19 | The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Play, Failure, and Growth with Dr. Michele King

What does play have to do with entrepreneurship, leadership, and resilience? More than you might think.In this episode, Jen Brown and Hugo Rodriguez sit down with Dr. Michele King, Director of the Flemming Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Hampden-Sydney College, to explore how entrepreneurial thinking is about far more than starting a business. It is about courage, creativity, self-leadership, and learning how to grow through uncertainty.Drawing from more than 25 years in higher education, Michele shares how she helps students develop the mindset to take risks, embrace feedback, move through fear, and keep going even when things do not go according to plan. From the power of play and esports to wellness, failure, and discovering opportunity, this conversation is full of wisdom for leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and anyone navigating growth.You will hear:Why play can unlock creativity, courage, and innovationHow perfectionism can quietly keep people stuckWhat young entrepreneurs teach us about resilience and leadershipWhy wellness is essential to sustainable successDr. King's powerful GROWTH framework: Grounded, Relationships, Opportunity, Wellness, Team, and Honoring GodWhy entrepreneurial skills matter whether or not you ever start a businessDr. King also references the book Authentic Excellence: Flourishing & Resilience in a Relentless World by R. Kelly Crace and Robert L. Crace, a resource on resilience, flourishing, and sustainable performance in a demanding world.If you have ever felt stuck, afraid to fail, or unsure of your next step, this episode is a reminder that growth rarely comes from having all the answers. It comes from showing up, staying curious, and being willing to try again.Dr. Michele King leads the Flemming Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Hampden-Sydney College with energy, insight, and a passion for unlocking student potential. With over 25 years in higher education, she brings deep experience in entrepreneurial thinking, public speaking, and program development. A lifelong gamer and advocate for collegiate esports, she co-founded a nationally recognized program that combined competition, community, and career readiness. Outside the Center, she enjoys volunteering, watching sports, and exploring games and innovation.