The Power of Energy, Courage, and Speaking Up in Entrepreneurship and Consulting: Eldor on the Online Innovation Program

Embarking on a journey in entrepreneurship and consulting requires more than just technical knowledge and innovative ideas. It demands energy, courage, and the willingness to speak up—whether asking questions, offering insights, or collaborating with your team. These traits are essential for success, particularly in dynamic environments like the LaunchX program, where young entrepreneurs tackle real-world challenges in fast-paced, high-stakes situations.

For Eldor Khamraev, a Uzbek national, working with his team and tackling real business problems in the 2024 Online Innovation summer program proved to be a transformative journey. It reinforced the power of taking initiative and maintaining a strong team spirit. 

Energy Fuels Success

The importance of energy—both in terms of enthusiasm and stamina—became clear from the very start of the program. "You have to be energetic," this student advised. “It’s an online program, so you have to raise your hand, ask questions, and be involved." Early on, he confessed, he hesitated to ask questions, worried about how they would be received. Yet, as the program progressed, he realized that asking questions—not just for the sake of clarity but to engage deeply with the material—was key to his growth. "I spent a lot of time being ashamed, wondering how I would sound. But what really matters is asking those personal questions and making connections."

LaunchX is known for being a rigorous program that pushes its students to their full potential. Eldor noted that the hardest part of the program was the number of assignments. "There were 20 assignments in just 20 days, and it was exhausting. But we made it work. We were really supportive of each other, and we always distributed tasks properly.” This dedication to teamwork and managing tasks effectively is just one example of how crucial collaboration and communication are in entrepreneurship.

In consulting and entrepreneurship, the ability to remain engaged and proactive is vital. Whether you’re in a classroom, a work meeting, or brainstorming with your team, staying energetic and present ensures you don’t miss valuable insights. It helps you contribute to discussions, ask the right questions, and seize opportunities. This energy becomes contagious, motivating your teammates and others around you to bring their best selves forward.

The Courage to Speak Up

Speaking up is often easier said than done, but Eldor found that overcoming his initial hesitation to ask questions was a game-changer. “I thought my questions were stupid, but [our mentor] Kartik always stayed after class and answered them. His patience and willingness to engage ignited my passion for business and entrepreneurship,” he said. This simple act of courage—of speaking up even when you feel uncertain—helped him find his confidence.

Team Spirit and Building Connections

Another key lesson Eldor learned in the program was the value of team spirit. Despite the challenges posed by time zones, with team members from South Korea and Kazakhstan, the group worked seamlessly to meet deadlines and deliver results. “We had a really great team. We supported each other through everything,” Eldor reflected. “We would gather with friends and actually work with the founder of our company. We learned their value proposition, and in the next session, we would prototype how we could help them live up to those values. It was both theoretical and practical."

The practical application of knowledge was one of the most exciting aspects of the program, but it wouldn’t have been possible without strong teamwork and a collective commitment to the project. Whether navigating time zone challenges or supporting a teammate who had to take a couple of days off for personal reasons, the team’s ability to distribute tasks and stay organized ensured that they survived and thrived under pressure.

What’s particularly striking is how, despite the program's online format, the team developed lasting connections. “It can be hard online to have that kind of friendship, but at the end of the day, you’ll miss each other. I still keep in touch with my team, and I would go back and do it all over again.” These lasting bonds are a testament to the power of collaboration and shared experiences, which are invaluable in both entrepreneurship and consulting.

Embrace Energy, Courage, and Teamwork

The journey through entrepreneurship and consulting is filled with challenges, uncertainties, and moments of self-doubt. Eldor reminds us how entrepreneurs and consultants must be bold in asking questions, brave in voicing their ideas, and steadfast in supporting their teams. By combining energy with courage and fostering a spirit of collaboration, you’re not just building a business or solving problems—you’re creating opportunities for growth, innovation, and success. So, step forward confidently, take initiative, and remember – your voice and energy can change the game.

Connect with Eldor on LinkedIn here.