As we enter the back-to-school season, I look forward to continue teaching Entrepreneurship at California State University.
In May 2016, I decided to work on my personal brand, officially re-launch my coaching business and release my first book Live with Purpose by September. I never would have imagined that in less than a year it would become an Amazon international bestseller in over 10 self-help and business categories, and part of the Entrepreneurship MBA curriculum I was offered to teach at CSULA as a result.
Here are five things I’ve learned teaching Entrepreneurship:
1. It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the ones most responsive to change.” — Charles Darwin
Change is becoming crucial today and the pace of change is increasing. Those who proactively change succeed. As a professor I always make sure to not only update and improve my materials but most importantly my philosophy. I’m always open to new technologies in class and adapt most of my teaching materials digitally.
2. “We can teach from our experience, but we cannot teach experience.” — Sasha Azevedo
My role is to help students create a profitable and sustainable business that connects with their higher purpose. My course ensures a mindset shift and massive action taking. Each student is asked to pitch a business idea and make it happen. By making mistakes, they develop the ability to navigate opportunities. And ironically their questions, insecurities and brilliant ideas will often stem from their intuition over their experience.
3. ‘’If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow.’’ — John Dewey
It is key to be innovative and ahead of the curve with your style of teaching. My students do most of the talking. I have an open book and materials policy and students can use any technology. My motto is ‘it doesn’t matter what you know, but who they know or more importantly who knows you’. One of the assignments is to create a LinkedIn account and endorse each other skills.
4. “To teach is to learn twice over.” — Joseph Joubert
You could spend an entire lifetime studying any subject inside and out, but nothing will give you an insight into what you are doing as powerfully as teaching. Most of my students aren’t familiar with the world of entrepreneurship. On the other hand, seasoned entrepreneur may have lost the enthusiasm beginners often have. Teaching helped me remember this passion and look at my work from a brand new perspective.
5. “A teacher affects eternity: he can never tell where his influence stops.” — Henry
I am thankful to have had the opportunity to make an impact on many people’s lives. I feel like I didn’t only give something: I certainly came home with something more myself.
Nathalie Virem is a #1 International Best-Selling Author, Professional Speaker and Coach based in Los Angeles, California who helps Fortune 500 leaders and entrepreneurs align their business vision and higher purpose. As an Entrepreneurship MBA Professor at CSULA, she shares tips used along her path towards professional and personal growth. www.nathalievirem.com
Originally published at medium.com