The Authentic Entrepreneur by Stephen Kirk

Both the author and publisher are donating 100% of the royalties from sales of this book.This means that £3 from the sale price of this book will be donated directly to The Prince's Trust (registered charity England and Wales 1079675 and Scotland SC041198) who offer training, mentoring and funding to help young people set up their own enterprise. 

This is a book for authentic entrepreneurs. Those who are not only interested in making money, but also in giving something back and growing, personally, in the process. Told through the stories of twelve entrepreneurs at various stages of their enterprises and with differing aspirations and visions, The Authentic Entrepreneur weaves together the threads of wisdom that will help you to not only build your own business, but build a business that is right for you, right for the world and right for the future, because a business is not just a vehicle for making money, it's a legacy that touches the lives of more people than you can imagine.This is not a business manual – there are plenty of those already. It will fuel your ideas and inspire you to create something bigger than yourself. The interviews broadly cover starting out, staying in a family business, serial entrepreneurialism, raising funds, mentoring, philanthropy, and angel investment. Most importantly, the message from these interviews and of this book is that you can make a difference.

Stephen Kirk was on a meditation retreat when he was suddenly inspired to found a cable TV franchise and simultaneously an interactive phone-in company. This book follows his story and those of 12 other entrepreneurs who want to give something back as well as make a living. It will inspire you to become an Authentic Entrepreneur too. "When I started writing this book I had no idea that the pandemic would be coming, but within a few weeks it was clear that 'normal' life wasn't going to return any time soon but it's clear that many people, of all ages, will be re-evaluating their work lives and I offer my book to them. It's not a business manual - there are plenty of those - but real stories from myself and people around the globe and of all ages who found themselves running their own enterprises. Being an entrepreneur is not for everyone but hopefully this book help you decide whether you want to become an Authentic Entrepreneur." - Stephen Kirk

“I have enjoyed the journey of Stephen’s life and his interviewees. It's a stimulating read and achieves its main objective (which is what I try to tell my mentees at The Princes Trust), namely follow your dream and grasp opportunities as they appear through life. Failure is simply a learning and enhancing process as a path to happiness.” Michael Rosenberg OBE, Chairman Shefa Gems Ltd, Starcom Systems ltd, Co-Founder TVAM Ltd, Director David Paradine Productions Ltd

“I have been fortunate to know Stephen since the early days of my private equity career. His story and those of the others in his book tell the reader that you can be successful whilst simultaneously being a thoroughly decent person topped off with a sense of humour. Stephen’s own varied career gives a sense of perspective and teaches us all to remain focused on the bigger picture in life.” Dan Adler, partner, Apiary Capital LLP

“Stephen’s track record as a brilliant businessman is clear for all to see. But over the past 20 years, I have been equally impressed by his altruism and compassion. Few executives have the wisdom to understand that the spiritual and emotional side of business has a profound bearing on corporate success. His book is compelling, convincing and persuasive. In my view, it should be essential reading for all those who run businesses - or aspire to. Whether as a board member, executive coach or delighting audiences worldwide with his entertaining and thought-provoking keynote speeches, Stephen’s balanced and harmonious world view is a positive force for good. He is an honourable man and I highly recommend him.” Paul Boross, The Pitch Doctor.

£3 from the sale price of this book will be donated directly to The Prince's Trust (registered charity England and Wales 1079675 and Scotland SC041198) who offer training, mentoring and funding to help young people set up their own enterprise.