Suresh Kumar

I identify myself in multiple roles- student, teacher, researcher, mentor, mentee, disruptor, collabortator, and an evangalist for beneficial change. But the primary roles are those of Entrepreneur, Engaged Scholar, and recently my most favorate one- Dad. I believe that what makes developing an entrepreneurial mindset so interesting is that one can see as many unique solutions and viewpoints as there are challenges. In my entrepreneurial journey I am fortunate to have survived two of the worst economic recessions in recent memory. Due to the outstanding efforts of my team members, steadfast support from friends and family, and some providence, two of the firms I cofounded have been ranked among the INC 500 and Deloitte 500 list of fast growing private firms in the U.S. I have learned from my experience that there in a very thin red line betwen success and failure and that apart from the good stuff taught in classrooms, old school values such as a deep curiosity/concerns for all things around you, willingness to learn and grow, persistence despite delays in rewards, comfort with risk and uncertanity, a stubborn refusal to accept failure, honesty, hard work, nurturing high-trust teams/networks, and good old luck- play critical roles in entrepreneurial outcomes and in life.

To fuel my deep passion and intellectual curiosity, I have pursued and completed a doctoral study on high-growth immigrant entrepreneurs. I have presented my research study/workshops at international academic and practitioner conferences including at the Academy of Management, Babson College Entrepreneurship Research Conference. I enjoy the process of learning from and sharing my experiences with other entrepreneurs, researchers, students, and policy makers. An area of particular interest for me is designing practical grassroots strategies to nurture and grow local entrepreneurial ecosystem. My other interests are Sustainability, Tennis, Politics, History, and Writing. I love to disrupt established norms that are unfair or ineffective, but by nature I am a Collaborator and seek ways to build and leverage high-trust relationships networks in ways that would benefit key stakeholders. My deepest passion is helping usher in beneficial Social Change through Entrepreneurship.

The background photo was taken on a drive from Taos to Los Alamos, NM, when I took a road that was not on the map and got lost. I have often lost my way, but then came this awesome Sunset.