The Art of Principled Entrepreneurship: Creating Enduring Value

by Andreas Widmer

Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism

The author, Andrew Widmer, is an entrepreneur, professor, consultant, business coach, and popular speaker, with 30 years of experience in business strategy, economic development, and entrepreneurship. In the Art of Principled Entrepreneurship introduces readers to the inspiring story of Art Ciocca, who orchestrated the creation of the largest wine brand, one that has dominated the industry for over 20 years. With his unique leadership approach, Ciocca assigned the same importance to fostering excellence in all he worked with as he did to creating value for his customers.

Inspired by Ciocca, Widmer crafted a practical model of principled entrepreneurship that anyone can adopt in their work in order to advance people-centered value while boosting profits. The Art of Principled Entrepreneurship tells Ciocca’s story and the story of others like him, and demonstrates how business can be a force for good.

In the book, Widmer outlines free pillars that form the foundation of an entrepreneurial mindset that places the human person at the center of work.

• The economy exists for people, not people for the economy

• To work is to create; to create is to be human

• Culture eats strategy for breakfast

• Principled business creates win-win solutions

• Always think like an entrepreneur.

The Art of Principled Entrepreneurship is your guide to getting started today on developing the habits that enable you to do good, create value, and empower others to achieve excellence. There are endnotes, a bibliography and recommended reading, This Principled Entrepreneurship mindset is required and good for not only those who start or run companies. It is inspirational to put these Principled Entrepreneurship pillars into action in whatever position or job you’re in. Take an ownership mentality, find win-win situations, and take responsibility for the outcome. It makes the difference between making a living and making a life. When you adopt a Principled Entrepreneurship mindset, you start to see problems as opportunities to create value for others, learn from failure to pursue excellence, and se the world as a place of complementarity and possibility The mindset will not only make you a better entrepreneur; it will    also make you a happier person.