Innovation does not only come from start-ups. Inside every organization are people with ideas, energy, and courage. Here is how to help them thrive.
Many corporates underestimate their hidden entrepreneurs. These are employees who see problems differently and act on them. The challenge is that traditional systems often block them.
In The Start-Up Puzzle, we show how to build environments that encourage internal entrepreneurship without chaos.
Empower Through Autonomy
Create small, focused teams that own both idea and execution. Give them time, a modest budget, and authority to test ideas directly with customers.
Celebrate Learning, Not Only Results
Internal founders take risks. Most ideas will fail before one succeeds. Reward the learning that comes from these experiments. The culture you build determines whether innovation stays alive.
Leadership’s Role
Senior leaders must act as sponsors, not controllers. Protect the space for innovation and remove bureaucracy that slows it down. When employees feel trusted, they act like owners.
Closing Thought
Corporate entrepreneurs do not need new titles. They need permission. Empower them, and your organization will never run out of fresh ideas.