Pioneers
8 Principles of Business Longevity from Immigrant Entrepreneurs
1. Auflage April 2025
256 Seiten, Hardcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
Unlock the principles that drive the remarkable success stories of immigrant entrepreneurs from around the world
In Pioneers: 8 Principles of Business Longevity From Immigrant Entrepreneurs, academic, entrepreneur, and consultant, Neri Karra Sillaman, delivers a one-of-a-kind exploration of the remarkable success of immigrant entrepreneurs. The author writes about how immigrants, often starting with limited capital and connections, have built iconic and enduring businesses. Sillaman combines rigorous academic research with compelling case studies and personal experience and narrative to uncover the principles that drive these stunning achievements.
Pioneers offers a blueprint for business leaders seeking longevity, profitability, and sustainability in the contemporary marketplace. You'll find:
* Strategies for building resilient businesses that embrace diversity and inclusion
* Explanations of the power of community and how you can leverage it for business growth
* Stories of the importance of creating a legacy that goes beyond mere profit
* Techniques and actionable advice to turn past failures into future success
Exploring the dramatic immigrant success stories powering such well-known brands as Chobani, WhatsApp, and BioNTech, this book is a must-read for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone else interested in the dynamics of immigrant entrepreneurship. Pioneers is a transformative and inspiring business guide that will help you build a company that stands the test of time.
Part I Departure 1
Chapter 1 The Myths and Reality of Business Longevity 3
Chapter 2 Immigrant Entrepreneurship and the American Dream 21
Chapter 3 Who Are Immigrant Entrepreneurs? 35
Part II Exploration: The 8 Principles 51
Chapter 4 Principle 1: Be a Bridge Across Cultures 53
Chapter 5 Principle 2: Build from the Past Forward and the Future Back 75
Chapter 6 Principle 3: Forge Connections Based on Identity and Authenticity 97
Chapter 7 Principle 4: Generate Profit the Right Way 117
Chapter 8 Principle 5: Build Community 133
Chapter 9 Principle 6: Reframe Rejection 151
Chapter 10 Principle 7: "Fry in Your Own Oil" 169
Chapter 11 Principle 8: Dare to Play Your Hand 185
Conclusion: Our Future, Together as One 201
Notes 209
Acknowledgments 223
About the Author 227
Index 229
--Mel Robbins, bestselling author and host of "The Mel Robbins Podcast"
"This book busts myths about what it takes to start and sustain a successful business. Neri Karra shares lessons from immigrant entrepreneurs that are both memorable and practical."
--Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of HIDDEN POTENTIAL and THINK AGAIN, and host of the podcast "ReThinking"
"This astonishing book shows all of us how to thrive in imperfect conditions, the essential task of business and of life."
--Frances Frei and Anne Morriss, bestselling authors of Move Fast & Fix Things and host of the hit podcast "Fixable"
"Entrepreneur and scholar Neri Karra sets out to answer the question of why immigrants are overrepresented in entrepreneurship, and especially overrepresented in successful entrepreneurship - founding companies able to grow and survive over time. Her surprising answers, found through compelling research and conveyed through gripping stories offer timeless wisdom for business leaders that could not be more timely today."
--Amy C Edmondson, Novartis Professor of Leadership at Harvard Business School and Author of Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well
"Pioneers masterfully captures the spirit of immigrant entrepreneurship, offering rich insights into how their innovations are disrupting industries and building businesses that endure. A must-read for entrepreneurs looking to create lasting impact."
--Dorie Clark, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Long Game and executive education faculty at Columbia Business School
"Full of amazing, touching and inspiring stories, Pioneers is essential reading. In our intolerant and uncertain times, it teaches us the power of being open to others and of the indomitable entrepreneurial brilliance of so many people. We owe Neri Karra Sillaman thanks for sharing her own remarkable story and those of the other pioneers."
--Stuart Crainer, cofounder Thinkers50.
"In an era where we're all pioneers navigating unfamiliar territory, Neri Karra's Pioneers serves as an essential guidebook for thriving in our rapidly evolving world. Whether you're crossing geographical borders or adapting to seismic shifts in your industry, this book will show you how to design your own path in a world that's new to us all."
--Ayse Birsel, cofounder, Birsel + Seck, and author of Design the Life You Love
"At a time when immigrants are being viewed with suspicion in many parts of the world, Neri Karra's book comes as a breath of fresh air. She has brought together inspirational stories of immigrant entrepreneurs from around the world shining a light on their tenacity, appetite for risk and capacity for hard work, and how it translates into success. This book is not just for immigrants though. All entrepreneurs would do well to read it."
--Kamal Munir, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Strategy and Policy, University of Cambridge
