Pioneers

Thinkers50 Best New Management Book of 2025 Next Big Idea Club Must Read Porchlight Business Bestseller Financial Times Readers' Choice 2025 Best Book of the Year (So Far) — Financial Times & Next Big Idea Club Featured on BBC, CNBC, CBS News, Fast Company, HBR IdeaCast, Financial Times “The most profound, captivating, and unparalleled business advice you will find.” —Mel Robbins, bestselling author and host of The Mel Robbins Podcast Unlock the principles that drive the remarkable success stories of immigrant entrepreneurs from around the world In Pioneers: 8 Principles of Business Longevity From Immigrant Entrepreneurs, academic, entrepreneur, and consultant, Neri Karra Sillaman, delivers a one-of-a-kind exploration of the remarkable success of immigrant entrepreneurs. The author writes about how immigrants, often starting with limited capital and connections, have built iconic and enduring businesses. Sillaman combines rigorous academic research with compelling case studies and personal experience and narrative to uncover the principles that drive these stunning achievements. Pioneers offers a blueprint for business leaders seeking longevity, profitability, and sustainability in the contemporary marketplace. You'll find: Strategies for building resilient businesses that embrace diversity and inclusion Explanations of the power of community and how you can leverage it for business growth Stories of the importance of creating a legacy that goes beyond mere profit Techniques and actionable advice to turn past failures into future success Exploring the dramatic immigrant success stories powering such well-known brands as Chobani, WhatsApp, and BioNTech, this book is a must-read for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone else interested in the dynamics of immigrant entrepreneurship. Pioneers is a transformative and inspiring business guide that will help you build a company that stands the test of time.

Preface: Entrepreneurs Will Change Your Life xi Part I Departure 1 Chapter 1 The Myths and Reality of Business Longevity 3 Chapter 2 Immigrant Entrepreneurship and the American Dream 21 Chapter 3 Who Are Immigrant Entrepreneurs? 35 Part II Exploration: The 8 Principles 51 Chapter 4 Principle 1: Be a Bridge Across Cultures 53 Chapter 5 Principle 2: Build from the Past Forward and the Future Back 75 Chapter 6 Principle 3: Forge Connections Based on Identity and Authenticity 97 Chapter 7 Principle 4: Generate Profit the Right Way 117 Chapter 8 Principle 5: Build Community 133 Chapter 9 Principle 6: Reframe Rejection 151 Chapter 10 Principle 7: “Fry in Your Own Oil” 169 Chapter 11 Principle 8: Dare to Play Your Hand 185 Conclusion: Our Future, Together as One 201 Notes 209 Acknowledgments 223 About the Author 227 Index 229