Are you an intrapreneur or an entrepreneur? 

Or neither?  

Let’s talk about it.

For the past year, I have been a bit obsessed with the term intrapreneur. I have seen glimpses here and there, but every time I read something about this personality type I want to stand up, raise my hand, and shout, “That is ME!”

Entrepreneurs often have the spotlight - the networks, articles written about them, high-profile lists. All things I admire, but what if we had an expanded way to view success?

A friend recently asked if I misspelled intrapreneur on my website. Funny, even my autocorrect wants to change the word, to begin with, an “e.” 

This article on intrapreneurship by Harvard Business Review makes me smile. The author talks about why you should become an intrapreneur, but what caught my attention is the description of this personality type. We are described as people who have a vision, are proactive, and are inclusive. Can you relate?

My definition of an intrapreneur is that we are the folks that shine in business organizations, have outside interests, and run our households like a business. Many of us also identify as ambiverts (both introverted and extroverted). Creative, innovative, and organized are a few more words to describe us.

My parents raised my siblings and me with entrepreneurial values: hard work, innovation, and commitment. Entrepreneurship has long been held as the gold standard in my family. For all of the benefits of entrepreneurship (flexible schedule, no cap on your earning potential, autonomy) - the pursuit often left me feeling as if I were not doing enough to give value to the world.

You just have to keep moving forward. You just have to keep doing something, seizing the next opportunity, staying open to trying something new. It doesn't have to fit your vision of the perfect job or the perfect life. Perfect is boring.  ~Shonda Rhimes

I now know that I can define myself as I choose, even though it has taken some time to get here. Intrapreneurship is a term that fits me better for now. I have the creative zest to continually look for ways to improve and to give value to my work community while having the relative safety of monthly income, AND I have the drive to make the world a better place by pouring myself into my children, my community, and my creative pursuits.

So again, I ask you, are you an intrapreneur, entrepreneur, or something else? Let me know in the comments. I would like to find ways to be of better service to my fellow community of intrapreneurs who may need a reminder that your work matters! No more asterisks, no more explanations - just pure freedom to identify with and be respected for your contributions.

All my love,

Michelle