Paolo, my child is interested in becoming an entrepreneur—what advice should I give them?

Your child wants to become an entrepreneur? That’s exciting! But it’s also one of those moments where you, as a parent, have the chance to really shape their mindset and expectations about what it means to create something and walk their own path. What you tell them is important, because entrepreneurship isn’t just a job—it’s a way of thinking, a way of living.

First thing I’d say: encourage their curiosity, but make sure they understand that being an entrepreneur isn’t about chasing quick success or flashy titles. It’s about commitment to their vision and willingness to put in the hard work, day after day, when no one else believes in it yet. They need to know that entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint. Tell them that failure isn’t just possible—it’s necessary. The best entrepreneurs are the ones who learn from their mistakes, who see failure as a part of growth, not as a reason to quit.

You should also talk to them about the importance of passion. Entrepreneurship requires them to be deeply connected to what they’re doing, because there will be days—long stretches of time, even—when it feels like everything is against them. If they’re not passionate about their idea, about the problem they’re solving, or about the change they want to create, it’s going to be hard to keep going when things get tough. Passion doesn’t mean blind optimism, though. They need to be pragmatic dreamers—believing in their idea, but always open to learning, adapting, and changing course when necessary.

I’d tell them that entrepreneurship is not about money, or at least not primarily about it. Money is a tool, a resource that helps bring ideas to life, but if they go into it thinking it’s all about getting rich quickly, they’re setting themselves up for disappointment. The best entrepreneurs focus on value—creating value for others, solving real problems, and making an impact. The money follows when you’re genuinely creating something that matters. So, encourage them to think about who they want to serve and what difference they want to make. The profit will come as a natural consequence of that focus.

You also want to talk to them about resilience. Entrepreneurship is tough. There’s rejection, setbacks, and uncertainty at every turn. They need to be prepared for that mentally and emotionally. It’s a path where they’ll often be working alone, taking risks that others might not understand. Help them understand that being an entrepreneur means they’ll need to have thick skin and an unshakeable belief in themselves, even when others doubt them. This resilience doesn’t come naturally to everyone, so you can encourage them by showing how important it is to keep moving forward, even when it feels like the world is pushing back.

Another thing I’d suggest is to tell them that being an entrepreneur isn’t about doing everything alone. There’s this myth of the lone genius, but in reality, the most successful entrepreneurs are the ones who know how to surround themselves with the right people—mentors, partners, collaborators, and team members. Tell them to value community, to seek out people who will challenge them, support them, and bring skills to the table that they might not have. Being able to build relationships and networks is a skill as important as building the product or business itself.

But don’t sugarcoat it. Entrepreneurship isn’t glamorous, at least not in the early stages. It’s going to mean long hours, sacrifices, and putting in work when others are relaxing. But it’s also one of the most fulfilling paths if they’re ready to commit to it fully. They’ll learn more about themselves, the world, and how to navigate challenges than they ever could in a traditional job. So, encourage their ambition, but make sure they understand the depth of the commitment they’re making.

Lastly, tell them that being an entrepreneur is about continuous learning. The moment they stop learning is the moment they stop growing, both personally and professionally. They’ll need to be students of the market, of human behavior, of technology, and of themselves. Encourage them to stay curious, to always ask questions, and to never settle for what they already know. Entrepreneurship is a journey, not a destination. The moment they think they’ve "made it," they’re done.

So, what do you tell them? Encourage their dream, but be honest about the path. Tell them it’s a journey filled with highs and lows, where success isn’t measured by a quick win but by resilience, passion, and the ability to create something that leaves the world a little better than they found it. That’s what it means to be an entrepreneur, and if they’re ready for that challenge, they’re already on the right track.