Tian Shi: A Voice of Passion
There is nothing exceptionally average about Georgetown Junior, Tian Shi. Along with triple majoring in Biology, Cognitive Neuroscience, and Entrepreneurship, Shi is also the author of Exceptionally Average: Through Their Eyes, an expose describing the entrepreneurial process. Her interests in biology and neuroscience drove her to entrepreneurship. During her first rat dissection, Shi recognized that medical school was definitely not the path for her. Consequently, she sought out another way to utilize her deep appreciation of STEM to positively impact the surrounding community. Shi originally turned to management consulting and recognized quickly that this too, was not for her. Being extremely social and personable, Shi realized she would not feel fulfilled if she had to stare at a screen all day. It was after this recognition that she stumbled into entrepreneurship. Like many, Shi had an extremely siloed interpretation on what defined an entrepreneur. Her ideas of entrepreneurship were the “big names”( such as Elon Musk), “big bucks,” and “Silicon Valley.” However, after research, Shi discovered this is not how entrepreneurship traditionally operates.
Shi’s investigations into the true nature of entrepreneurship sparked her to write the novel, Exceptionally Average: Through Their Eyes. This book strives to introduce people to the true entrepreneurial process by highlighting individuals with regular, non-MBA backgrounds to demonstrate that anyone has the potential to be an innovator. During her investigation of entrepreneurship, Shi contacted over 100 innovators, receiving roughly 30 responses. Her experiences speaking with all of these people reshaped her understanding of what entrepreneurship truly encompasses. For Shi, entrepreneurship is now the combination of personal passions with professional goals to create positive change.
Throughout this writing process Shi experienced vast personal growth. She learned that it takes a lot of time, dedication, and diligent work to truly make a venture successful. The research phase began in June; Shi would spend ten to twelve hours per day emailing, interviewing, and transcribing those interviews. At the end of August, 2020, Shi had her first manuscript written, but after marketing the book, she realized edits needed to be made. Her book is now set to be published this coming April after countless hours of work. Shi recounts that this process taught her in order to succeed as an innovator, you need to put “your entire soul” into your idea; that no venture will ever prosper if its creator has no passion. Most importantly, this process taught Shi to own her ideas and stand up for what she wants. In entrepreneurship, having a strong voice to ask for what you want is critical. Women and minorities have historically experienced difficulty gaining a platform to share their voice. Not only is Shi an exemplary model of a female entrepreneur taking charge, she is also actively working to elevate the voices of minority entrepreneurs. By writing this book, Shi is providing hope for all individuals, demonstrating that they too can become an innovator regardless of their gender or background.
Shi’s inspiration is driven by the idea that you can “do well while doing good;” that the best way to find yourself is to serve others. In a world driven by individual intrinsic goals and prestige, Shi believes it is imperative to take new innovations and implement them towards positive exponential change in the community. That is the epitome of social entrepreneurship, taking ideas and using them to help advance society rather than solely focusing on the profits. It is empathy and compassion, Shi recounts, that makes communities stronger. Having tools to amplify those connections will only make society stronger and more progressive as a whole.
The best advice Shi can give to a budding entrepreneur is to simply say yes. Shi would not have had the opportunity to write this book if she had not taken a leap of faith, saying yes to a Professor when he asked if she wanted to be a published author. Coupled with saying yes to new opportunities, Shi also states that you should always be “a sponge,” working to absorb all information, ideas, and opportunities. This writing process taught Shi about personal grit and truly showed her that there is no limit to the success she can achieve. Through passion, hard work, and persistence, Shi demonstrates that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to; that is the true entrepreneurial spirit.
Tian Shi is the embodiment of the future of entrepreneurship. After this book is published, she is looking to her next adventure with all of the valuable life skills writing a book throughout a pandemic has equipped her with. This book is the stepping stone to a more inclusive and representative entrepreneurial industry; with Shi’s passion and diligence driving her dedication, there is much hope for the future.
Book Description from Tian: "Exceptionally Average: Through Their Eyes” is a collection of stories featuring entrepreneurs who used innovation to help them unlock their full potential. By marrying their personal passions with their professional aspirations, these inspiring life stories and insights illuminate what it takes to become a successful founder. For those interested in entrepreneurship, starting business, or looking for a good read, this book is for you.”
Click HERE to pre-order a copy of “Exceptionally Average: Through Their Eyes” and receive updates on its anticipated release in April 2021.