AMY SALLIN

DIRECOTR, BUERK CENTERFOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP

THOUGHT

Leader

AN INNOVATOR OF INDUSTRY
“ENTREPRENEURS ARE IN A UNIQUE POSITION TO AFFECT CHANGE.”
Seattle

As Featured In:

INNOVATE® Seattle

Seattle

As Featured In:

INNOVATE® Seattle

Amy Sallin pairs her experience in Silicon Valley’s 80s startup scene with 20+ years in academia. Amy joined the Buerk Center in 2012 and transformed the signature Dempsey Startup Competition and Jones + Foster Accelerator on her way to becoming director in 2018.

It starts with a promise.

For 30 years, the Buerk Center for Entrepreneurship has worked with thousands of students who became entrepreneurs—and thousands more who used our resources to grow new skills and shape their careers in significant ways.

When we speak to students, we are direct:
The effort they put into engaging in events, courses, and competitions will define their university experience. It will uniquely prepare them for the rest of their lives, no matter how they want to measure success.

The only prerequisite is having an idea or wanting to solve problems and make an impact.

I focus on three areas I think are critical for entrepreneurial development:

  1. Self-discovery
    Taking the time for self-discovery is essential.
    • Who are you?
    • What are you passionate about?
    • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
    These fundamental questions are among the hardest to come to terms with, but the process mirrors what ultimately will become the differentiating aspects of a startup idea.
  2. Seizing the opportunity and being intentional
    Whether in the early stages of life or business, taking the time to reflect, look at opportunities, and be strategic makes all the difference.
    • You must come up with a plan and stick to it.
    • Work on how you’ll get from A to Z.
    • Above all else, jump all the way in.
  3. Embracing responsibility and championing impact
    Entrepreneurs are in a unique position to affect change.I believe the big problems in the world—climate, health care, disaster management, homelessness, and poverty—will be solved by entrepreneurs approaching these issues with unique solutions.And it cannot be done alone. Entrepreneurship is a team sport.

We are truly better together—better as a community, better as a society that enriches and teaches—if we celebrate our differences and support one another.

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