entrepreneurial mindset facilitator from South Africa who, after attending a faculty training workshop with ELI, took a simple framework back to his students and watched it change the way they saw themselves and what was possible.In this episode, Gary and Nico explore what happens when students stop waiting for permission — and begin to see themselves as capable of creating value, shaping their future, and changing the trajectory of their lives. They discuss agency, identity, purpose, and the idea that life is not something that just happens to you.This is a conversation about human flourishing — and what becomes possible when ordinary people are given the tools to think differently.

In this episode of The Entrepreneurial Mindset Project, we sit down with Anita Shankar and Paul Spurzem from Johns Hopkins University to explore the root of human potential: agency. Through their global work, Anita and Paul reveal how the simple ability to make decisions and take purposeful action is far from an abstract concept—it is the catalyst that determines whether we stay stuck or move forward. In this wide-ranging conversation, we cover: The tangible impacts of agency on health, learning, and daily motivation.Why personal agency is an often-overlooked dimension in entrepreneurship, education, and human development.The powerful roles that mindset, culture, identity, and social influence play in helping people see new possibilities for themselves. Tune in to discover the hidden logic that enables ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things!

If nearly two out of three Americans say they have a business idea, why do so few ever act on it?That question sits at the heart of today’s conversation.Welcome to another episode of The Entrepreneurial Mindset Project, where we explore the hidden logic that enables ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.Today I’m joined by Cameron Cushman, co-creator of 1 Million Cups — a simple Wednesday morning experiment that grew into a national movement supporting entrepreneurs in communities across the country.Cameron began his career in trade policy at the U.S. Department of Commerce, helping share the “secret sauce” of American entrepreneurship with the world. But it wasn’t until he arrived at the Kauffman Foundation in Kansas City that he discovered something important: the real secret wasn’t policy — it was community.In this conversation, we explore what actually helps people move from intention to action — why community matters, why “weak ties” often prove stronger than close friends and family, and why, as Cameron likes to say, a dolphin tank beats a shark tank when it comes to real growth. Most importantly, it’s a reminder that entrepreneurship isn’t reserved for the venture-backed elite. It’s a way of thinking — and engaging — that becomes possible when the right conditions are in place.I hope you enjoy my conversation with Cameron Cushman.

If entrepreneurs are inspired, empowered, and genuinely love what they are doing, their efforts can lead to profound economic development. Gary Schoeniger speaks with his longtime friend Thom Ruhe, President and CEO of NC IDEA. Together, they discuss what it takes to build thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems – not just programs or funding pipelines, but cultures of agency, inclusion, and possibility. Thom also explains why mindset may be the missing piece in economic development and how to put entrepreneurial thinking at the heart of education, workforce, and economic growth. Tune in and discover why entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful forces for unlocking human potential.

A true entrepreneurial mindset is not just about earning a profit but also creating genuine human relationships and experiences. In this episode, we dive deep into the ecosystem of Tecnológico de Monterrey (Tec), one of the most entrepreneurial university systems in the world. Geraldina Silveyra León, a transformative leader at Tec, discusses how the university has embedded entrepreneurship into the DNA of its entire system, transcending traditional academic boundaries. Sharing powerful stories about challenge-based learning, she talks about their culture centered on identifying incredible opportunities, creating positive change, and making meaningful contributions to society.

As technology, culture, and creativity reshape how we grow, the future of learning lies in moving beyond compliance to true curiosity and capability. Learning strategist Nick Briere shares how organizations can design experiences that do more than check boxes, empowering people to think, build, and innovate. Drawing from years of designing learning systems that balance human connection with measurable results, Nick reveals how leaders can shift mindsets, foster engagement, and turn every learning opportunity into a catalyst for transformation. He also explores how organizations can cultivate environments where learning feels less like an obligation and more like an invitation to grow, adapt, and create lasting impact across teams and industries.

Dr. Matt Lee started out studying criminal homicide. But after his career took some unexpected yet fascinating turns, he found himself leading research at Harvard’s Human Flourishing Program. He joins Gary Schoeniger to reflect on how he made this career shift and is now pushing the boundaries of traditional academia. Dr. Lee unpacks the connection between entrepreneurship and human flourishing, emphasizing why this intersection is more than just business. He also shares insights on teaching young people about the sociology of love and explains why action-oriented love is the driving force behind meaningful innovation.

Today’s episode is a little different—and honestly, it’s one I’ve been looking forward to for a while. I’m joined by someone who really gets it. Not just the mechanics of leadership or the theory behind entrepreneurship—but the deeper stuff. The mindset. The attitude. The way of seeing the world that changes how we show up every day.Dr. Dan Walden is the superintendent and president of Victor Valley College. But what makes Dan stand out—what really sets him apart—is that he doesn’t see entrepreneurship as just something you do. He sees it as a way of being. A way of thinking and acting that empowers people at every level—not just to do their job, but to take ownership, to lead, to build something that matters.Dan’s entrepreneurial journey started at the age of ten, selling seeds and mowing lawns as a way to pay for new shoes. These early entrepreneurial experiences led him to transform a dying church into a thriving community. Today, Dan is using that same mindset to lead one of the fastest-growing community colleges in the country.What I love about Dan is that he’s lived this. It’s not just theory to him. It’s who he is. And in this conversation, we explore how he’s bringing mindset-driven leadership into higher education, not just to drive institutional change, but to empower students, staff, and the broader community. Dan’s story is a powerful example of what happens when purpose, humility, and entrepreneurial thinking come together to create real impact.

Serial entrepreneur Doug Hardman went through a lot to achieve his current success. His story is all about ambition, resilience, and hard-earned humility, shaped by his determination to jump back from many failures. In this enlightening conversation, he looks back on the ups and downs of his career and life that taught him patience, commitment, and perseverance. Doug also talks about the importance of financial literacy and a proper support system in entrepreneurship, how to unlock your entrepreneurial self, and the right way to handle success when it comes your way too fast.

There is no single path to entrepreneurship success – one person may do it in the most traditional way, while others may take an even more unorthodox path. The latter proved to be true for Marshall Taulbert, who became a fashion designer in the most interesting way possible. He looks back on how he grew up mostly around entrepreneurs and how it taught him creativity, persistence, and resiliency. Marshall shares the origins of his company Danzy Design Studio, which was born out of his profound love for fashion. He also talks about the importance of constant feedback and the willingness to learn in the life – and success – of an entrepreneur.

Hello and welcome to another episode of The Entrepreneurial Mindset Project, where I tease out the hidden logic that enables ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things through finding solutions. In this episode, I’m speaking with Dr. Meena McCullough, a physical therapist who became an unlikely entrepreneur. Frustrated by the limitations of the medical system, she found herself constantly complaining. Yet she was motivated to take action after a friend challenged her with these simple words, "Put your money where your mouth is." This pivotal moment challenged her to shift her mindset towards solution-driven thinking in a way that ultimately led her to start her own business. She began with a simple solution—creating flashcards to help caregivers who worked with patients who were suffering from dementia. Once she saw that her idea actually worked, she was inspired to address larger challenges for those who suffered from chronic pain. Today, she has a thriving practice of her own, one that is revolutionizing physical therapy. Dr. Meena’s story is a master class in entrepreneurship: look for problems to solve, try things on a small scale, and continuously learn and adapt. And, rather than taking big risks, she began by experimenting in the margins, after work and on weekends, building prototypes and refining her ideas through customer feedback. She also described the difficulty of overcoming self-doubt and dealing with negativity as well as the value of persistence, passion, and embracing uncertainty. What I love about Dr. Meena’s story is the simplicity of it all. Look for problems in your everyday life. Stop complaining and start solving. The ability to identify and solve problems is something anyone can do. So, without any further ado, I hope you enjoy my conversation with Dr. Meena McCullough.