What does it take to be a social entrepreneur?

Recently, Gifts and Graces was invited to give a talk to 4th year Assumption students on social entrepreneurship in connection with their Political, Educational Advocacy and Community Extension (P.E.A.C.E.) Work Project launch. 

Part of the talk given by G&G Executive Director Greg Perez was on what it takes to be a social entrepreneur. Here we share a slightly tweaked version of the talk which can also be seen in a feature on G&G in Katha Magazine's 2nd online edition  http://bit.ly/katha-issue02

• Take time to reflect on the big questions: Where do your passions lie? What could you be the best at in the world? What makes you come alive? What value will you provide? The intersection of your Passion + Skill + Opportunity will ensure that you create value and you have fun while doing it

•  Show leadership - be bold, be brave, be innovative, have conviction, be authentic. Believe in yourself.

• Always be learning - ask for help, observe, be intellectually curious 

• Be emotionally, physically, mentally prepared to take on the challenges. You will have a world view that others don't get yet. Social development is a marathon. Take care of yourself, take time to breathe and pause and reconnect

• Build a network, be part of a network - it takes a village to solve today's complex problems. Social entrepreneurship is part of the solution, not the only solution

• Be generous with your knowledge and experience. 

• Never lose the power to empathize - that is what makes us human. The need to be part of the solution comes from a place of empathy - this is what will sustain you