High Growth Entrepreneurship for Women W/ Dr. Tamu Browne

In this episode of the Podcast, I am chatting with Dr. Tamu Browne, a visionary leader and entrepreneur from the Caribbean. She holds a Doctorate in Technology and Entrepreneurship, and is committed to fostering innovation and growth.

In this conversation we chat about her studies, career in Automotive Arts, a Lecturer and her work in the US and beyond. Tamu said, that while she had a day job, she also developed her side businesses, which fueled her passion for entrepreneurship. 

She spoke about her company Innovative Education and Training Solutions,  which was designed to help primarily women who were at various stages in their life. Women who could not complete the highest level of education, but with her services, it would enable them to gain better work or business opportunities. 

In her High Growth Entrepreneurship Program, Tamu talks about the types of women she targets. Their business must foster innovation, speed of growth and have a footprint in the region or internationally. These women want to reposition their business to grow, and build an enterprises not just a business. 

Tamu spoke about the courses in the accelerator, which cater for different needs and leveling up the business. She spoke about pathways to grow by accessing financing in the region, beyond VC funding. Which is for most entrepreneurs in the region limited, because of the business structure. 

She spoke about the sector of beauty, fashion and tech, where businesses are growing rapidly. Also those women who are transitioning from Consultancy and reframing that, to enter the Green and Climate space are experiencing high growth.  She said being a Consultant is not having a business, to be an entrepreneur you have to create something. You can be a business person but not an entrepreneur. 

Tamu said she likes to work with women who push boundaries and innovate. Those in professionals spaces who create thought leadership frameworks and monetize that to foster high growth businesses; by capitalizing on their intellectual input and capacity. 

We spoke about the Orange Economy and creative entrepreneurship. Tamu gives her perspective about the state of the space, misconceptions and even some controversial or different views. She said that the elements of high growth entrepreneurship does not change, because everyone true entrepreneur is a creative. Tamu said that in this new world everyone has to be a creator to survive. 

We discussed the fact that creatives have to build their businesses just like in other sectors. They should not be enabled by repeated Grants, easy funding, and perhaps the cycle of prize money given to them through annual cultural competitions, which exists in the Caribbean region. There has to be a shift in thinking, creatives must understand that their artistry is a business. 

Tamu spoke about the challenges Female Founders face; like less diverse, strategic and smaller networks which limits growth. She spoke about networking - strong and weak ties and its importance to business. Women must be more intentional about networking. 

Tamu said that a women's mindset about business must change, they must be open to risk taking, use tech and more. She stresses that innovation does not have a clear path and that uncertainty and risk are necessary for innovation. 

For Females Founders she said "you deserve the grace that you give others. It's not about the length of the journey but have the journey, and the outcome will be achieved. Don't be afraid.