Exploring the Journey of Ray Smilor: A Visionary in Entrepreneurship

Ray Smilor: A Journey Through Entrepreneurship, Teaching, and Writing

Ray Smilor is the author of many books, including Daring Visionaries: How Entrepreneurs Build Companies, Inspire Allegiance, and Create Wealth and Fire in the Classroom: Creativity, Entrepreneurship, and the Craft of Teaching. He is currently Emeritus Professor of Professional Practice in Management, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership at the Neeley School of Business at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas.

Smilor is also an investor, consultant, public speaker, and storyteller. He is regarded as an expert in entrepreneurship and has written numerous articles on the topic, which have been translated into various languages. A passionate educator, he has taught at four universities, delivered training programs for entrepreneurs, and spoken to diverse audiences, including business professionals.

In this interview, Smilor discusses his love for family, teaching, and writing. You can reach him through his website and email address for further inquiries.

A Glimpse into Ray Smilor's Life

I grew up on the west side of Cleveland, Ohio, in a working-class neighborhood. I was raised by a village—my mother’s side of an Irish family. She was the oldest daughter and became the heart of the family. She had two brothers and two sisters who were relatively close in age and were more like big brothers and big sisters to me and my brother. They showered me with affection and support.

My dad worked on the assembly line at Ford Motor Company for 38 years, often taking a second job. I had my first job at nine, delivering the Cleveland Plain Dealer at 6 AM each morning. I have worked ever since. Together, my parents instilled in me a sense of self-confidence. They taught me the importance of hard work and the value of treating others with respect, kindness, and honesty. These values became the foundation of my approach to pursuing opportunities, which has defined my career.

I could never have guessed as a boy that I would travel the world, build a career in entrepreneurship, become an award-winning teacher, and an author. However, the willingness to pursue opportunities, even when I lacked the experience or credentials typically required, took me along the road less traveled. That has made all the difference for me, as Robert Frost would point out.

The Inspiration Behind Writing Books

I love to write, and I’m a storyteller. This passion drives me to write both academic and popular books and share stories in my commentaries on my website. Writing has saved me at critical points in my personal development and career. The ability to write clearly, interestingly, and persuasively has enhanced my value to the people I have worked with and the organizations I have led.

For me, there is joy in writing, whether it’s a treatise, a letter, or even an email. Writing can influence outcomes. Finding the exact right word or phrase, discovering unconventional analogies, or communicating the excitement of an event is a rewarding experience.

The Joy of Teaching

I never say that I “have to teach.” I “get to teach.” Teaching is a way for me to present something that inspires me, discuss my passions, and positively influence the futures of my students and audiences. It’s fun to recognize light bulbs going off in others' minds, challenge preconceived notions, and encourage reflection on learning.

An essential part of my teaching is experiential learning—the ability to learn by doing. Engaging in hands-on activities and reflecting on those experiences is crucial. Standing in front of a classroom combines content with performance, theory with practice, and action with insight.

My Most Notable Achievement

My most notable personal achievement is my family. I am proud to have been married for 56 years to a wonderful woman. While the concept of love remains a mystery to me, I have come to appreciate the value of devotion, fidelity, and trust. My wife and I have raised two fine sons and are now helping to raise two wonderful granddaughters. We have also been raised by them in many ways.

Professionally, I take pride in pioneering the start, development, and expansion of a new academic discipline—entrepreneurship. Some once argued that entrepreneurship could not be taught, that one had to be born an entrepreneur. However, that’s not true. Successful entrepreneurs are exceptional learners, and now there is an entire academic field devoted to that learning process.

Hobbies and Interests

I love to fly fish! For me, being on the water is a Zen experience. Standing in cold, clear water, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and feeling a fish hit the line is exhilarating. The thrill of landing and releasing a beautiful fish is rejuvenating. I especially enjoy guiding friends and family, particularly those who have never fly fished, and helping them discover the joy of landing a trout and the happiness of letting it go.

Ray Smilor at a lake fly fishing

The Fascination with Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business, though that can be one of its outcomes. It’s about leading a fulfilling life, tapping into our innate creativity and innovation, and making a positive difference in our lives and the lives of others. One can be entrepreneurial in one’s own enterprise, in a large company (as an intrapreneur), in a non-profit organization, or even in government. Academic entrepreneurship also exists in designing and delivering courses.

The competencies and mindset of entrepreneurship apply to any career one chooses to follow.

Essential Characteristics of Entrepreneurs

I focus on a few critical skills that successful entrepreneurs possess. First, they are driven by a worthy purpose. George Bernard Shaw noted, “This is the true joy in life—the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one.” Being motivated by a worthy purpose allows entrepreneurs to handle the ups and downs of their ventures.

Second, effective entrepreneurs improvise. Unexpected challenges and surprises are part of the entrepreneurial journey. The ability to improvise is essential for overcoming setbacks. Third, talented entrepreneurs are creative. They think “bisociatively,” combining ideas in new and unconventional ways. This creativity is at the heart of technological developments, marketing innovations, and problem-solving.

My Books and Favorites

I have written business-related books on creativity and marketing, edited anthologies on entrepreneurship research, and published personal topics like Daring Visionaries. My favorite book is always my current one. I have thoroughly enjoyed writing Fire in the Classroom: Creativity, Entrepreneurship, and the Craft of Teaching. It’s for anyone who teaches—classroom instructors, parents, volunteers, mentors, and advisors. Through stories, unconventional analogies, and practical teaching techniques, it focuses on the joy of teaching.

The next book I’m considering combines my two passions—entrepreneurship and fly fishing—a bisociative connection! We’ll see where that goes.

Upcoming Projects and Goals

My current mission is to promote teaching excellence. I give presentations at major national and international conferences, such as the Experiential Classroom, which focuses on teaching entrepreneurship. I also participate in the International Teachers’ Program, which rotates among business schools in Europe, helping teachers from any discipline improve their skills.

Admiration and Influences

I admire my two sons the most. They are good, strong, kind, and values-oriented men. I cherish the adult relationship we have developed and feel fortunate that they enjoy being in our company. Their love and support always uplift me.

Dream Dinner Guests

If I could invite five people to a dinner party, dead or alive, I would choose:

1. Abraham Lincoln - The most brilliant political leader in American history, his political genius and remarkable human story fascinate me.

2. Norman MacLean - The author of my favorite books, A River Runs Through It and Young Men and Fire, which explore faith, family, and self-awareness.

3. Doris Kearns Goodwin - A remarkable historian and writer, I would love to discuss the nature of history and its implications for our times.

4. Mr. Rogers - The beloved children’s television host emphasized kindness. I would enjoy discussing how he lived by his three key rules for a happy life.

5. Steve Jobs - The quintessential entrepreneur of our time, I would find his insights on entrepreneurship fascinating.

   
   

Connect with Ray Smilor

My web address is www.raysmilor.com - It is in the process of being updated and expanded. You can also contact me via email at raysmilor@yahoo.com.

The Impact of Entrepreneurship on Society

Entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in shaping economies and communities. It fosters innovation, creates jobs, and drives economic growth. Entrepreneurs are often at the forefront of addressing societal challenges, providing solutions that improve quality of life. Their ventures can lead to advancements in technology, healthcare, education, and sustainability.

The Role of Innovation

Innovation is the lifeblood of entrepreneurship. It involves not just creating new products but also improving existing processes and services. Entrepreneurs challenge the status quo, pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities. This spirit of innovation leads to breakthroughs that can transform industries and enhance everyday life.

Building Resilience

Entrepreneurs often face setbacks and failures. However, resilience is a key characteristic that enables them to bounce back. Learning from failures and adapting strategies is essential for long-term success. This resilience not only benefits the entrepreneurs themselves but also inspires others to pursue their dreams despite obstacles.

Community Engagement

Successful entrepreneurs often give back to their communities. They understand the importance of supporting local initiatives and fostering a sense of belonging. By investing in their communities, they create a positive ripple effect that can lead to enhanced social cohesion and improved living standards.

The Future of Entrepreneurship

As we look to the future, entrepreneurship will continue to evolve. The rise of technology and digital platforms opens new avenues for aspiring entrepreneurs. With access to resources and networks, individuals can launch ventures from anywhere in the world. This democratization of entrepreneurship empowers more people to pursue their passions and contribute to society.

In conclusion, entrepreneurship is not just a career path; it is a mindset that can lead to personal fulfillment and societal progress. Embracing creativity, resilience, and community engagement can pave the way for a brighter future for all.