The Authentic Entrepreneur: True Stories from the Heart of Business

Both the author and publisher are donating their royalties from sales of this book (£3) directly to The Prince's Trust (reg charity England and Wales 1079675 and Scotland SC041198), a youth charity that helps young people aged 11 to 30 get into jobs, education and training.

This is a book for authentic entrepreneurs. Those who are not only interested in making money, but also in giving something back and growing, personally, in the process. Told through the stories of twelve entrepreneurs at various stages of their enterprises and with differing aspirations and visions, The Authentic Entrepreneur weaves together the threads of wisdom that will help you to not only build your own business, but build a business that is right for you, right for the world and right for the future, because a business is not just a vehicle for making money, it's a legacy that touches the lives of more people than you can imagine.This is not a business manual – there are plenty of those already. It will fuel your ideas and inspire you to create something bigger than yourself.The interviews broadly cover starting out, staying in a family business, serial entrepreneurialism, raising funds, mentoring, philanthropy, and angel investment. Most importantly, the message from these interviews and of this book is that you can make a difference. Stephen Kirk was on a meditation retreat when he was suddenly inspired to found a cable TV franchise and simultaneously an interactive phone-in company. This book follows his story and those of 12 other entrepreneurs who want to give something back as well as make a living. It will inspire you to become an Authentic Entrepreneur too."When I started writing this book I had no idea that the pandemic would be coming, but within a few weeks it was clear that 'normal' life wasn't going to return any time soon but it's clear that many people, of all ages, will be re-evaluating their work lives and I offer my book to them. It's not a business manual - there are plenty of those - but real stories from myself and people around the globe and of all ages who found themselves running their own enterprises. Being an entrepreneur is not for everyone but hopefully this book help you decide whether you want to become an Authentic Entrepreneur." - Stephen Kirk
“I have enjoyed the journey of Stephen’s life and his interviewees. It's a stimulating read and achieves its main objective (which is what I try to tell my mentees at The Princes Trust), namely follow your dream and grasp opportunities as they appear through life. Failure is simply a learning and enhancing process as a path to happiness.” Michael Rosenberg OBE
“I have been fortunate to know Stephen since the early days of my private equity career. His story and those of the others in his book tell the reader that you can be successful whilst simultaneously being a thoroughly decent person topped off with a sense of humour. Stephen’s own varied career gives a sense of perspective and teaches us all to remain focused on the bigger picture in life.” Dan Adler, partner, Apiary Capital LLP
“Stephen’s track record as a brilliant businessman is clear for all to see. But over the past 20 years, I have been equally impressed by his altruism and compassion. Few executives have the wisdom to understand that the spiritual and emotional side of business has a profound bearing on corporate success. His book is compelling, convincing and persuasive. In my view, it should be essential reading for all those who run businesses - or aspire to. Whether as a board member, executive coach or delighting audiences worldwide with his entertaining and thought-provoking keynote speeches, Stephen’s balanced and harmonious world view is a positive force for good. He is an honourable man and I highly recommend him.” Paul Boross.

See Stephen share his story at the book's launch event in London: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0oM5SL7dI4

Born into a traditional Jewish family in the fifties, East End of London, and expected to go into the family optical business, Stephen developed an eye phobia that freed him to pursue his own path.Following graduation as a computer scientist from Manchester University, he worked as a computer programmer. Consumed by boredom, he resigned and attended a 4-month Transcendental Meditation (TM) Teacher Training course. On that course, he had an unexpected 'calling' to go into business, despite his lack of relevant experience. Instead, he was inspired by his grandfather, an inventor and semi-professional tap dancer! Needless to say, he only taught TM to a handful of folk yet still retains a keen interest in meditation and spirituality. His 'calling' led him to many adventures in the business world: founding five London cable TV companies, several TV and newspaper competitions using premium rate services for the first time, possibly working for British Intelligence by accident and eventually selling his business to a media mogul.He has been writing short stories for decades and finished Wild Card 20 years ago based on his business adventures though fictional, of course. Stephen lives in Richmond, Surrey with his wife Luiza and together they travel the world inspired by Luiza's wanderlust.