When reading this book, I was re-affirmed that I like to shift between entrepreneur/freelancer and employee. I like the safety and comfort of working for a company, but I also like the freedom and flexibility of being an entrepreneur/freelancer. Everyone is able to learn a lesson from the book, regardless if they are an employer or employee.
Near the end of 2018, while working on a short project, I did something out of the ordinary.
I did something extremely far from what I was used to. It was worlds away from my comfort zone. My hands were sweaty, I stared at the computer screen where I prepared talking points, and I occasionally glanced out the window to a busy street out of nervousness. I tried not to stutter while we were talking about numbers.
So what did I do? What happened?
I have a secret. Don’t tell people, okay?
When I very little funds in my bank accounts, I have an internal crisis. I ask myself questions like “What is my purpose?”, “Why am I even here?”, “How am I meant to help change the world?”, “What’s the point?”, or “Is this all there is?”. I might as well be having a mid-life crisis. But then, an invoice is paid or a new opportunity falls into my lap, and I’m my productive and motivated self again. This happens to the best of us - we stray from our path, but then find it again.
I realized I’m not into entrepreneurialism as much.
Thus, there’s a group of people like me who are intrapreneurs.
Definition via investopia:
An intrapreneur is an inside entrepreneur, or an entrepreneur within a large firm, who uses entrepreneurial skills without incurring the risks associated with those activities. Intrapreneurs are usually employees within a company who are assigned to work on a special idea or project, and they are instructed to develop the project like an entrepreneur would. Intrapreneurs usually have the resources and capabilities of the firm at their disposal.
Are you wondering if you are an intrapreneur? Below are five skills/traits that help identify intrapreneurs.
When I joined a board and walked into my first meeting it was filled with BIPOC professionals, people working full-time jobs outside of being on the board. I waltzed in, settled down, and boy oh boy! I was wearing my Butch Please hat. There was one person in particular who gave me a deadly stare. I continued to be carefree - paying attention to the person talking. During check-in I intentionally introduced myself as a person who would hold the board accountable to the community. My allegiance is with folks using the services and it shouldn't matter what I wear, what matters is making sure we provide the best services to the community.
