Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: Lori Rosenkopf on the 7 Paths to Scaling Impact

What if the key to scaling impact isn’t one bold idea—but a clear understanding of who you are as an entrepreneur?

Lori Rosenkopf, Vice Dean of Entrepreneurship at the Wharton School, has spent decades mentoring more than 20,000 students, guiding startups, and redefining how we think about entrepreneurial success. In her new book, Unstoppable Entrepreneurs, she challenges the myth of the lone genius and maps out a broader, more inclusive view of what it means to build, scale, and innovate.

In this conversation, Lori breaks down the seven distinct entrepreneurial paths she uncovered—from disruptors and funders to acquirers and advocates—and the six essential traits that define successful entrepreneurs across industries and roles. Drawing from years of research and firsthand stories, she reveals how anyone—from corporate professionals to first-time founders—can tap into entrepreneurial thinking and momentum.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why entrepreneurial success doesn’t require a garage or a pitch deck
• The seven paths to entrepreneurship—and how to find yours
• The six core traits shared by unstoppable entrepreneurs
• How Lori’s journey from systems engineer to Wharton professor shaped her insights
• How to spark ideas from everyday experience and low-risk experimentation
• Why expanding access to networks and education fuels innovation

Whether you’re building something new or scaling from within, Lori’s insights will help you align your strengths with your strategy—and unlock the entrepreneurial path that’s right for you.

Let’s dive in with Lori Rosenkopf.

Thanks for listening! This episode is brought to you by Kaihan Krippendorff of Outthinker Networks, Verne Harnish of Scaling Up, and the team at Growth Institute.