W10 Reflection: Entrepreneurial Journal

This week’s study materials offered some really inspiring and thoughtful insights. Hearing from Marissa Mayer, Kathy Huber, and Jim Ritchie helped me understand what it really means to chase our dreams—not just in terms of ambition but also in getting to know ourselves and unlocking our unique potential.

Marissa Mayer’s idea of “20 percent time” at Google really stuck with me. It’s a great example of how giving people the freedom to innovate can lead to amazing results. The fact that half of Google’s product launches in a six-month span came from these passion projects speaks volumes about trust and creativity in the workplace. What really hit home was her point that it’s not just about the time you’re given, but the permission to go after your dreams. It made me think about whether I’ve been giving myself that same freedom in my own life or waiting for someone else to tell me it’s okay to explore what excites me.

Kathy Huber’s story drove home the importance of resilience. Being one of the few women in her MIT engineering program and later the lowest-paid manager among 40 PhDs, her ability to keep going despite facing injustice and disappointment is super inspiring. I loved how she turned the failure of Iron Bridge Networks into a learning experience, calling it her own version of “Iron Bridge University.” Her journey reminded me that setbacks can often be the lessons we need to grow.

Finally, Jim Ritchie’s idea of “Your Emotional Fingerprint” opened up a new way to think about motivation. The Cherokee parable of the two wolves really resonated with me—what we choose to nurture in ourselves shapes our character and our future. I found the concept of knowing our emotional blueprint interesting, as it can guide us in making better decisions and finding success both inside and outside.

As I move forward, I’m excited to dive deeper into what drives me emotionally and intellectually. I want to figure out what gives me a sense of purpose and how I can align my goals with those core motivations. This week made me realize that dreaming big isn’t just about wishing for things—it’s about trusting my gut, becoming more aware of my emotions, and owning my creative power.ayer’s concept of “20 percent time” at Google stood out as a profound example of what happens when individuals are given permission to innovate. The fact that half of Google’s product launches in a six-month period stemmed from these passion projects is a powerful testament to trust and creativity in the workplace. What resonated with me most was her statement that it’s not about the exact time allotted but the license to pursue dreams—a cultural signal that says, “We believe in your ideas.” It made me reflect on whether I’ve been giving myself that same license in my own life, or if I’ve been waiting for permission from others to explore what truly excites me.