Can Entrepreneurship Be Taught? Shalom Lamm Weighs In on Nature vs. Nurture in Business

When you hear the word “entrepreneur,” what comes to mind? Is it someone who was born with an unstoppable drive and a natural talent for business? Or is it someone who learned the ropes through experience, education, and mentorship? The age-old debate over whether entrepreneurship is a skill one is born with or one that can be taught is still going strong. To bring some perspective to the table, we look to entrepreneur Shalom Lamm—a seasoned business leader with decades of experience navigating various industries.

Shalom Lamm has long been recognized for his strategic approach to building and managing successful ventures. From real estate to non-profits, his career spans a wide range of enterprises, each showcasing a combination of instinct, adaptability, and learned expertise. So, what does someone like Lamm think about the idea of teaching entrepreneurship?

According to Lamm, entrepreneurship is both an art and a science. “There’s no doubt that some people are naturally inclined toward leadership and innovation,” he says. “But without education and real-world experience, raw talent only goes so far.” In other words, while some aspects of entrepreneurship may be innate—like risk tolerance or visionary thinking—others can be cultivated through training and mentorship.

One argument for teachable entrepreneurship lies in the growing number of university programs, online courses, and incubators specifically designed to nurture entrepreneurial skills. These programs teach essential elements such as business planning, market research, financial literacy, and team management. Shalom Lamm believes that structured education plays a pivotal role in preparing aspiring entrepreneurs for the realities of business. “No matter how good your idea is, if you don’t understand the market or how to manage your cash flow, you’re going to run into trouble,” he warns.

However, Lamm is also quick to point out that no classroom can simulate the true rollercoaster of entrepreneurship. “You can teach someone how to build a business plan,” he explains, “but you can’t teach them how to react when things go sideways. That part only comes from experience.”

This is where mentorship becomes invaluable. Lamm credits much of his own development to early mentors who offered not just advice but also the confidence to take risks. “Learning from someone who’s been there before gives you insight you just can’t get from a textbook,” he says.

Another key trait that Lamm highlights is adaptability. In today’s fast-paced world, being an entrepreneur means being able to pivot quickly, learn from mistakes, and stay ahead of trends. These are skills that can certainly be taught, but they require a mindset open to learning and growth. “The best entrepreneurs are lifelong students,” Lamm adds.

So, can entrepreneurship be taught? Shalom Lamm’s perspective suggests a balanced answer: yes, to a significant extent—but not entirely. Education, mentorship, and experience are all critical in shaping a successful entrepreneur. But it also takes a certain kind of grit, passion, and vision that may not come from a classroom.

In the end, the path to entrepreneurship is rarely a straight line. As Lamm’s own journey shows, it’s often a blend of learning, failing, adapting, and succeeding. And while not everyone who takes a business course will become the next big startup founder, the skills and mindset learned along the way are valuable assets in any career.