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“… In my first book, FALL: 16 Reasons Why 90% of Start-ups Fail, I delved into the myriad reasons why the majority of start-ups fail. It was a sobering yet necessary exploration of the pitfalls, mistakes, and unforeseen challenges that can lead to a start-up’s downfall. Acknowledging failure is crucial; it allows us to learn from our mistakes, to understand the consequences of bad decisions, and to develop strategies to avoid repeating them. The essence of FALL: 16 Reasons Why 90% of Start-ups Fail was to provide a practical guide for understanding and circumventing the common errors that plague start-ups, from funding issues and market misalignment to team dynamics and burnout.

As I wrote FALL: 16 Reasons Why 90% of Start-ups Fail, I realized the importance of not only understanding why start-ups fail but also why some succeed against all odds. This realization led to RISE: 16 Reasons Why 10% of Start-ups Succeed, a book that examines the other side of the coin. RISE: 16 Reasons Why 10% of Start-ups Succeed is about those rare instances where start-ups navigate the treacherous waters of entrepreneurship to find success. This book seeks to uncover the patterns, decisions, and strategies that differentiate successful start-ups from those that falter.

Michael W. Harrison – Author

 

Dr. Michael W. Harrison is an information technology executive, advisor, investor, and founder. He is an interdisciplinary practitioner with over 30 years of experience working with companies such as Unisys, Microsoft, NCR, and Amazon Web Services. Dr. Harrison is the co-founder of The Eolais Institute, an advisory, consulting and research organization based in Asia, with the goal of supporting rapidly growing start-ups.

Dr. Harrison has undergraduate qualifications in mathematics and computer science, post-graduate qualifications in technology management, and a doctorate specializing in performance improvement leadership, with research interests in human performance technology within high-risk environments.

Dr. Harrison is a conferred Life Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland, a Life Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute, and an elected Life Fellow of the prestigious Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce. In addition, Dr. Harrison is an elected Fellow of the Geological Society of London and has Fellowship status with the Linnean Society of London. He also holds Fellowship status within the Royal Geographical Society. Separately, Dr. Harrison also holds Fellowship status with the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and is a Fellow of the Royal Numismatic Society. In 2022, he was conferred as a Fellow of the Institution of Analysts and Programmers. Furthermore, Dr. Harrison is a Founding Fellow of the Institute of Sales Professionals, and has been granted Fellowship status with both the Royal Society for Public Health and the Register of Humanitarian and Stabilisation Professionals.

Dr. Harrison was awarded and holds Life Membership in Kappa Delta Pi (International Honor Society in Education), as well as Life Membership in both the Royal Society of Saint George and the Siam Society Under Royal Patronage. He is also a Life Member of the Aristotelian Society.

Dr. Harrison lives in Singapore with his wife of 18 years and their 17-year-old daughter. He is a keen alpinist, diver, and skier when he is not working or engaged in study or research.

 

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal:
it is the courage to continue that counts.”
—Sir Winston S. Churchill

Dr. Harrison’s second book, RISE: 16 Reasons Why 10% of Start-ups Succeed, builds on the insights from his first book, FALL: 16 Reasons Why 90% of Start-ups Fail, to explore the key factors that contribute to start-up success in the age of innovation, disruption, and digitalization. In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of start-ups, while many things change, certain fundamental elements remain constant. RISE: 16 Reasons Why 10% of Start-ups Succeed offers an invaluable and practical guide to understanding and emulating the strategies that set successful start-ups apart.

You will discover:

. How to ensure you are developing the right product for the right market at the right time, with the right team and partners.

. Strategies to outmaneuver the competition and stay ahead in the market.

. The significance of passion, focus, and energy in driving the success of even the best products.

. The importance of listening to advice, seeking guidance from the right places, and pivoting when necessary.

. How paying close attention to customer feedback can lead to continuous improvement and increased loyalty.

. Effective sales and marketing strategies that align with your business goals to drive growth and customer engagement.

. The necessity of maintaining team morale and energy to sustain long-term success.

Through meticulous research and real-life case studies, RISE provides a roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities in the start-up ecosystem. By learning from the success stories of others, you can build a start-up that not only survives but thrives in today’s competitive landscape.