Seasoned innovator Louis K. Gump sheds light on the art and science of intrapreneurship: developing new products, services, and business niches within an existing company. Drawing upon personal experience and expert interviews, Gump details how to master the “inner game” of being an intrapreneur, including best practices for activating your intrapreneurial plan and engaging with the wider business community — both within and without your parent company. The world needs more intrapreneurs, Gump argues. This book will help you become one.
Intrapreneurship is the practice of creating value through innovation and growth within a larger organization.
Intrapreneurship and entrepreneurship are distinct disciplines, and one is not derivative of the other. Intrapreneurs are “in-house innovators” working inside a larger parent company or entity. They lead teams that brainstorm and grow innovative products and services within that parent company, such as, for example, when The Weather Channel hired Louis K. Gump to help develop digital resources in the early 2000s.
By acting as catalysts for positive change within an existing company, intrapreneurs help large organizations — which often prove resistant to change — stay innovative, adaptable, and profitable. Intrapreneurship not only pushes established organizations to adapt, it also helps train the next generation of leaders, creates transformative growth opportunities for entrepreneurs, and drives value within the organization.
The top five characteristics of intrapreneurs are curiosity, action-orientation, the ability to build bridges, risk-tolerance, and optimism.
Start your intrapreneurial journey by turning inwards to assess whether you are...
President of Cambian Solutions Louis K. Gump is a seasoned intrapreneur and entrepreneur who has led divisions within larger companies, including The Weather Channel and CNN, and served as CEO of smaller digital media companies.
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