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One of the great startup success stories in history, this Catholic religious order has a nearly 500-year history, built a global network, and helped create higher education as we know it. did.
Founded in 1540 by St. Ignatius Loyola, a former soldier, and beginning with more than just a mission to help souls and carry it out heroically, the Jesuits quickly established themselves around the world, joining the best of the time. He became known as an educator. Currently, there are approximately 188 Jesuit institutions of higher education, including Fordham, on six continents.
How did the Jesuits succeed? First, they believe in the ultimate importance of their mission, which “fosters a level of resilience, determination, and creativity,” says FCRH ’81, GSAS ’81, former Jesuit and former JPMorgan. Managing Director Chris Lowney said. 2003 book author Heroic leadership: Best practices from a 450-year-old company that changed the world. In interviews, Lowney and other Fordham alumni spoke of the similarities between Jesuit thinking and an entrepreneur’s approach to success.
Lesson #1: They didn’t have the mental baggage that would prevent them from becoming entrepreneurs.
The Jesuits made a virtue of detachment, detachment from status, possessions, and established ways of doing things, which enabled them to take risks. Asked by Ignatius to depart for India, Francis Xavier quickly replied, “Enough is enough, I am ready,” and took it upon himself to establish Jesuit outposts not only in India but throughout Asia. Lowney writes. heroic leadership. Adding a modern interpretation, he pointed out that obsessions such as greed and pride can create fear of failure and resistance to trying new things, which can hinder entrepreneurs.
Lesson #2: They led with love.
Unlike one of his contemporaries, Niccolo Machiavelli, Ignatius advised the Jesuits to lead with “love greater than fear,” which drew on the vitality of mutual affection, Lowney writes. Francis Xavier, traveling in Asia, carried with him papers signed by his fellow Jesuits, a touching reminder of their love for him. For modern entrepreneurs, this may mean wanting team members to grow and reach their potential, but it may also mean challenging them when necessary, Lowney says. .
Lesson #3: They adapted to their new environment.
Italian Jesuit Matteo Ricci entered China through enculturation, after many Europeans had failed. He learned Chinese, adopted the Chinese dress, and shared his knowledge of geometry and astronomy, Lowney wrote. Ricci’s predecessor in Asia, Francisco Xavier, also “showed remarkable respect for the culture he encountered” during a visit to Japan, Lowney said. “He was way ahead of his time.”
Lesson #4: They thought deeply about their purpose.
Former Jesuit Sal Giambanco (GSAS ’90) sees similarities between the entrepreneurial mindset and the self-awareness fostered by the Jesuits. mental exercises, a four-week system of meditation and prayer created by Ignatius. “It’s about seeing things and patterns that didn’t exist before,” says Giambanco, an early employee and senior executive at four startups, including PayPal. Mr. Giambanco served as PayPal’s first head of human capital, management, facilities and security. “You go into silence, [and]You can embrace that silence and bring that insight to effectuate change in the world. If you think about it, that’s exactly how entrepreneurs think. ”
Lesson #5: They asked for opinions and brought out the best in others.
Entrepreneur Angelo Santinelli, GABELLI ’84, says, “Contrary to the idea that a creative genius drives a business alone, the best leaders are those who ask tough questions of their teams and then take a step back.” “Getting out of the room” encourages collaboration and innovation. He is also a business educator who co-chairs the advisory board of the Fordham Foundry, the university’s entrepreneurship hub.
When he was a student at Fordham University, he often saw the Jesuits take that approach in the classroom. In a collaborative space where everyone feels valued, he says, “you’re always pushing the envelope and getting better.”
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