Social entrepreneurs, sustainable development geeks, economic development gurus, alert governmental and tourism industry leaders, and a host of financial wizards have shouted for at least the last five, more realistically the last ten years, that change was upon us and that global societal shifts would soon impact with a vengeance. In the center of this discussion was just what author and executive coach Marshall Goldsmith penned in a book, “What Got You Here, Won’t Get You There.”

Aptly said, in this season of change, business as usual is as outdated as an eight-track player; and to make it into the new season, a host of new fuels are required to ignite all aspects of communities’ world wide, particularly throughout the Caribbean. The tourism workhorse has been confronted by a massive financial demon, and the lure of sun and sea is not enough to motivate people to part with their weary, worn and sadly devalued dollar. Not sure if it will not be their last, people are just trying to hold on for dear life. So seeing that tourism, and the creation of a slew of government jobs are not the answer, who better to save the day, who better to create jobs and new opportunities but the men and women with the super “E”, pasted on their chests; and that E is short for entrepreneur.

You see cloaked with uncontainable passion; able to persevere despite constant adversity; and drinking freely of the power inducing potion, SO x IT x CM + BI (SO –solution oriented, IT-inventive thinking, CM-creative mind, BI-brilliant innovation) in an attempt to enjoy freedom, shape their own destiny, and design a better widget, the entrepreneur, routinely flying solo for a while, is a rare breed whose essence must be captured and replicated because the job revolution is upon up and that means people need to know how to create their own jobs. Why? Simply because the corporate giants will be seeking to find their own way for a while and that seems to mean a focus on alleviating redundancy.

Trying not to relish an “I told you so” moment, those who saw it coming begged for business management, coaching and financial support for new and emerging entrepreneurs till they grew exhausted. Now in the midst of the storm, the power of E3 is being pumped in, dispensed in a desperate attempt to shock the economy with megawatts so that it will breathe again.

First, there was EVIDENCE, and that goes without saying; the evidence that more focus should be placed on business development abounded. EVIDENCE that in all sectors, entrepreneurs and small businesses have been struggling to keep seeing the light of day; working tirelessly to diversify economies that have become stale due to a lack of diversification; attempting in spite of everything to demonstrate based upon the EVIDENCE they have reviewed that this entrepreneurial idea is needed. EVIDENCE that automation and Asia have changed the game, and that those who refuse to create something, end up buying everything they need at a price they cannot always afford.

Next, is ENLIGHTENMENT, as the need to provide tools and financing which can support small business development are being offered left and right, all because the EVIDENCE that the marketplace has changed is so compelling, and that while the Western world is looking for a job or just merely collecting government subsidies, the Eastern world is up at night conceptualizing what they can make and sell next.

Then there is ENTERPRISE, business services and products that both the local and global economy need. ENTERPRISE that can create greater efficiencies, enhance the quality of life, solve nagging problems, blaze the path to new frontiers. For you see, the greatest asset any community has is its people, and visionary leaders understand that overtime investing in human capital yields far greater returns than yet another palatial hotel, carnival, festival or some other fleeting feel good moment.

The men and women with the super “E” on their chest understand that in the center of perceived crisis is opportunity, and that the disappointments they face along the way are merely experiences leading to their distinctly unique entrepreneurial appointment. The men and women with the super “E” on their chests understand the Power of E3 because from the onset they use evidence, enlightenment and enterprise to bring their “BIG IDEA” to the marketplace.

The Power of E3… more people are coming to the realization that they can not live without it!!