Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO

In today’s world, being an entrepreneur is more than just starting a business—it's about embodying a mindset that embraces risk, innovation, and leadership. But the journey doesn’t end there. As Beverly E. Jones highlights in her book Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO, the key to success lies not only in the hustle but in how we approach our roles as leaders. Whether you’re a fledgling entrepreneur or an established business owner, this book is an invitation to shift your perspective and develop the mindset of a CEO. I found myself deeply reflecting on the lessons Jones imparts, lessons that have reshaped how I think about leadership, business, and my role in it all.

Here are 8 powerful lessons I learned:

1. Entrepreneurship Starts with a Mindset, Not Just a Business Plan

Jones makes a profound point early on: entrepreneurship isn’t merely about having a good idea or a solid business plan. It’s about adopting a mindset that embraces challenges as opportunities. This mindset shift from simply executing tasks to seeing every decision through the lens of long-term growth and potential was a game-changer for me. The lesson here is that without the right mindset, even the best ideas will falter. You need to believe in your vision before others will.

2. Leadership is About Self-Management First

Acting like a CEO doesn’t just mean managing a company—it means managing yourself. Jones teaches that the foundation of effective leadership is rooted in self-awareness and self-discipline. Knowing your strengths, acknowledging your weaknesses, and being intentional with your time and energy are all essential to leading others effectively. It’s a humbling lesson in how our inner world directly impacts the businesses we build and the people we lead.

3. Focus on Long-Term Vision Over Short-Term Success

One of the most compelling lessons from Jones is the importance of focusing on long-term vision rather than immediate gratification. Entrepreneurs who act like CEOs are not just chasing fleeting wins; they’re planting seeds for sustained growth. This helped me understand that building a successful business is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about making decisions with patience and consistency that will pay off in the future, not just reaping the rewards of today’s hustle.

4. Resilience is More Valuable Than Perfection

Every entrepreneur faces setbacks. What distinguishes the successful ones is resilience—the ability to pivot, learn, and grow from challenges. Jones reinforces that failure is not a sign of weakness, but rather an integral part of the entrepreneurial journey. This lesson resonated deeply with me, reminding me that it’s not about being perfect, but about having the resilience to keep going when things get tough.

5. Your Team is Your Most Valuable Asset

No one builds a business alone. Jones stresses the importance of surrounding yourself with a strong, capable team that complements your skills. A true CEO knows that delegation is vital, and empowering others to lead in their areas of expertise is one of the most important roles you can play. I was reminded that great leaders know how to build a team of talented individuals and trust them to execute with excellence.

6. Decision-Making Must Be Driven by Clarity and Confidence

In the world of business, indecision can be crippling. Jones highlights that a CEO must make decisions with both clarity and confidence, even when there’s uncertainty. Being able to trust your intuition and your data is essential, and sometimes, it’s the ability to make decisions quickly that propels a company forward. I learned that the ability to act decisively, even in the face of ambiguity, is a critical leadership trait.

7. Embrace the Power of Networking and Relationships

The book also shines a light on the importance of networking—not just for business growth, but for personal development. Jones emphasizes that building meaningful relationships with mentors, peers, and collaborators can fast-track your success. This resonated with me, reminding me that it’s not only about what you know but who you know. Networking is a two-way street—it's about offering value, not just seeking it.

8. Lead with Integrity and Empathy

The final, and perhaps most powerful, lesson I took from this book was the idea that leadership isn’t just about profits or outcomes—it’s about leading with integrity and empathy. Jones teaches that a CEO who leads with compassion and ethical values earns the trust of their team and customers. This lesson reinforced my belief that sustainable success is grounded in doing right by people and building a business with purpose and heart.

In conclusion, Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO by Everly E. Jones offers a compelling and actionable blueprint for anyone who wants to grow as a leader and an entrepreneur. The book transcends traditional business advice by focusing on the mindset, decisions, and values that shape a successful business. It’s not just about thinking like an entrepreneur—it’s about acting with the clarity, confidence, and integrity of a true CEO. If you’re ready to elevate your business and your leadership approach, this book is an invaluable resource.

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𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲, 𝗛𝗼𝗻. 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼: "𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲—𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻"

 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧

Port Moresby – Minister for Coffee, Hon. William Bando, has issued a passionate call to all Papua New Guineans, urging every citizen—especially those in rural areas—to plant coffee and take ownership of one of the country’s most valuable and sustainable economic opportunities.

“There is real money in coffee,” the Minister said. “Let’s make it one of the strongest economic backbones of our beautiful nation. This is my focus as your Minister for Coffee.”

Last week, Minister Bando visited Mountainville Coffee Plantation in Kabiufa, Goroka, to reinforce this national message and meet with local farmers and stakeholders. He also held important strategy sessions with the Coffee Industry Corporation Limited to discuss practical steps toward revitalizing and expanding PNG’s coffee sector.

“Coffee is not just for big business—it’s for you, the people. This is your gold, your oil, your gas. While those resources may one day run out, coffee will always be here. It belongs to the people of Papua New Guinea,” said the Minister.

Hon. Bando emphasized the importance of providing government incentives to motivate rural communities and youth to take up coffee farming as a way to promote self-reliance, peace, and long-term prosperity.

Even before his ministerial appointment, Minister Bando had already begun work in his district, where one million coffee seedlings have been planted, with the government paying K4 per seedling. “It’s encouraging to see our youth trading weapons for seedlings, laying the foundations for a better and more peaceful future,” he said.

With the full support of the Marape-Rosso Government, the Minister’s mission is to empower rural communities and build a thriving, export-ready coffee industry that lifts the national economy.

Let’s work together. Plant coffee, grow our future.

#PNGcoffee #RuralDevelopment #EconomicEmpowerment #TakeBackPNG #WilliamBando #EasternHighlands