Startups and Downs

Today's media is replete with stories about major entrepreneurial successes, IPOs (initial public offerings), mergers, and acquisitions. Reporters and readers alike have also been captivated by the stories of entrepreneurial failures, downfalls, and massive exits (think Travis Kalanick, Elizabeth Holmes, and Doug Evans). However, entrepreneurship is rarely linear, and a lot happens between the headlines and reality. Entrepreneurship is a cycle of failures and recoveries--hopefully with more successes than not.

Start-Ups and Downs: The Secrets of Resilient Entrepreneurs shares the wisdom of one entrepreneur who successfully disrupted an entire industry but felt as if she was never prepared for what came next. Mona Bijoor has created a guidebook for navigating the process, from pitching with power to coping with competition, with inspiring stories from respected entrepreneurs, including Nat Turner, cofounder and CEO of Flatiron Health; Courtney Nichols Gould, founder and co-CEO of SmartyPants Vitamins; and Stephen Kuhl, cofounder and CEO of Burrow, intended to lift up anyone determined to keep pushing forward.

This book is about resilience. How do the best entrepreneurs think about failure--as it's happening and in hindsight--and ultimately win?