Issue link: http://endeavor.uberflip.com/i/414924
At some point, all entrepreneurs face their "crazy moment"—the juncture at which they must choose between the safe and expected, and the unsafe and unknown. In my new book Crazy is a Compliment: The Power of Zigging When Everyone Else Zags, I looked back at my own "crazy moment." It occurred in the spring of 1998. Months earlier, I had broken the news to my (loving but risk-averse) parents that I wasn't going to use my law degree. Instead, my friend Peter Kellner and I had decided to pursue our dream of launch- ing an organization that would find high-impact entrepreneurs and connect them with world- class mentors and support services. High-impact means those with the biggest ideas, the likeliest potential to build businesses that matter, and the ability to inspire others. We were convinced that our new organization, Endeavor, would enable the dreamers, the job creators, and the role models to reach their goals even faster. But first we needed funding. After a few months and many "no's," we secured a 10-minute meeting for me with Eduardo Elsztain, one of Argentina's most celebrated entrepreneurs. I flew to Buenos Aires, walked into Eduardo's office, and gave him my most succinct Endeavor pitch, which ended with a request for Eduardo's time, passion, and $200,000. He turned to his deputy and laughed, "Esta chica está loca!" (This girl is crazy!) I teasingly let him know that he was lucky I'd only asked for $200,000. A few minutes later, I emerged from Eduardo's office with his promise to serve as the Founding Chairman of Endeavor Argentina and a check for $200,000. La Chica Loca indeed! That's why I say that if you're not called crazy when you're starting something new, you're probably not thinking big enough! Today Endeavor supports nearly 1,000 entre- preneurs leading more than 600 companies in 22 countries. Our mission is to ensure that our entrepreneurs' crazy moments result in tremen- dous success both for them and for their broader communities. We take their dreams, push them to think a little bigger and a little crazier, and help them lay out a roadmap to reach their goals. In 2013, Endeavor Entrepreneurs collectively had created 400,000 jobs and were generating close to $7 billion annually. We believe that every dreamer with a great idea and the dedication to bring it to life should have access to mentors who can help them succeed—regardless of where the entrepreneur was born. If you share this belief, I encourage you to join us in our growing Endeavor. Together we can transform economies, one crazy moment at a time. Linda Rottenberg Co-Founder & CEO Endeavor Photo by Tim Francis 1