Women in Innovation and Entrepreneurialism

Innovation and Entrepreneurialism – what is the difference? Innovation is the birth of an idea, but an idea doesn’t make you an entrepreneur unless you put it into action, take a risk and create a business.

One woman who can be described as both an innovator and entrepreneur is Margaret Greenberg. Margaret is a Positive Psychology Pioneer, Workplace Thought Explorer, Executive Coach, Mental Health Advocate and …Author.

I met Margaret at the Barnes and Noble in Canton, CT. Ironically, I was with a fellow UConn alum who was promoting his book there when Margaret and her husband Neil walked up to us. I was so excited for my author friend to have someone interested in his work.  She shared that she was an author too and could relate to how these store events could sometimes be SO awkward.  We were truly amazed by her desire to make this a relatable moment and not just walk by…and then we discovered that we both lived in Andover, CT (“No way, really? No one lives in Andover, CT!” I recalled saying as we both started laughing).

We stayed in touch and in 2017 I attended her event at her alma mater, the University of Hartford where she spoke about a pivotal career change which led to her calling in becoming a coach and author. As the keynote speaker, she talked about how her business The Greenberg Group an organizational development (OD) consulting firm, had reached a 20-year milestone and the one question that guided her in the direction. Celebrating 25 Years: The 1 Question That Led Me to My Calling | LinkedIn

So in the same year that Madeleine Albright became the first female U.S. Secretary of State, Margaret’s business was born in her basement before remote offices were even a thing. And now, 25 years later in 2022, it’s even more impressive with the statics she shared that two-thirds of businesses survive 2 years, half of all businesses will survive 5 years, and one-third will survive 10.

So how do you Thrive, not just Survive, she asks? 1. Be a Dabbler

“Too often I hear students and professionals alike say, “I don’t know what I really want to do.” My advice is start being a Dabbler. Don’t be afraid to try different things and experiment — in school, at work, and in life. If you work for a company and you’re not happy in your job, look for opportunities in other departments or volunteer to work on a project in another area”.

Margaret studied sociology because she said she ‘dabbled” in many courses, fell in love with the subject. “I didn’t think there was anything more interesting to study than the study of people and cultures.” 4 Secrets to Following Your Dreams | Live Happy

This interest helped her co-author two books Profit from the Positive, Proven Leadership Strategies to Boost Productivity and Transform Your Business (co-written with Senia Maymin) and her second book titled The Business of Race (McGraw-Hill) which came out in 2021 ignited by 2020 attacks against Black and Asian people in the United States. Written with Gina Greenlee, together as one white woman and one black woman, they address race in the workplace. Their hope is that the book instills in you the courage to talk about race and racism and to do something constructive about it—no matter your level in the organization, no matter your racial identity.

Margaret is an innovator and entrepreneur who has created a business based on workplace related topics encouraging people to open their minds, be inspired to use your voice and contribute to positive change.

Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash

By Wendy Kopp
Wendy Kopp Corporate Partner Relations Coordinator