Intrapreneurship 101: A Guide to Nurturing Innovation and Career Progression

I know what you’re going to ask… what in the world is an intrapreneur? 

An intrapreneur may not be a concept you’re familiar with, but I can guarantee that you have worked with one at some point in your career. 

An ‘Intrapreneur ’ is someone who takes the initiative to innovate, develop new ideas, and create value within their workplace. They often show characteristics like entrepreneurs, such as creativity, risk-taking, and a drive to solve problems and pursue opportunities. 

In 2024 our culture, often glorifies the daring entrepreneur who takes bold risks and shakes up established industries. 

Mainstream media such as Shark Tank and social platforms like TikTok and LinkedIn have played a significant role in romanticising entrepreneurship. Showcasing the behind the scenes ‘grind’ to wealth and fame, where becoming an ‘entrepreneur’ is seen as the epitome of success. 

But does success always have to entail risking everything, leaving your job, and plunging into the unknown? Or is intrapreneurship just not a ‘trendy’ as entrepreneurship? 

The Intrapreneur VS. The Entrepreneur 

In the 1980s, management consultants Gifford and Elizabeth Pinchot introduced the concept of intrapreneurs, described as “dreamers who do” and “those who take hands-on responsibility for creating innovation of any kind, within a business.” 

Google ‘intrapreneur’ and you’re met with the description “Intrapreneurship is the act of behaving like an entrepreneur while working within a large organisation” 

Many of us recognise tech giants Larry Page and Sergey Brin, the entrepreneurial co-founders of Google. But what about Paul Buchheit? Google’s 23rd employee and intrapreneur behind Gmail? A platform 1.8 billion of us could not live without today. 

I don’t even have to mention Jeff Bezos, the mogul entrepreneur behind Amazon. But what about Charlie Kindel? The intrapreneur who invented the Amazon Alexa, used by over 71.6 million people. 

It’s easy to focus on the success of these amazing entrepreneurs, but often we miss the fact that these tech giants’ greatest successes are the result of many smaller intrapreneurs across their organisation. 

Today, staying ahead of industry trends is crucial, and that is where the intrapreneur becomes so valuable. They work to sustain corporate growth, rejuvenation, and performance. They cultivate a culture of proactive mindsets, positioning their employer as frontrunners in their industries.  

So, the question remains; why be an entrapreneur, when you can be an intrapreneur ?  

Benefits of Becoming an Intrapreneur 

• Stability and Resources: Unlike entrepreneurs who often start with limited resources, intrapreneurs operate within the framework of a stable organisation. They have access to resources such as funding, infrastructure, and support networks, which can significantly reduce the risks associated with ‘going out on your own’. 
• Organisational Support: Intrapreneurs benefit from the backing of their organisations. Unlike entrepreneurs who must build their networks from scratch, intrapreneurs can leverage existing structures and relationships within the company to gain support for their initiatives. This support can come in the form of mentorship, access to experts, or opportunities for collaboration with other departments. 
• Career Advancement: Intrapreneurship offers opportunities for career advancement and professional development. By taking initiative, demonstrating creativity, and delivering tangible results, intrapreneurs can distinguish themselves within their organisations. This can lead to promotions, salary increases, and recognition for their contributions, enhancing their long-term prospects within the company. 
• Learning and Growth: Intrapreneurs are constantly exposed to new challenges, experiences, and opportunities. By pushing the boundaries of existing practices and exploring innovative solutions, they expand their skill sets, knowledge base, and capabilities benefiting both themselves and the business. 
• Impact and Influence: Intrapreneurs can make a meaningful impact within their organisations. By introducing new products, processes, or business models, they can drive positive change, improve efficiency, and create value for customers, employees, and shareholders.  
• Job Satisfaction: Intrapreneurship can lead to greater job satisfaction and fulfillment. By working on projects that align with their passions, interests, and values, intrapreneurs find meaning and purpose in their work. 

Although the benefits of becoming an Intrapreneur seem exciting, it’s not for the faint hearted. Having the ability to reap the benefits requires also having the ability to think outside of the box, be resilient and adapt like never before. 

So how do you become an Intrapreneur? 

• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Intrapreneurs are proactive problem-solvers who seek out opportunities for improvement and growth within their organisation. Cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset characterised by creativity, innovation, resilience, and a willingness to take calculated risks. 
• Initiative and Autonomy: Demonstrate initiative and autonomy by taking ownership of projects, identifying areas for innovation, and driving change independently. Intrapreneurs do not wait to be told what to do; instead, they actively seek out opportunities to create value and make a difference. 
• Resourcefulness: Develop resourcefulness to navigate corporate structures, overcome obstacles, and leverage available resources effectively. Intrapreneurs must be able to work within constraints such as budgets, timelines, and policies while finding creative solutions to achieve their objectives. 
• Adaptability and Resilience: Intrapreneurs operate in environments where change is constant, and failure is a natural part of the innovation process. They learn from their experiences, pivot when necessary, and persevere in the face of challenges. 
• Continuous Learning and Development: Commit to continuous learning and development to stay ahead of the curve and remain relevant in a rapidly evolving business landscape. Intrapreneurs invest in acquiring new skills, staying informed about industry trends, and seeking out opportunities for personal and professional growth. 

So, you’ve made it this far, and you’re thinking, ‘this intrapreneur thing could be for me’. Here are our tips to get you started on your journey: 

• Assess Your Skills and Mindset: Conduct a self-assessment to identify your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for development relevant to intrapreneurship. Reflect on your entrepreneurial mindset, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and willingness to use your initiative and take calculated risks. 
• Set Clear Goals: Define your objectives and aspirations as an intrapreneur. What do you hope to achieve within your role in this business? What innovative ideas or initiatives do you want to pursue? Setting clear goals will provide direction and motivation for your journey.  
• Build Your Network: Invest in relationships with colleagues, mentors, and influencers within your workplace. Network strategically to gain insights, support, and opportunities for collaboration. Identify key stakeholders who can help champion your ideas and initiatives.  

• Seek Out Opportunities: Actively seek out opportunities to innovate and create value within your current role and projects. Look for inefficiencies, pain points, or unmet needs that you can address with innovative solutions. Be curious, observant, and proactive in identifying areas for improvement. 
• Pitch Your Ideas: Don’t be afraid to pitch for your ideas! Clearly articulate the problem you’re addressing, your proposed solution, and the potential benefits and outcomes. Be prepared to address questions, objections, and concerns. Don’t be afraid of rejection.   
• Take Calculated Risks: Embrace risk-taking as an essential part of intrapreneurship but do so in a calculated and strategic manner. Assess the potential risks and rewards of your initiatives, develop contingency plans, and be prepared to pivot or adapt as needed.  
• Learn from Failure: Accept that failure is a natural part of the innovation process and view setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth. Analyse what went wrong, extract valuable insights, and use them to refine your approach and improve future outcomes.  
• Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge and celebrate your successes and achievements as an intrapreneur, no matter how small. Recognise the impact of everyone involved and use positive reinforcement to sustain momentum and motivation. 

It’s important to remember an intrapreneur isn’t a job title. It’s a mindset that allows for career growth that is next to none. It is easy to show up to work every day, clock in and clock out. But to actually take on the role of the intrapreneur requires dedication and a genuine passion to innovate and reach goals along side your employer. 

If you’re looking for career growth, contact our team today to learn more about how they can support you in finding your next opportunity.