From an outsider’s perspective, it often seems that innovative entrepreneurs come from a different breed than the average, everyday person. But ask successful entrepreneurs whether the best innovators are born or made, and you’ll likely get as many different answers as there are entrepreneurs. 

Some argue that entrepreneurs are simply born with the right skills and personality to succeed. Others argue that true entrepreneurs are the result of their experiences and learning opportunities. 

Regardless of your personal experience or perspectives in this area, Larry G. Dix II, podcaster, speaker and author of the book “Born or Made: Fear Is a Liar. Defeat Is Overrated.” believes he has the answer. As he illustrates in his recent book release, there’s not necessarily a one size fits all answer to this debate. 

Are All Entrepreneurs Born to Succeed? 

There are fairly common arguments that entrepreneurs are born. For example, one study focused on comparing entrepreneurial tendencies between identical or fraternal twins found that identical twins (who share the same genetic information) were far more likely to share entrepreneurial traits than fraternal twins or non-twins. 

Based on this research, it would appear that becoming an entrepreneur or innovator is something that some people are simply born to do. 

Dix notes, “There’s no denying that many entrepreneurs are born with certain skills or personalities that make them more likely to succeed. Speaking for myself, I was born a salesman. I clearly had the talent from the start. This was definitely an important foundation for my entrepreneurial journey, but this wasn’t necessarily a guarantee that I would be successful.” 

Indeed, with 20.4% of businesses failing in their first year, and 49.4% failing after five years, it’s clear that being born with entrepreneurial talents isn’t enough to thrive in a competitive market. 

The Argument for Entrepreneurs Being Made 

“The idea that entrepreneurs are born doesn’t tell the whole story,” Dix argues. 

“Success is earned, not given. The experiences that entrepreneurs have along the way are crucial for shaping them into the innovators that they become. In my book, NFL player Marques Ogden explains how while he was born with talent as a speaker, his training and life experiences — including going broke and bankrupt, losing his home, getting divorced and more — were crucial for making him into the speaker he is today. Because of this, he and many others believe that entrepreneurs are made, not born.” 

In other words, without life experiences to shape an entrepreneur, they are unlikely to reach their full potential, even if they are born with significant talent. Dix also emphasizes the importance of a support network in making successful innovators. 

“Successful people are often built off the backs of others. In my career, I’ve built a network of people who I can rely on when I don’t know the answer to something. The greatest leaders and innovators make themselves what they are by using lessons and support from mentors, family, friends and other colleagues.” 

Learning skills through education, mentorship and real-life experiences certainly contributes to the argument that entrepreneurs are at least somewhat made. Notably, 67% of the individuals on the Forbes 400 list qualify as “self-made” — meaning they did not inherit their wealth but strove over time to build a successful company. Some even lived below the poverty line. 

Born AND Made 

While some entrepreneurs argue that the top innovators are either born or made, Dix takes the more nuanced view that both sides play a role in creating successful entrepreneurs. “Ultimately, I believe that entrepreneurs are both born and made,” Dix says. 

“Many entrepreneurs are born with traits that give them an inherent advantage in their business. But this isn’t the be-all end-all of becoming a successful innovator. That person’s life experiences — and how they respond to them — is what ultimately determines their outcomes and whether they become a successful entrepreneur. Being willing to invest in yourself and pick yourself up after failures is what makes the biggest difference in capitalizing on your inherent abilities.” 

Dix’s conclusion is easily seen in the lives of famous entrepreneurs who failed at various times in their lives. For example, before founding Microsoft, Bill Gates and Paul Allen developed a concept known as Traf-O-Data. The project was ultimately a failure, but Allen cites it as being critical for the creation of Microsoft — that without the learning they gained from that project, Microsoft may never have existed. 

While the natural traits and intellect of Gates and Allen were crucial for Microsoft’s eventual success, so too was their willingness to learn from an early failure and apply themselves in a new venture. In this sense, their success as innovators came because they were both born and made for the role. 

Anyone Can Become an Innovator 

Dix’s ultimate takeaway is that anyone can become an industry-leading innovator — they just have to harness their existing abilities and put in the effort. While it is true that some people are born with certain traits and tendencies that give them an inherent advantage, successful entrepreneurs are those who hone their existing skills and work to improve their weaknesses.  

By combining natural talent with a growth mindset and a strong support network, entrepreneurs can find lasting success. .

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