Fashion designer and entrepreneur Tory Burch is an inspiration to many aspiring entrepreneurs. In addition to being the CEO behind an internationally-renowned clothing line bearing her name, she is also the philanthropic driving force of the Tory Burch Foundation (which aims to support women business owners and their families).
The commencement speech she gave on May 17 to Babson College’s class of 2014 was filled with wise advice for graduates preparing to embark upon their entrepreneurial journeys.
Below, we have featured five quotes from that speech. We hope you enjoy her insights.
On the mentality of an entrepreneur…
[box_light]”Being an entrepreneur isn’t just a job title, and it isn’t just about starting a company. It’s a state of mind. It’s about seeing connections others can’t, seizing opportunities others won’t, and forging new directions that others haven’t.”[/box_light]
On how high to aim…
[box_light]”If it doesn’t scare you, you’re probably not dreaming big enough.”[/box_light]
On “quick” fixes…
[box_light]”We may live in an age of instant messaging, instant gratification, and Instagram, but there is no way to short circuit the path to success. It takes hard work, tenacity and patience.”[/box_light]
On learning from every experience…
[box_light]”Even if you’re not yet an entrepreneur, you can be entrepreneurial in everything you do. If you view each stop as an opportunity to learn something, there is always something you will take away from that experience.”[/box_light]
On the importance of entrepreneurs…
[box_light]”Remember: if the most unique ideas were obvious to everyone, there wouldn’t be entrepreneurs. The one thing that every entrepreneurial journey has in common is that there are many, many steps on the road to success.”[/box_light]