Entrepreneur in Residence
Entrepreneurs-in-Residence have deep experience in business ventures and social entrepreneurship. They are active members of the Simmons entrepreneurial community and are available to meet individually with students.
Radha Basu
Radha Basu is a widely recognized entrepreneur, global business leaders and pioneer in the technology industry. She has overcome numerous challenges as a woman, a leader and an entrepreneur and through her accomplishments has been named one of the Top 25 Women of the Web, CEO of the Year 2000 and Leader of the Millennium.
What do you hope to instill in students as entrepreneur in residence?
Believe that women can lead and have a significant impact in transforming industry, country and society. Risk taking, resilience, passion and strong entrepreneurship spirit throughout the career are critical to being a global leader. The opportunities for women have never been better and it is a very exciting time for women in business. One can be an entrepreneur in a large company, in a start up and in social ventures - it is a way of life.
What is the single most important lesson you have learned as an entrepreneur?
How to handle adversity - pick yourself up, dust off, learn from the mistake and move on. The most successful technology CEOs have solid bumps and bruises and have stood up with confidence.
How important is it for business owners to be socially aware, to embrace humanitarian efforts, to put "service before self?"
Business by definition has to be customer, shareholder, employee and profit focused. They have to be socially responsible because it makes good business sense. I strongly believe that social responsibility cannot be a 'do good, feel good' side issue but has to be a part of the corporate strategy, objectives and metrics because it makes good business sense. It is like 'quality' cannot be a separate department that polices the product groups - quality has to be part of the fiber of the corporation. Diversity, human development, social responsibility has to become a way of doing good business, not a service off to the side.
I am a strong believer that social ventures have to be built and run like business - scalable, fiscally sustainable and for significant impact.
Like many of your heroes, you overcame adversity in order to become a success. What would you say to a woman struggling to be successful?
Believe in yourself, do not be afraid to take risks, reach out for a strong mentor, and be aware that glass ceilings are there to be kicked in. Have fun and laugh at yourself, have a thick skin!! Women have innate special qualities ( such as juggling, empathy, good listening skills) that are very useful in a successful business, use these skills to the utmost to be an unique leader.
What are you most proud of in your career?
David Packard (Founder of HP and one of my heroes) was asked this question when he turned 70 and he answered that his proudest moment is yet to come. I have taken his lesson to be mine.
How can you compare your treks up Mt. Everest to the business world?
Resilence, putting one step at a time, keeping going when going gets tough, sherpa lesson of team work and having passion.
How long will you be at Simmons?
I will be Entrepreneur in Residence for 2008
What is it that attracted you to Simmons?
The opportunity to help build women leaders for powerful impact.
What year did you retire from business?
I retired as CEO of Supportsoft in mid 2006, stayed on as chairman of board until mid 2007. I have been the CEO of Anudip foundation for one year.
What is your goal as the SOM entrepreneur in residence?
To enable Simmons to become a leader in building women entrepreneurs that span corporate, small business and social ventures.