Entrepreneurs motivated by adversity

Personal adversity has been the main motivation behind the success of many entrepreneurs, according to a survey by social enterprise charity the Aldridge Foundation.

The survey found that 69% of entrepreneurs said that overcoming personal adversity was their main motivation to achieve, 56% said determination was the most important factor for a successful entrepreneur and 22% cited passion.

Rod Aldridge, founder of FTSE 100 outsourcing company Capita Group and chair of the Aldridge Foundation, says he was spurred on to prove himself after underachieving at school.

“It is admirable that so many entrepreneurs have overcome personal adversity to lead incredibly successful lives. It’s a lesson to us all that anything is possible - but we can’t take this resilience for granted,” said Mr Aldridge.

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