Last week, I had the opportunity to meet with my younger peers at Kabataş Erkek Lisesi, a school I’m always proud to call my alma mater, as part of their Entrepreneurship Workshop. Walking through the historic corridors of this school, being in an environment filled with youthful energy, and answering their questions was truly a delight for me.
Once again, I realized the foresight of Atatürk’s words: “Young people! All the hope and future of the nation is entrusted to you and the understanding and energy of the younger generation.” These bright young minds sitting across from me are the very essence of Turkey’s bright future. Their questions, interest in the entrepreneurship ecosystem, and analytical thinking made me incredibly happy. I was especially moved by their perspectives on risk-taking, coping with failure, and technological transformation, their desire for clear answers, their curiosity, and their hopes for the future.
Here are some highlights from this enjoyable conversation:
Key Takeaways from the Conversation
One of their main curiosities was about the biggest challenge I faced in my entrepreneurial career. My answer was clear and straightforward: lack of funds, difficulty finding angel investors, limited access to credit, and instability. Entrepreneurship is not always a smooth path; it’s an adventure full of ups and downs. However, these challenges make one more resilient and creative.
A student asked, “Is there anything you would change in your entrepreneurial career?” My answer was, “Life doesn’t run on regrets, my friends.” Entrepreneurship is a journey where plans don’t always go as expected. What matters is getting up and moving forward.
Key Points to Success in Entrepreneurship
The students asked about the fundamental things necessary for success in entrepreneurship. Young people always want to learn the shortcuts. But these are neither complicated nor unreachable. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way:
These principles may sound simple, but they are at the core of it all. The key is to be patient and determined while implementing them.
I also emphasized the importance of receiving a good education in an entrepreneurial journey. However, education alone isn’t enough; curiosity, passion, ambition, and hard work play significant roles in success. Sometimes, you might need to work with an obsessive focus, feeling it in your very being, even in your sleep. Entrepreneurship is not just a profession; it’s a way of life.
Entrepreneurship in Turkey
Today, I believe Turkey’s entrepreneurship ecosystem is in a much better place than it used to be. Thanks to angel investors, entrepreneur hubs, and support mechanisms, there are more opportunities for young people. However, economic challenges such as high inflation still pose significant hurdles for entrepreneurs. At this point, I advised the students to be patient and determined, saying, “If you’re not willing to settle for worse conditions, you won’t achieve better ones.” I encouraged them to keep their antennas up and progress wherever they find suitable opportunities.
Persistence and Determination
When a student asked about the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey, I explained that the idea of entrepreneurship formed during my university years, but the conditions were not suitable at that time. It took me a year to establish my first venture, and throughout this process, I learned that persistence and determination to see things through are vital. Life in business is never a constant uphill climb; it’s a journey full of ups and downs.
Life Is Yours to Shape
At the end of this delightful conversation, seeing the light and energy in the students’ eyes made me very happy. Their questions were promising for the future of Turkey’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. Each of them has the potential to chart their own course and take our country forward.
I would like to extend my gratitude to the school administration and dear students for this meaningful day I spent in Kabataş. Being with these young people, inspiring them, and being inspired by them was a great joy for me. I hope our paths cross again with these future entrepreneurs.
Remember, life is yours to shape.
Last week, I had the opportunity to meet with my younger peers at Kabataş Erkek Lisesi
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