​​AIMS International Champions Sustainable Entrepreneurship at University of Latvia Event

AIMS International reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable business practices and developing future leaders by participating in a dynamic discussion on entrepreneurship at the University of Latvia (Latvijas Universitāte). The event, titled "What It Means to Be an Entrepreneur," featured esteemed Patricia Arboleda, Senior Consultant at AIMS Portugal, Valer Chladny, Partner at AIMS Czech Republic, and Karlis Zembergs, CEO of Omnicom Media Group, and was moderated by Ilona Baumane-Vītoliņa, Managing Partner at AIMS Latvia.

The discussion aimed to empower the next generation of leaders by delving into the essence of entrepreneurship within the context of sustainable growth. It highlighted how personal purpose, mindset, and continuous learning are integral to entrepreneurial success, especially when aligned with sustainable practices.

"It's all about what you want to do with your life, your purpose, what motivates you," said Patricia Arboleda. "Once you understand that, go for what you want to do."

Valer Chladny emphasized the dedication required in entrepreneurship, stating, "Entrepreneurship is time-consuming, and you have to set up your mindset in such a way." Arboleda concurred, adding, "Which is why it's very important to know what you want to do and why you want to do it."

Moderator and Assistant Professor Ilona Baumane-Vītoliņa, brought attention to the value of experience, noting, "On average, the age to start entrepreneurship is around the 40s, after people see pain points. The more experience you have, the more you know these problems."

The panelists discussed the necessity of risk tolerance in entrepreneurship. "You need to be able to tolerate living in uncertainty when you're an entrepreneur," Karlis Zembergs remarked. "If you seek safety and stability, entrepreneurship is tougher for you."

They also highlighted the universal applicability of the entrepreneurial mindset. "Having the entrepreneurial mindset is needed no matter where you are," Zembergs noted. "Feeling the accountability, the go-getter approach is important no matter where you are—not just waiting for people to tell you what to do."

When asked if entrepreneurship can be learned, the consensus was that it's a blend of innate traits and learned skills. "There are so many characteristics that you can learn. Maybe risk tolerance and creativity—some people are just more creative—that might be more on the innate side. Even leadership, marketing, finance—all that can be learned," said Zembergs.

The importance of self-awareness and collaboration was also discussed. "It's important to realize early what your weak points are so you can fill those gaps," he advised. "You can't be perfect in all fields. Manage other people's talents so you can fill the gaps."

Patricia Arboleda stressed the value of education as a foundation. "What you learn at school gives you structure for how you think. Then you do whatever you want to do. Everything you learn, you will end up using it somehow."

Valer Chladny added, "It doesn't matter what your real specialization at university is, but university will give you the experience of how to solve problems in real life. Not all subjects are interesting to you at uni, but it's the same in real life. You also have to face things you don't like."

The panel concluded by emphasizing lifelong learning and networking. "The most important thing you learn at university is that you learn to learn," they noted. "And that is what you need to have all the time."

AIMS International's Role in Sustainability

This event underscores AIMS International's dedication to promoting sustainable entrepreneurship. By facilitating dialogues that merge entrepreneurial spirit with sustainable practices, AIMS is actively empowering future leaders to make a positive impact on both the economy and the environment.

Sustainability is not just about environmental stewardship but also about fostering resilient businesses that can adapt and thrive in a changing world. By engaging with students and professionals alike, AIMS is helping to build a community of entrepreneurs who are equipped to tackle global challenges with innovative solutions.

Take the Next Step Towards Sustainable Leadership

For more information on AIMS International's sustainability efforts, contact us.