Brandeis International Business School

Bozhanka Vitanova, MA’16: preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs

Bozhanka Vitanova (left) in her "pop up" gymnasium.

Bozhanka Vitanova (left) in her "pop up" gymnasium.

What were some of the highlights of your time at Brandeis?

I conducted research on identifying factors that influence early stage social enterprise success. That research led to my formulation of the concept of an entrepreneurial muscle memory: creating the basis of a new methodology that provides any individual anywhere in the world a blank slate to succeed no matter the context.

What was your role in the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos in 2017?

The meeting centered on responsive leadership and called on business leaders to address the need for both economic development and social progress. I spoke about the intersection of technology and social impact as part of TechCrunch’s “Having Impact with Tech” panel on what’s happening in technology today. We discussed how to aid the United Nations in achieving their Sustainable Development Goals.

You also spoke about the challenges that social enterprises face in scaling their solutions. How do you envision meeting those challenges?

An increased use of data mining is crucial in figuring out effective ways to prepare new generations of social entrepreneurs. Artificial intelligence will create space for entrepreneurs to do more fulfilling work. Now is the time to explore patterns among successful entrepreneurs so that we can support new entrepreneurial journeys during the ongoing technological revolution.

I coach researchers, scientists and students to help them build entrepreneurial competencies. I also design and implement courses that help identify valuable product opportunities that can emerge from academic research.

Program
Master of Arts in International Economics and Finance

Job Title
National Science Foundation I-Corps Instructor

Employer
Hassenfeld Family Innovation Center