What it takes to raise (and become) an innovator: author Margot Machol Bisnow (Episode 153)

This week’s guest set out to understand how some of the most successful and creative entrepreneurs were raised. She interviewed a diverse mix of innovative founders and executives (as well as some of their parents) including: YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki; TOMS Shoes founder Blake Mycoskie; Under Armour founder Kevin Plank; Supermodel Karolina Kurkova; movie director Jon Chu, among others. What she learned provides insight not only for raising children to be risk takers and problem solvers, but also how we can embrace practices in our own lives that help us develop those same capacities.

Margot Machol Bisnow spent much of her early career in government, including on the Federal Trade Commission. Before that, she served as chief of staff to President Ronald Reagan’s Council of Economic Advisers. It was only after Margot’s two sons were grown that she became inspired by the idea of entrepreneurship and how we can do a better job of cultivating it — in our children and in ourselves.

I’ll let Margot tell you the rest of the story, but here are a couple of important highlights from our conversation: the value of supporting and pursing the passions and interests that fuel you, and allowing kids to do the same. (With so many folks contemplating career pivots, it can be incredibly valuable to get back to what initially sparked your passion, and what you loved doing as a kid!) We also talk about the valuable role of competition in building confidence and risk taking, as well as the power of learning to embrace failure and setback.

Margot’s journey and findings led her to publish “Raising and Entrepreneurs: 10 Rules for Nurturing Risk Takers, problem solvers, and change makers” in 2016. The book has been expanded and updated for re-release in the fall. You can pre-order the book in July 2021.

Friend, I’m grateful you tuned in, and I’d love to know what you thought about today’s conversation, or any of our She Said/She Said Podcast episodes. How have you thought about this idea of pursuing your passion, and encouraging your children — if you have them — to do the same? How did Margot’s findings strike you? Any surprises? I’d love to know. You can reach me via the contact link at SheSaidSheSaidPodcast.com or DM me on Instagram @LauraCoxKaplan or message me on Linked In at Laura Cox Kaplan

Most of all, I hope you found this little investment in you well worth it! Have a great week!

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