Thinking Like an Entrepreneur
Sometimes books come about in unusual ways. For Dr. Kary Oberbrunner, Berry chair of entrepreneurship at Cedarville University, the idea of writing his newest book—The E-Mind—came while cycling the highest paved mountains in in the Alps, Col de l'Iseran.
Sometimes books come about in unusual ways. For Dr. Kary Oberbrunner, Berry chair of entrepreneurship at Cedarville University, the idea of writing his newest book—The E-Mind—came while cycling the highest paved mountains in the Alps, Col de l'Iseran.
The E-Mind: How to Think Like an Entrepreneur and Gain and Exponential Advantage is Oberbrunner’s 13th book. It explores the 10 traits that will help anyone experience more personal and professional success. of a successful entrepreneur. Oberbrunner’s company Igniting Souls, which publishes many Wall Street Journal bestsellers, will release the book on December 5.
The concept behind E-Mind came during Oberbrunner’s summer bicycle adventure throughout France. It was during his ride that he experienced being alone on the Tour de France routes in a country he had never visited before. This experience made him realize the importance of applying an entrepreneurship mentality to everyday challenges in order to succeed.
“E-Mind is for students and adults in any industry,” said Oberbrunner.
The cycling trip, and Oberbrunner’s approaching first day as the Berry chair of entrepreneurship—just a few days after the European ride—spurred him to think about entrepreneurship as more than just something you do.
“Entrepreneurship is not just a minor; it’s a mindset. Everyone should think like an entrepreneur,” said Oberbrunner. “If they do, they’ll be better nurses, better math teachers, better construction workers. They’ll simply be more productive in life. I truly believe that in today’s economy and marketplace you must think that way. Jesus told us to be salt and light and our good works point people back to our Heavenly Father.”
To demonstrate this idea, he started the E-Mind podcast that unpacks stories of leaders, such as Earl Seals, Dr. Jeff Haymond, Professor Alina Leo, and many other faculty and students at Cedarville University.
“The podcast highlights the amazing people from the Cedarville community, and it gives them a platform to share,” said Oberbrunner.
Ultimately the book serves as tool which equips people across all walks of life so they can leverage entrepreneurial thinking. As a result, they’ll think bigger and reach further.
“We need more Christ-centered entrepreneurs in every field.” said Oberbrunner. “I’m deeply honored to serve at such an amazing University. It’s a dream come true.”
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 5,082 undergraduate, graduate, and dual enrolled high school students in more than 175 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio, recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, such as the entrepreneurship minor, high graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and the #4 national ranking by the Wall Street Journal for student engagement. For more information about the University, visit cedarville.edu.