Q &A WITH BRANDON BRUCE
When Webb School crafted its Strategic Vision, it identified entrepreneurial methods as a key element of the Webb experience, which served as the catalyst for the creation of Webb’s Entrepreneurship Program. This initiative strives to empower Upper School students with an entrepreneurial mindset that can serve them no matter what career paths they eventually choose; providing real-world learning for long-term success.
To lead the program, accomplished startup entrepreneur and philanthropist Brandon Bruce has come on board as Entrepreneurial Studies Coordinator and Entrepreneur in Residence. Bruce has spent his career in education and nonprofits, as well as successfully growing technology startups and supporting and promoting entrepreneurship in the Knoxville community. In this Q&A, he discusses his career as an entrepreneur and his new role at Webb.
18 Webb School of Knoxville
Q: What is your definition of an entrepreneurial mindset? A: I think one of the best definitions I’ve heard is from a
stand-up bit by comedian Chris Rock. He talks about the difference between a career and a job. “When you got a career, there ain’t enough time in the day. It’s 5:35 p.m.! I gotta come in early tomorrow and work on my project. When you have a job, there’s too much time.” There is a related quip that an entrepreneur works 80 hours a week because they don’t want to work 40. When I think about the entrepreneurs I’ve had the opportunity to meet, common traits include ambition, creativity, discipline, and empathy. The entrepreneurial mindset is one of curiosity, possibility and drive.
